Pembroke Lodge

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

Most stories about online dating, start and end like a one-man show; super dark, depressing, and no one really knows why they agree to show up to begin with. Ours is not that story, but it does start with both of us showing up very sweaty and nervous, arguing about politics, one of us running out on the other for 'a friendship related emergency', and luckily ends with an engagement. 'What gets your blood boiling?' 'American Politics. It's not good for the soul.' 'No, it's not but god damn is it fun.' These were the opening messages between us, these were the words that would start a relationship that would change our lives for the better. There was a lot of back and forth which eventually led to a first date at The Court. And yes, Birute did end up 'running' out halfway through the date for a friend's related emergency. Which was genuine, as the ongoing dates have proved. Since that first date, there has been a lot of difficult times apart, more WhatsApp calls than anyone should have, multiple flat moves, a pandemic, and lots of happy memories in between. Michael 'popped the question' in May 2021 and whilst Birute had planned to have a long pause before answering, the story goes that she didn't even let him finish the question before answering 'yes' (there is some disagreement over the detail of that, even if not the result). Michael and Birute wish to welcome you to their wedding on the 24th of March 2023, where they plan to start the next chapter in their lives together.

Mr and (The Future) Mrs Hinge

Our Story

Photos

Clayton is Michael’s best friend, who he met in primary school, in Arizona just around their 11th birthdays. They went to primary and secondary school and even attended university together. 

Clayton left Arizona shortly after he turned 22 and Michael left for England not long after. Though separated by distance, the two have remained close friends and have visited each other often over the years. Clayton currently lives with his Fiancée, Chelsea in their condo in Austin Texas and works as a District Manager for a local ice cream chain. 

Though the stag-do will be well before the wedding, if Michael looks a bit haggard you can be sure that Clayton is probably to blame. 

Clayton Ghering

Philli met Birute through mutual friends in 2018, and ever since it’s been a great friendship built on an interest in politics, love of cheese and wine, coffee and brunch, and long weekend walks along the Thames. 
Moving from Australia (to escape the sun and heat) Philli now lives and works in London at a Public Health consultancy. 

Sometimes referred to as the perpetual third wheel in Birute and Michael’s relationship (even living with them for a while!), Philli is looking forward to us all celebrating their love, friendship and every happiness for them both at the wedding!

Phillida (Philli) Mason

Christopher is Michael’s (formerly annoying) younger brother (and is likely to have plenty of not un-embarrassing stories of the groom)! Christopher is currently attending law school at Columbia University in New York City and therefore in the process of becoming a Manhattanite.
When Christopher isn't stuck, studying in the library, he likes to  run the gamut of watching baseball, practicing archery, and going for runs. 
Christopher is very excited for Birute and Michael’s wedding and is looking forward to toasting the happy couple in person. 

Christopher Neville

Simone met Birute whilst both were working at Monocle and soon not only grew close together but also became running-buddies, committing to weekly commute runs home. Their friendship is uplifting – including lots of fun and laughs but they are also giving each other support in every situation, space when needed, and the absolute freedom to talk about everything without mincing words. 
Simone is an interior and furniture designer, who moved to Vienna at the end of 2020 and became self-employed as a designer and stylist. Even though Birute and Simone are living in different countries, they keep in touch and always have an open ear for each other (thanks FaceTime!)

Simone Werger

Ben met Michael during initial officer training for the Royal Navy at the start of 2017. Their friendship started on a high ropes course which Michael wasn’t enjoying as much as some others. 
Staying close friends ever since, despite not having the time to meet up as much as they both would like due to working overseas for much of the year. Ben remains in the Navy and has just finished a job as a gunnery officer on a Mine Hunter and is now moving on to specialize in navigation. 
Ben grew up mostly in Cambridgeshire but was born in France (but don’t parle Français with him, as he doesn’t speak the language). Ben’s hobbies include Motorsport (specifically F1) history and skiing. So basically his ideal pass time would be racing an old car up a mountain to a ski resort. 

Ben Hunter

Rudy met Birute aka "Sese" (sister) on 21st January 1999, on his birth date, sharing their love of tennis and Boxing day pizza's over the years.

Rudy is currently in law school, working to complete his LPC whilst also working at an in-house employment law company in London. 

During his spare time, Rudy likes to both watch and play tennis and football, wherever possible. Rudy likes to consult Birute over WhatsApp for fashion ideas. 

Rudy Shome

Wedding Party

Q + A

Public transport

The closest station is Richmond which can be reached by the underground train (District line), the London Overground train or National Rail (from Waterloo and Clapham Junction). It is then a 40 minute walk from the station to Pembroke Lodge. Alternatively, could can grab a taxi/ Uber which will take around 10-15 minutes (£7-10).

Driving

You are welcome to drive to the venue. There is allocated parking for wedding guests, as well as an overflow parking area for park-goers. So long as you're not late, there should be plenty of space in the wedding guest parking area. If you have a couple of drinks (and we hope that you do) and therefore are unable to drive back, you are able to leave your car overnight at the venue, however you must get a (free) permit directly from Pembroke Lodge.

Taxi

If you are getting a taxi back at the end of the night, please do pre-book this ahead of the day. The venue discourages booking an Uber, as struggle to find the venue, with all but one of the gates being open. To book your taxi, you can call one of the companies below:Parker Cars: 020 8977 1000Riverside Cars: 020 8878 7777

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

We would love for you to dance the night away, without the worry of returning home. We have shared a list of hotels closest to the venue. Pembroke Lodge itself does not have any accommodation.

Richmond Hill Hotel

Richmond Hill Hotel is one of the closest to the venue. It is a few steps from the park entrance. The hotel is a 15 minute walk or 5 minute drive from the venue.https://www.richmondhill-hotel.co.uk/

Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa

This hotel is also just outside the park (15 minute walk from the venue) and also has a spa (maybe for the morning after?)https://www.harbourhotels.co.uk/richmond

The Petersham

The Petersham is at the bottom of the hill, so will require an uphill climb to the venue and is a 20 minute walk to the venue (or a shorter taxi ride).https://www.petershamhotel.co.uk/

airbnb

There are a couple of Air BnB options available. The closest one we've managed to find is below. If you want us to double check any locations you have found, just drop us a note. https://bit.ly/3N5QQij

Accomodation

Arrival

On the day of the wedding, please arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. The wedding ceremony will start sharply at 3pm, so please arrive with plenty of time to settle into your seat and take in the the surrounding area (weather permitting).

Getting to Pembroke Lodge

The "Travel" section of the site suggests options of getting to Pembroke Lodge. If you do decide to drive or walk to the venue, we have shared a map below.

Birute & Michael

Birute & Michael

On the day

Arrival

Getting to Pembroke Lodge