Lisa Dwan never thought she would marry until she met Paul. For years, the actress and Princeton academic had built a life that moved between London and the United States, content with her career and convinced that marriage and motherhood were simply not meant for her. Then everything changed. Six years after falling in love with Paul Henninger, the couple exchanged vows in a deeply personal ceremony at Fitzrovia Chapel in central London, surrounded by family, close friends, and a handful of famous faces.
How Did Lisa Dwan Describe Her Wedding Day?
Looking back on the celebration, Lisa summed it up in a few heartfelt words. She said the couple had an absolute ball and that the day kept getting better and better. For someone who once believed a wedding would never be part of her story, that simple joy carries real weight.
Paul echoed the sentiment. He noted that any single moment from the day — a particular song, a dance, a toast — would have been enough to make it unforgettable. Having all those moments happen one after another, he said, felt extraordinary. That sense of cumulative magic is what made the day stand out.
The couple’s daughter Luna, now four, and Paul’s daughter Lola, 21, were at the heart of everything. Lisa described their family as a mad, happy unit, and the wedding reflected that warmth. It was not a stiff, formal affair. It was a celebration of a love story that almost did not happen.
What Made the Wedding Ceremony Special?
The ceremony took place at Fitzrovia Chapel, a venue Lisa described as a jewel box. The intimate space, tucked away in central London, provided a stunning backdrop for the vows. The couple wrote their own promises to each other, making the service deeply personal and unique to their relationship.
Music played a significant role. A string quartet performed Bach’s Arioso from Cantata BWV 156 as Lisa walked up the aisle. She was accompanied by a family friend, Gerald Davidson. That piece of music held special meaning for the couple. They first heard it while on holiday in Italy, and it moved them both to tears. They later asked the quartet to learn it specifically for the wedding day.
Readings and performances added layers of artistry to the service. The Irish poet Paul Muldoon recited a poem he had written especially for the couple. Bill Nighy read a poem titled ‘Valentine’ by John Fuller. Susie Boyt, daughter of the painter Lucian Freud, recited lyrics from Cole Porter’s song You’ve Got That Thing. The singer Imelda May and Hothouse Flowers frontman Liam Ó Maonlaí performed at both the ceremony and the reception. Paul admitted he cried when he saw his bride for the first time. He said she looked stunning and so happy, and that being fully present in the moment was incredible.
Who Were Some of the Celebrity Guests?
Given Lisa’s theatre and television pedigree, the guest list included several recognisable names. Geri Halliwell Horner attended, as did Laura Whitmore and her husband, Iain Stirling. The television chef Clodagh McKenna was also among the guests. Bill Nighy, who read a poem during the service, added his presence to the celebration.
The poet Paul Muldoon and the musicians Imelda May and Liam Ó Maonlaí were not just guests but contributors to the ceremony and reception. Their performances elevated the day and gave it a rich, artistic texture that reflected Lisa’s background as a leading interpreter of Samuel Beckett’s works on stage.
The gathering was intimate rather than sprawling. It focused on close friends and family, with the celebrity attendees blending naturally into a group that celebrated the couple with genuine warmth. The mix of artistic talent and personal connections made for a memorable atmosphere.
What Did the Bride Wear?
Lisa chose a white corseted Vivienne Westwood gown for the ceremony. The dress featured a train and a short skirt, which she paired with Dolce & Gabbana boots. She described the look as having a bit of a London kick to it because of the short hemline. She also said it had a rebellious streak and that she knew it was the perfect dress the moment she saw it.
For the reception, she changed into a cream lace Paco Rabanne gown with Jimmy Choo heels. She accessorised with magnetic flower hair pieces from Jennifer Behr and carried a Simone Rocha handbag. The two looks gave her a distinct ceremony-to-reception transition that matched the shifting tone of the day.
Getting ready at home with Luna and Lola helping her into the Vivienne Westwood gown added a layer of intimacy to the preparations. The bride’s style choices reflected her personality: bold, elegant, and unapologetically individual.
You may also enjoy reading: Your Spouse Doesn’t Listen 7 Reasons and Solutions.
What Role Did the Couple’s Daughters Play?
The wedding party consisted of just two people: Luna and Lola. Lola, wearing a blue dress from Reformation, acted as Lisa’s bridesmaid. Luna took on the dual duties of flower girl and ring bearer. Having the girls serve as the entire wedding party underscored the family-centred nature of the day.
For Lisa, including Luna and Lola in such prominent roles was a natural choice. The couple have built their lives around their daughters, and the ceremony reflected that priority. Lola, 21, is from Paul’s previous relationship, and Luna, four, is the couple’s daughter together. The blended family stood together at the altar, symbolising their unity.
Seeing her daughters participate in the ceremony clearly meant a great deal to Lisa. It reinforced her earlier statement that she never thought any of this — marriage, motherhood, a blended family — would be on the cards for her. The wedding party was small but powerfully symbolic.
What Was the Reception Like?
After the ceremony, guests made their way to The Devonshire pub, a celebrity haunt in central London favoured by stars including Margot Robbie and Lewis Capaldi. The journey itself was part of the fun. Guests rode a Routemaster bus from the chapel to the pub, adding a classic London touch to the proceedings.
The reception featured a ceilidh band, which got guests dancing and created a lively, participatory atmosphere. The food menu included steak tartare and beef fillet, with sticky toffee pudding for dessert. A three-tiered wedding cake completed the meal. The combination of traditional British pub fare with elegant touches suited the relaxed but refined vibe of the day.
Lisa changed into her Paco Rabanne gown for this portion of the celebrations, and the party continued late into the evening. Between the live music, the dancing, the food, and the toasts, the reception carried forward the momentum of a day that, as Lisa put it, kept getting better and better. The couple’s joy was evident, and their guests shared in it fully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Lisa Dwan and Paul Henninger get married?
The wedding ceremony took place at Fitzrovia Chapel in central London, a venue known for its intimate and ornate interior. The reception followed at The Devonshire pub, a popular spot nearby that attracts a celebrity crowd. Guests travelled between the two locations aboard a Routemaster bus.
Who performed readings and music at the Lisa Dwan wedding?
The poet Paul Muldoon recited an original poem written for the couple. Bill Nighy read ‘Valentine’ by John Fuller, and Susie Boyt delivered lyrics from Cole Porter’s You’ve Got That Thing. The singer Imelda May and Liam Ó Maonlaí of Hothouse Flowers performed at both the ceremony and the reception. A string quartet played Bach’s Arioso as the bride walked down the aisle.
What did Lisa Dwan wear for her wedding ceremony and reception?
Lisa wore a white corseted Vivienne Westwood gown with a train and short skirt for the ceremony, paired with Dolce & Gabbana boots. She changed into a cream lace Paco Rabanne gown with Jimmy Choo heels for the reception. She accessorised with magnetic flower hair pieces by Jennifer Behr and carried a Simone Rocha handbag.
