Urban Reliquary - Fragments of Us
On Tuesday 24th of February the Garrison Church was taken over by an exceptional group of creatives, led by Emma Neville-Jones, Creative Director — Styled by Sissy. The resulting photoshoot images are a beautiful showcase of the talents of all those involved and of course, the Church itself. Below are the words of Emma Neville-Jones, Creative Director, Styled by Sissy.
What began as a wedding editorial photo shoot quickly became something far more
layered — an exploration of place, history, and the stories held within the walls of St
George’s Garrison Church.
The Garrison is not simply a ruin, but a site shaped by generations of movement, service, and cultural intersection. From its ties to Commonwealth regiments, including the Gurkhas,
to the exquisite Italian mosaics embedded within its structure, it carries a quiet richness
that extends beyond its physical form. It is a space where histories meet — and where they continue to evolve.
Having passed the Garrison many times, I had always felt drawn to it. There was a sense
that it was waiting — not to be restored to what it once was, but to be reimagined as
something living and relevant today.
Urban Reliquary was conceived as a response to that feeling. Rather than imposing a narrative onto the space, the intention was to work in dialogue with it — allowing its
textures, its openness, and its atmosphere to guide the creative direction. The shoot
brought together elements of contemporary bridal styling with references to ritual, adornment, and cultural heritage, creating a visual language that felt both grounded and fluid.
Material contrasts became central to this dialogue. Soft silks and delicate lace sat against raw stone and exposed structure; marigolds, pearls, and organic forms introduced
moments of intimacy within the vastness of the space. As the light shifted from day to
dusk, and into candlelight, the Garrison revealed itself in layers — each moment offering a different emotional register.
At its core, this project was also about potential. Under the care of its board of trustees,
and with ongoing conservation efforts including the development of the Commonwealth and Gurkha Garden, the Garrison stands as more than a historical landmark. It is a space that can hold contemporary celebrations, creative work, and future stories.
The intention was not only to create an editorial, but to highlight the Garrison as a setting for weddings, photography, and artistic expression — a place where past and present can coexist in a way that feels both respectful and alive.
Urban Reliquary ultimately reflects a belief that beauty can be found not only in preservation, but in reimagining — and in giving spaces like this the opportunity to continue evolving.
Emma Neville-Jones
Creative Director — Styled by Sissy
CREDITS
Concept, Creative Direction & StylingStyled by Sissy – Emma Kinsella Neville-Jones
@styledbysissy
www.styledbysissy.co.uk
Photography
Luke Woodford
@bylukewoodford
www.bylukewoodford.com
Joshua Kinsella
@kinsellz
Videography
Your Love Story Pictures – Robert
@yourlovestory.pictures
www.yourlovestory.pictures
Content Creator
Kelly – Memory Cake
@memorycakephotography
www.memorycake.co.uk
Couture Bridal Atelier
Julita London Bride – Jo (Contemporary Bridal Muse)
@julita_ldn_bride
www.julitalondon.com
Wardrobe Styling (Couple – Muses)
Kathryn Vintage
@kathrynvintage
Styling Assistant
Wendy Hsu
@w_styledio / @wy20505wy
Florals
GroveFlora – Nichola Myhill
@grove_flora
www.groveflora.co.uk
Cake Artist
Its Not Just Cake – Justine Campbell-John
@itsnotjustcake
www.itsnotjustcake.co.uk
Henna / Mehendi
Hemmy – The Royale Gharana
@theroyalegharana
@hennabyhemmy
Makeup Artist
Lucy Meyer
@lucymeyermakeupartist_
www.lucymeyer.co.uk
Hair
Ieva Genovesi – Luxury Bridal Hair Stylist (Julita London Bride Contemporary Muse)
@ievagenovesibridal
www.ievagenovesi.com
James Spooner – Hair Stylist (Bride & Groom Muses)
@STUDIO117__
Muses
Anjana Thakur – Couple Bride Muse
@thakur_anjana
Manu Thomas – Couple Groom Muse
@manuthomas
Heloisa Silva – Julita Ind Bride Muse
@heloisasilva
MOT Models (@motmodels)
