I was absolutely honoured that Arul and Ashok put their trust in me to be their wedding photographer, having never photographed an Indian wedding before. I was completely up front with them but they loved the candid style of my wedding photography and relaxed approach to the couple shoot, so I was lucky enough to find myself at Ditton Park Manor in West London, photographing their vibrant, elegant Indian wedding.

Wedding photos on the lawn at Ditton Park Manor in West London

Mandap at Arul and Ashok’s Indian wedding at Ditton Park Manor

This was a wedding of epic proportions! 400 guests, 3 parts to the day, and 3 different outfits! The early 7am start was rewarded by infinite photography opportunities, as Arul got ready for the traditional western wedding service. One of the great things about Ditton Park Manor was that everything happened in one place, so I had ample time to take some portraits of Arul once she was ready, prior to the wedding ceremony. Not having to move location also means not fighting against the nightmare that is London traffic, which is always a relief! As a wedding photographer, it is always a real joy when there is enough time not to rush the portrait session!

Arul’s wedding preparations at Ditton Park Manor

Getting ready for the (first!) wedding ceremony

Bouquet details

Arul and her bridesmaids at Ditton Park Manor in West London

Ditton Park Manor has some stunning rooms

My favourite portrait from our quick photo session prior to the wedding ceremony

Portrait at Ditton Park Manor

This ceremony was an intimate and very emotional affair, ending in a confetti line outside the main house of Ditton Park Manor.

Page boy excited for the wedding

Beautiful moment between Arul and her father

Arul and Ashok during the wedding ceremony. These are my favourite types of photo as a wedding photographer. It’s the unique moments that the majority of people at the wedding won’t have even noticed.

Emotional ceremony

Ashok looking very happy

Putting on the rings

Exiting Ditton Park Manor under confetti after their wedding ceremony!

The bouquet throwing was without a doubt the most impressive I have witnessed, as Arul launched it from all the way up on the second storey of Ditton Park Manor.

The ridiculous throwing of the bouquet – from the balcony of Ditton Park Manor

Someone’s excited…

The grounds in which we then took the newlywed wedding photos was simple, with one large oak tree in a lawn, however Arul and Ashok proved to be fantastic models and we came away with a set of photos that we were all really happy with! I had to remind myself we were still in London! It was such a peaceful, quiet venue.

Indian wedding photoshoot at Ditton Park Manor

Bride looking back towards Ditton Park Manor

As a wedding photographer, these are some of my favourite photos…no offence to Arul and Ashok, who’s heads I cut off.

Arul then changed into her Indian outfit for their traditional Indian Mandap wedding ceremony. With 400 guests, and a vast tent, it was quite a contrast to the earlier events. I absolutely loved the experience of photographing my first Mandap. There was so much activity going on, and so much room for getting creative with the natural lighting that was available.

Indian wedding jewellery details

Indian wedding details as Arul was getting ready at Ditton Park Manor

Arul in her traditional Indian wedding dress at Ditton Park Manor

Looking at Ditton Park Manor grounds

Welcoming guests to the Indian Wedding Ceremony

Arul and Ashok’s traditional Indian Mandap ceremony

Mandap at Ditton Park Manor

Mandap at Ditton Park Manor

As the guests enjoyed the sunshine, on the lawn at Ditton Park Manor, Arul went for one final outfit change into her party clothes. Everyone re-entered the tent where the Mandap had taken place, which had been transformed for speeches, cake-cutting and dinner.

Happy kids running in the Ditton Park Manor grounds in West London

Guests at Ditton Park Manor

Beautiful grounds of Ditton Park Manor

Ditton Park Manor makes you feel like you’re out of London!

Indian wedding drinks reception at Ditton Park Manor

Arul and Ashok ready for the wedding breakfast

Arul and Ashok ready for the evening entertainment

Wedding cake

Ashok working the room!

Best man’s speech…

Ashok’s bridesmaids also gave a beautiful speech

Arul was so emotional when talking to her parents – these are the photo that make being a wedding photographer so enjoyable.

Dance floor photos at the end of the day are always a really fun way to end a day of wedding photography, and this was up there with the best of those experiences. The lighting was stunning, and there were some seriously impressive dance moves on offer!

Getting ready for the first dance

First dance at Ditton Park Manor

Very happy couple

Arul and Ashok owned the dance floor! So much fun!

Too much fun on the dancefloor!

Elvis wannabe?!

Congratulations to Arul and Ashok!

Thank you Arul and Ashok for putting your trust in me, and giving me the opportunity to be your wedding photographer. I absolutely loved the energy and colour involved in photographing your Indian wedding!

The beautiful bride in her Indian outfit

The colourful wedding ceremony

A few words being spoken

The wedding that every London wedding photographer dreams of! It was perhaps the perfect London wedding! It started with a relaxed and very stylish drinks party at The Orange in Chelsea on Friday night. The wedding ceremony was then held at historic St Anne’s Church on Kew Green in Richmond, and ended with an impressive party at the incredibly modern sunbeam studios in North London. One of the best experiences I have had as a wedding photographer in London!

James and Verity covered in confetti after their wedding ceremony in St Anne’s Church on Kew Green in Richmond, London

The Orange in Chelsea

Drinks at The Orange in Chelsea, the night before the wedding… meaning Verity’s poor father had to do 2 speeches over the weekend!

Walking down the aisle after their wedding ceremony in St Anne’s Church in Kew, Richmond

Sunbeam Studios in North London – the perfect venue for a classy wedding reception

Verity’s preparations were a very classy affair. Elegant dress, clean white shoes…

Verity’s beautiful wedding dress hung up at their house in Kew, Richmond

Final touches putting on the wedding dress

Wedding shoes

Wedding shoes again!

…and even more excitingly, a dog!! It is always a challenge to make sure I don’t arrive home with more photos of the dog than the bride and her wedding party in these situations!

Verity and James’ adorable, one-eyed dog!

Shy bridesmaid during Verity’s wedding preparations in Kew, Richmond

Pre wedding drinks during Verity’s preparations in Kew, Richmond

We…just…had enough time for a quick portrait session before heading off to St Anne’s Church on Kew Green in Richmond

Even the excitement of his daughter’s wedding day wasn’t going to stop him from keeping an eye on the rugby world cup!

Father of the bride watching the Rugby World Cup

While I was in Richmond photographing Verity’s wedding preparations, my assistant was with James at a nearby pub just up the road capturing the flip side. I always absolutely love it when my couples request a second photographer as it means the whole day is documented, and as a result the wedding photo album feels so much more complete!

James getting ready nearby in Richmond

James and his groomsmen

Wedding order of service at St Anne’s Church on Kew Green in Richmond

The other great reason for a second photographer is that it allows for plenty of photos at the church while everyone is excitedly waiting for the bride’s arrival.

Page boy ready for the wedding at St Anne’s Church in Kew

Verity arriving at St. Anne’s Church on Kew Green in Richmond

Bridesmaid outside the church

A group of bridesmaids

Verity looked so unbelievably excited outside St Anne’s Church in Kew! The only more excited face was probably James’ inside the church as he watched Verity walk down the aisle towards him.

James inside St Anne’s Church in Kew, watching Verity walk down the aisle towards him

Verity walking down the aisle of St Anne’s Church in Kew

Venues such as St Anne’s Church in Kew, Richmond, are an absolute dream for a wedding photographer. Being able to bring in different elements of the church such as the stained-glass window, and beautiful arches and flowers means I can be a lot more creative with my compositions!

The wedding ceremony in St Anne’s Church in Kew

We managed to sneak a few minutes to capture the ultimate British wedding photo! A casual stroll across Kew Green, with a spot of cricket in the background! So quintessentially English…and not exactly your typical London scene!

Wedding photos on Kew Green in Richmond

A very happy bride

After the wedding ceremony at Kew Green, Richmond

Runaway bridesmaid on Kew Green in Richmond

It was then time for one of my favourite shots of the day – the confetti shot – before everyone headed off from St Anne’s Church in Kew to Sunbeam Studios in North London for the wedding reception.

Almost ready to leave in the wedding car

Leaving Kew, on the way to Sunbeam Studios in the wedding car

This was the first time I had been a wedding photographer at Sunbeam Studios, and I am now totally in love with the venue. I seriously hope I get to head back there one day. Having the blank canvas of white walls, the vast ceilings and ability to project onto these means that it can be transformed to fit any vibe! During the drinks, canapés and speeches, everything was kept simple and elegant.

Formal photos inside Sunbeam Studios

A few words during the wedding speeches at sunbeam studios

I know this might not be the most flattering photo, but to me this is what being a wedding photographer is all about; capturing unreplicable moments of pure emotion! I can’t remember what was said, but I am sure Verity and James will do!

Hilarity during the wedding speeches at Sunbeam Studios

Of course, it is also important to capture those more flattering unique moments too!

Beautiful moment between Verity and James during the speeches at their wedding reception at Sunbeam Studios in North London

Spotlight on Verity and James as they entered for dinner at Sunbeam Studios in North London

Verity and James both had connections to Kenya, so decided to project an enormous photo of the Masai in the dining room during the wedding breakfast. It made for such a photogenic backdrop!

Wedding breakfast at Sunbeam Studios in North London

Verity and James’ first dance was something else!! The lighting in Sunbeam Studios was absolutely incredible, and their routine was ridiculously awesome! It was the kind of first dance routine that I have in my mind that I would like to do on my wedding day…but know in reality that there is no way I could pull it off!

The beautiful lighting inside Sunbeam Studios in North London

Silhouettes during Verity and James’ first dance at Sunbeam Studios in North London…

One of the best first dance routines that I have seen at a wedding!

Yes! As a wedding photographer, it was the dream first dance – so photogenic!

Without a doubt, one of the funniest weddings I have photographed!

The ideas that Verity and James came up with, such as projecting each of their parents’ wedding photos onto the blank wall during the dancing that followed made such great use of what Sunbeam Studios had to offer! It was so great being Verity and James’ wedding photographer – they were such a fun couple. When I left, they were certainly making full use of the enormous dance floor!

Projecting their parents’ wedding photos onto the wall at Sunbeam Studios

On the dance floor at Sunbeam Studios in North London

Guests enjoying the dance floor at Sunbeam Studios in North London

Late night dance floor fun in Sunbeam studios, North London

See what Verity and James had to say about their wedding photos here.

Giulia and Tom were such a brilliant couple to work with! Often the wedding photography is a secondary thought. On this occasion however, with Giulia working in the creative industry, it was at the forefront of their minds. I was really excited when they appointed me as their wedding photographer, as they had mentioned they were going to put aside a full 90 minutes for the newlywed photoshoot which would take place in 3 locations around Camden in North London. They were not after your typical “pretty” wedding photographs, but instead wanted to show off the edgy nature of where they had both grown up in North London. Closed shop fronts, graffiti and pubs replaced the usual picturesque countryside and colourful flowers! A wedding photographers dream!

What an epic backdrop for some of Giulia and Tom’s wedding photos around Camden in North London

Tom and his ushers walking past some graffiti in Camden, North London

Not your usual post wedding drink, but it made for a great photo opportunity in Camden

This is one of my favourite shots I have ever taken as a wedding photographer. The swirls in the graffiti and Giulia’s veil work so well together! So much ‘tude!

I normally love to have my wedding couples laughing, so producing a set of wedding photos with a more edgy feel was so much fun!

Quick pit stop in a pub in Camden during the shoot – which all the brides and groom even came on too!

As a wedding photographer, I always try to encourage my couples to act as if I were not there and to make them completely relaxed. It’s fair to say Giulia and Tom did a great job of this, and I absolutely love this candid moment in Camden, North London.

Giulia prepared for her big day at her mother’s home in North London, which was where she grew up. The large windows offered fantastic light for the candid shots of her getting ready (and her old cuddly toys).

Her old favourite cuddly toys!

Giulia’s brother getting ready for the wedding…

“But I don’t want to wear the shoes on my feet daddy!”

Such a beautiful dress

Final touches

Almost ready…

Wedding shoes

The beautiful wedding dress standing out perfectly against the dark wood cupboard

Genuine smiles…

Tom, very relaxed before the wedding service….

Wedding rings

How do these things work?!

A very moving moment, as Giulia remembered her late father.

Quick spray before heading to the church in North London for the wedding

“Ready?!”

So proud of himself – I love it!

Giulia’s brother having his button hole attached…

Last make-up touches

Portrait of Giulia before heading to the church for the wedding ceremony

The weather was overcast and extremely windy, which is not what every bride would hope for, but Giulia loved it! She wanted edgy photos and silly moments, and the wind actually assisted in this throughout the day.

One of the more unusual wedding photography requests I have every had was from Giulia and Tom, who wanted their group photo of everyone taken at Burnt Oak station, just a 2 minute walk around the corner from the church! 100 meters might not sound far, but herding 100 people is difficult, even when these group shots are taken at the wedding reception venue! By some miracle, we managed to coordinate it though, with the help of some very well drilled groomsmen!

Burnt Oak Station

Group photo at Burnt Oak Station!

Congratulations!

Smiles outside the church!

The couple shoot was one of the best wedding day experiences I have every had! Myself and Giulia has spent a great deal of effort planning our locations and timings in order to squeeze in all their favourite spots, as well as a few places that I had scouted out. We visited Camden market, a famous graffiti wall in Camden, the Camden Lock sign, and even a chicken shop!

Wedding photo walking past a chicken shop – one of the more unusual requests that I have had as a wedding photographer!

Tom and his groomsmen

Yeah, sure, let’s just smoke with this giant bear.

Wedding party photo under the famous Camden Lock sign!

The Camden Lock sign wedding photos were by far the hardest to capture, as I had to stop traffic behind me, and at the same time direct Giulia, Tom and their whole wedding party where I wanted them to be! There is something about a wedding day that gets everyone universally excited and unusually cooperative. We received beeps, waves and shouts of congratulations, far away from the angry reaction I expected from the busy London traffic!

A photo, hopefully worth disrupting the traffic for…

Couple wedding photos at Camden Market…

Couldn’t get enough of this graffiti wall. They weren’t half bad at posing either…

I was slightly in disbelief when Giulia and Tom explained that they would be holding their wedding reception at Egg London, which is known more for its all night raves than as a romantic setting! However, the venue looked incredible thanks to one of their friends who is a set designer.

Egg London set up for a wedding

The cake

Time for a drink after the long shoot capturing their wedding photos around Camden!

The wedding breakfast at Egg London

Laughter during the speeches

Hilarious speech from Giulia’s brother, in the absence of her father.

The Big T-Mac giving his speech

Tom and Giulia loving the best man’s speech

G Funk and the Big T-Mac – what a couple name!

Wedding guests

Page boys stealing limelight

Aggressive cake cutting!

Bouquet launch imminent!

Bouquet caught!

I was only there until about half an hour after the first dance, but was unsurprisingly told by Giulia that the party went on into the early hours!

As a wedding photographer, I love it when there is an awesome lighting set up for the first dance!

Such an atmospheric first dance!

Getting the party started

DJ

Top moves…

Love photographing the dance floor when there’s so many people having such a great time!

DJ again…

I met Lauren and Rob while photographing at another wedding, and they took my business card “just in case”. This was possibly the least subtle hint I have ever seen from girlfriend to boyfriend that it is time to propose!! A few weeks later, I received an email asking if I was available to be their wedding photographer!

Lauren and Rob at the gates to Waterlow Park in Islington, North London

Lauren was getting ready at her home in Islington, within walking distance of where I lived, which was fantastic! Her colourful dress was really unique too.

Lauren’s beautiful wedding dress

Wedding dress details

Wedding shoes

Getting ready for the wedding at her home in Islington, London

Finishing makeup touches

Portrait of Lauren

Islington Town Hall, the venue for the wedding ceremony

Rob waiting for Lauren

As a wedding photographer, I love capturing moments like this one

Saying their vows at their wedding ceremony at Islington Town Hall

Wedding ceremony at Islington Town Hall

The beautiful windows in Islington Town Hall provided a great backdrop for some of the photos

Making their exit. Islington Town Hall is so photogenic!

Walking down the stairs as a married couple

I always love the confetti shot!

After the ceremony, everyone was packed off in a red London bus to The Star Pub for the reception, allowing us plenty of time for the couple shoot in Waterlow Park, right by Highgate Cemetery. I had never even heard of the park before Lauren and Rob mentioned it, but it is well worth a visit if you find yourself in Islington with some spare time as it is genuinely beautiful. It made for a fantastic spot for their newly-wed couple shoot too. Lauren and Rob both claimed to hate having their photo taken, but they certainly seemed very relaxed during our time taking their wedding photos!

The only way to transport wedding guests in London

Candid shot of Rob’s father

So many smiles made it easy photographing the guests!

On  the red London bus on the way to The Star Pub in Islington for the wedding reception

Bus booze, of course

Heading into Waterlow Park for some wedding photos

This was such a fun shoot, as Lauren and Rob were so relaxed!

Bouquet details

Waterlow park was the perfect location for some of the wedding photos

Taking a time out on a bench in Waterlow Park, Islington

The star pub isn’t usually used for weddings, however apparently it is their favourite pub so they did them a favour! So there is a lesson in “you don’t ask, you don’t get”. It was a great little venue on a quiet back street in Holloway, allowing people to spill out onto the streets outside without fearing the usual London traffic!

The Star Pub, wedding reception venue

The wedding reception

Wedding reception at the Star

Plenty of smiles made photographing the wedding guests very easy!

So easily amused!

Rob’s speech

Listening to Rob’s speech

Toast!

When the maid of honour introduced you because she knew you would be good together…

Drinks

Future raver!

The party went off with a literal bang, as a confetti canon emptied over Lauren and Rob during their first dance…which was to no other than an Elvis impersonator! Incredible!

First dance

Elvis performing during their first dance

Dance floor time!

The start of a long night of dancing!

Loving these dance moves!

No one was excluded from the dance floor!

See what Lauren and Rob thought about their wedding photos here…

The very happy couple

Rob’s button hole

Possibly my favourite wedding photo from the day – the genuine look as Rob looks across at Lauren

Exeter College at Oxford University just blew me away!! What an absolutely unbelievable wedding venue. It is days like today that makes being a wedding photographer so rewarding! Izzy and Jamie are the most down to earth couple, the grounds of Exeter College were absolutely stunning, we had fun and games photographing them punting, and the wedding breakfast in a traditional Oxford University dining room was breathtaking!

Jamie and Izzy leaving the chapel at Exeter College, Oxford University after the wedding service

Couple photoshoot after the wedding at Exeter College, Oxford University

Photoshoots like this are the reason I love being a wedding photographer! Not many people get to witness the Radcliffe Camera in Oxford from the private gardens on Exeter College, Oxford University

Inside Exeter College, Oxford University

Excited bridesmaids at Izzy and Jamie’s wedding at Exeter College, Oxford University

Wedding breakfast in Exeter College, Oxford University. Absolutely stunning!

Izzy’s bridal preparations in the morning were a very relaxed affair in the grounds of Exeter College, which is the fourth oldest college at Oxford Univesity, having been in its current location on Turl Street since 1315.

Izzy’s wedding preparations before her wedding in Oxford

Izzy’s wedding preparations at Exeter College, Oxford

Izzy getting ready for the wedding

As a wedding photographer, I know a mirror shot might be a cliche, but it really does work!

A touch of hairstyling

Last glance before heading the Exeter College Chapel, Oxford University

Arriving at Exeter College’s Chapel in Oxford

The Chapel at Exeter College, Oxford is one of the most intricate that I have had the pleasure of photographing a wedding in. The Gothic architecture is so photogenic, with its tall, elaborate arches, stone carving and vast ceiling.

Walking down the aisle of Exeter College Chapel at Oxford University

A beautiful wedding ceremony in a beautiful chapel

Historic stained glass

The wedding ceremony at Exeter College Chapel, Oxford

Reading during the ceremony

Singing at the wedding service

Married!

I have photographed the Radcliffe Camera in Oxford before, and was never even aware that there is a secret garden overlooking it. It is not open to the public at any point, so to have the opportunity to take the newlywed photos of Izzy and Jamie with the famous building as a backdrop felt really special. Considering Jamie was supposedly shy of the camera, he did a fantastic job following my subtle direction, and seemed completely relaxed throughout! I am really proud of these wedding photos, as they feel like genuine candid moments, with just a hint of location reminding the special location in which the photos were taken.

Bouquet details

Exeter College private gardens… such a stunning location for wedding photography!

Very happy couple in Oxford

Beautiful bride

Very relaxed couple

Photoshoot in the secret garden of Exeter College, Oxford University

Congratulations!

The dining hall, with its walls covered floor to ceiling in paintings allowed me to have fun with different compositions and was the perfect spot to listen to the heart felt speeches, and refuel before heading down to the River Cherwell for a some punting, very ably guided by mother of the bride! Congratulations to Izzy and Jamie, and thank you again for allowing me to be your wedding photographer, I had an absolute blast, and wish you all the best with your future!

The beginning of the wedding reception

To the happy couple!

Ongoing speech

Cake cutting!

A few words from absent friends…

Post wedding punting…I’ve never seen this as a wedding photographer before, but it just showed what a fun and relaxed day it was.

True Oxford experience

Punting in Oxford

See what Izzy and Jamie had to say about their wedding photos here .

Shelly and Tim were friends of a friend, who I had already met a few times before her wedding day. They had always been great fun to be with, so I was really excited when they chose me to be their wedding photographer! The whole wedding, including bridal preparations, ceremony and wedding breakfast were all taking place in the same location too, which always ensures the day is less stressful for everyone. The Lansdowne Club is a beautiful venue in Mayfair, not too far from where I am based in West London.

Outside the Landsdowne Club in Mayfair was a great spot for one of the shots during the wedding photos during the couple shoot.

Shelly and Tim outside the Lansdowne Club in Mayfair

Shelly’s wedding dress hanging behind her as she gets her makeup done in one of the rooms at The Lansdowne Club in West London

Shelly’s mum looking on as she gets ready for her wedding day…

It is always such a relief as a wedding photographer to see a smiley bride – it makes my job so much simpler!!

A glass of champagne to start the day

Shelly’s special pair of earrings

Tim’s sister with the 2 bridesmaids dresses

Makeup almost finished

While some photos are off the cuff, I do also have my favourite compositions as a wedding photographer that I use often. This is one of them, and on this day the light was perfect!

Hugs!

Why not have a little dance to calm the nerves?

Father-daughter moment

Wedding bouquet details

Portrait of Shelly ready for the wedding ceremony

Walking down the aisle in The Lansdowne Club, Mayfair

Love this reaction to seeing Shelly for the first time!

The wedding ceremony at Lansdowne Club, Mayfair

The newly-weds

Happy bride

Newlywed couple photoshoot at the Landsdowne Club, Mayfair

It was an absolutely stunning wedding, and the guests were all a joy to photograph. Plenty of smiles all day long, from the moment I arrived at the Lansdowne Club to the moment I left. This was aided significantly by an incredible magician who performed during the drinks reception! I followed him around the room capturing the inevitable open mouths and faces of disbelief. Some of the tricks I saw 4 or 5 times, and still had absolutely no idea how they were done. Magic, I guess?!

Magician performing in the courtyard at The Landsdowne Club in West London

Reaction to the magician

The courtyard at The Lansdowne Club in West London

Such a great reaction from Tim!

Actual, real magic. Its the only explanation.

More disbelief at the magician!

Congratulations Tim and Shelly, and I look forward to seeing you again soon as Mr & Mrs Williams!

Balloons on the dance floor

Absolutely brilliant first dance!

Letting loose on the d-floor!

Dance floor action…

Not just a dance floor, but an entire dance room, at The Lansdowne Club in West London

Dancing the night away

Walking together

Wedding shoe details

Wedding bouquet

I knew that being wedding photographer for Richard and Kate’s wedding in mayfair would be fun the moment I turned up to meet them at a pub in central London and they had already had a pint of ale waiting for me on the table!

Kate’s wedding preparations all started as any other wedding would. I photographed the dress and the shoes, captured some candid photos of Kate and her entourage in fits of laughter, and got to work with the make up shots! Not long until we would be jumping in our black London cabs and heading over to the Church in Mayfair…or so we thought.

Richard and Kate enjoying a drink after their wedding ceremony outside Church of the Immaculate Conception on Farm Street in Mayfair, London

St James Hotel in Mayfair, London, where Kate prepared for her wedding

Kate’s wedding shoes at St James Hotel, Mayfair

Kate’s wedding dress hanging up at St James Hotel in Mayfair, London

Kate and her bridesmaids in one of the suites at St James Hotel before her wedding in Mayfair, London

Kate getting ready for her wedding

Relaxing in one of the suites at St James hotel, Mayfair

Finishing touches

Nerves before the wedding

Trying on the veil

Kate told me she was incredibly shy about photography, but I saw no evidence of this, as she seemed relaxed throughout the day including during a short portrait session before her wedding ceremony in Mayfair, London.

Everything was going beautifully, until it wasn’t. A nearby Syria Solidarity Movement protest had turned down towards Pall Mall and completely blocked us into the hotel. No taxis could arrive or leave the area due to police cordons! That’s London for you!

Protest in progress in Mayfair, London

The time of the wedding ceremony was fast approaching, and still no-one knew when they would be able to leave. I still to this day cannot believe how calm everyone remained. No one so much as blinked!

I have so much admiration for Kate, who even got on board with my suggestion of a quick photo with one of the placards! We were ushered out of the back entrance of St James Hotel, which is normally reserved for celebrities and had a ten minute walk, through an underground tunnel, across a park and through Green Park tube station to the nearest road where we would be able to pick up a taxi. This had to be done by everyone…including Kate’s 92 year old grandmother, supported by her walking stick! It felt like we were in a film making a top secret getaway!

Beautiful flowers in Kate’s hair

Walking down the stairs of St James Hotel in her wedding dress

Kate, now an activist!

Making the escape from St James hotel…

More excitement than we bargained for!

When we finally made the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Mayfair, it was as if nothing had ever happened, and the wedding ceremony continued as planned, albeit 30 minutes late!

Meanwhile, in The Church of the Immaculate Conception on Farm Street in Mayfair…

Ushers at the church on Farm Street in Mayfair, ready for the wedding ceremony to start.

When Richard and Kate asked me to be their wedding photographer and told me they were getting married in The Church of the Immaculate Conception on Farm Street in Mayfair, I was so excited! I had photographed in the church before and knew that it is incredibly photogenic. The enormous stained glass window behind the couple makes for such a stunning background. To date it is still my favourite church I have been wedding photographer at in London.

Walking down the aisle on Farm Street Church in Mayfair, London

The wedding ceremony in Mayfair at The Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception

Wedding ceremony order of service

The giving of the rings

As a wedding photographer, I love churches such as this one in Mayfair that have a balcony at the back as it offers an additional perspective on the wedding ceremony.

Signing of the register at Farm Street Church

Nearing the end of the wedding ceremony

Kate and Richard leaving the church as a married couple!

I also love churches like this one in Mayfair, which have a raised balcony at the back. It allows for more variety in the photos of the wedding ceremony and offers a more unique angle on events.

During the wedding ceremony in Mayfair

The happy couple

Despite the wedding ceremony running behind schedule after the events earlier in the day, Kate and Richard still stuck to their plan of letting all the guests depart to Coq d’Argent first, while they waited behind and had a quiet glass of champagne on the streets of London, which I asked them to drink next to their mini. They received endless congratulations from strangers as they walked passed. Maybe the people of London aren’t as unfriendly as people say after all!

Wedding guests outside Farm Street Church in Mayfair

Runaway guests!

Sometimes at the end of a day of wedding photography, I have no idea which photographs are going to stand out when it comes to the edit. On other occasions such as this, I simply knew that these would be my favourite wedding photos from the day! What a fantastic car!

Kate and Richard relaxed outside Farm Street Church in Mayfair, as their guests departed for Coq d’Argent

Such an awesome wedding car!

As a wedding photographer, I always keep my eyes peeled for reflections throughout the day…

After the wedding, back at Coq d’Argent, they were fortunate enough to have a beautiful evening. The views over the City of London were spectacular from the rooftop. They dined, they wined, and as I was leaving, were throwing some spectacular shapes on the dance floor! Congratulations Richard and Kate, and thank you for letting me be your wedding photographer! It was an absolute pleasure!

The guests at Coq D’Argent

Playing in the rooftop garden in Coq d’Argent…

Coq d’Argent rooftop garden, with the City of London as a backdrop was such a stunning location for the wedding reception.

Wedding reception on Coq d’Argent rooftop garden.

Coq d’Argent rooftop wedding reception

Throwing shapes on the dance floor

End of the night dance photos are one of the best moments of the day for me, as a wedding photographer.

Dance moves just get better with age, right?

Killer moves on  the rooftop dance floor at Coq d’Argent in London

It sounds a cliché, but I have genuinely always wanted to photograph a wedding at Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, especially as I grew up in Gloucestershire and used to drive past it on a daily basis fifteen years ago (wow that makes me feel old!). So when Becci and Tom got in touch, I was delighted!

Tom and Becci with the ruins of Sudeley Castle in the background

I felt even more fortunate that I was photographing in Sudeley Castle after they explained they weren’t even from the area. It was chosen because it was their favourite place in the whole of the UK that they had visited together. They had simply fallen in love with both Sudeley Castle, and the Cotswolds. It is easy to see why. The chapel is beautiful and atmospheric, the grounds are full of beautiful and unusual opportunities for the couple shoot, and the dinner set up is absolutely stunning.

BECCI’S WEDDING PREPARATION AT SUDELEY CASTLE COTTAGES

Becci was getting ready in one of the quaint Cotswold cottages just 2 minutes from Sudeley Castle. After struggling at first to find a spot to photograph the dress, a bit of furniture rearranging left enough space to photograph the wedding dress hanging from one of the large windows.

Becci’s elegant wedding dress

Wedding preparations in one of the cottages by Sudeley Castle

Final touches for one of the bridesmaids

Becci reading a card from Tom

Beautiful wedding rings

The bouquet

ARRIVING FOR THE WEDDING AT SUDELEY CASTLE CHAPEL

The great thing about Becci getting ready in Winchcombe, so close to Sudeley Castle was that I had plenty of time to get to the Chapel early and photograph the pre ceremony buzz of Tom waiting nervously, and some of the guests arriving.

It was very, very wet and unbelievably cold, but not enough to dampen the spirits of anyone. Not even Becci, who had to be extra careful not to ruin her intricate white dress before even getting to the “I do’s!”. The poor bridesmaids ended up having to huddle in pre-arranged blankets… Well done to Becci here on her meticulous organisation skills!

Arriving at Sudeley Castle in the pouring rain

The weather – the biggest gamble at a winter wedding – didn’t manage to dampen spirits!

Tom’s best man making sure he looked the part inside Sudeley Castle chapel

Bridesmaids keeping warm – priority number one!

Becci trying to keep her dress from getting covered in mud, as she walked through Sudeley Castle gardens

THE WEDDING CEREMONY IN SUDELEY CASTLE CHAPEL

Becci and Tom had opted for a humanist ceremony, allowing for much more personal vows. Tom’s downfall. Cue the first of many, many, many, many tears during the day! Some of his friends even had bets on how many times it would happen. When I left shortly after the first dance, I believe he had reached six!

The chapel at Sudeley Castle has a beautiful interior, and coupled with the very classy flower selection, made for some fantastic photography opportunities.

Tom cries…for the first time!

The beautiful wedding ceremony in Sudeley Castle’s Chapel

The groomsmen say a few words during the wedding ceremony

One of the readings, with the beautiful wooden details inside Sudeley Castle Chapel in the background

Sudeley Castle chapel is an absolutely stunning venue for the perspective of a wedding photographer!

The newlyweds in front of Sudeley Castle Chapel

HOCKEY GUARD OF HONOUR & CONFETTI

As a hockey player myself, the idea of a hockey stick guard of honour is certainly going straight in the “ideas for my own wedding” folder!

The hockey stick guard of honour

Becci and Tom making their way out of the chapel

NEWLY-WED COUPLE PHOTOSHOOT

Photographing a winter wedding is always challenging with sunset being so early, but on the plus side, the bleak winter trees perfectly complimented the crumbling backdrop of Sudeley Castle. We made the most of this during the newly wed photos just after their ceremony in the chapel. I have to give a lot of credit to both Becci and Tom here for not only braving the 2 degrees temperature, but also managing to not show how cold they were in the photos! I could have photographed in the grounds all day, but understandably Becci and Tom wanted to get back into the warmth of Sudeley Castle.

Entering Sudeley Castle gardens for the wedding photos

Sudeley Castle made a stunning backdrop for Becci and Tom’s wedding photos

Pretending not to be freezing cold!

Top marks to both for braving the freezing winter weather!

THE WEDDING RECEPTION

I understood the other reason why they were so keen to get back to the reception once we arrived. There were cupcakes to be decorated, a pianist to be wowed by and even the opportunity to draw your own portrait which would end up on a commemorative tea towel!

Questionably accurate self-portraits for the wedding tea towel

Cupcake decorating

These are the moment that make being a wedding photographer worth it – capturing the smiles and laughter that the bride and groom may not have even witnessed on the day!

I couldn’t believe it when I noticed that Tom and Becci had written personal messages to every single one of their guests. It must have taken hours and hours, but seeing people’s smiles (and tears!), I can honestly say it is one of the most moving little touches I have seen at a wedding! Naturally, the reactions made for great photos too.

Reading the thoughtful messages

The type of emotional moments that I always strive to capture as a wedding photographer

Welcoming the bride and groom to the wedding breakfast

Reviewing this wedding, I am starting to realise it was a wedding of firsts! 6 lots of tears, personal messages to each wedding guest, hockey guard of honour after the wedding ceremony…and the groom getting booed when standing up to give his speech!! I think his friends quickly decided to put on hold the relentless piss-taking of Tom, and by the end both his speech, he had won over his audience and had everyone in fits of laughter!

Father of the bride’s speech

Tom giving his speech!

A moment of pure embarrassment…

A toast to Tom and Becci…

So much laughter and shock during the speeches

Getting married at Sudeley Castle, I guess that Tom and Becci saw it only fit to use a sword to cut the cake!

It is usually easy to tell whether the dance floor is going to be a busy one, and this one was guaranteed from the start. Tom and Becci danced a fun routine to “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie, and the dance floor was then absolutely packed until I left. There was barely any room to move and dance, let alone take photos, but being surrounded by people’s flailing limbs and getting in among the action always leads to the best photos anyway!

The wedding band

A short but fun first dance

Party time!

I love using movement in my wedding photos to add to the feeling of being on the dance floor…

Great shapes on the dance floor…

Time to let loose!

Anne and Gareth’s wedding definitely wins the award for most last minute booking, just 4 days before the wedding day! But it also had all the ingredients to be deemed one of the most fairy tale weddings I have been wedding photographer at thanks to Dovecote Barn being a picture perfect English stone barn and Anne’s wedding dress having an elegant 3m long lace-covered trail.

Best man waiting outside for the bride

Father of the bride waiting too…!

Wedding car arriving at Dovecote Barn, Adderbury

Anne in her incredible wedding dress. As a wedding photographer, I have seen a lot of weddings dresses, but none quite like this! Stunning!

A very impressive train to the wedding dress

Anne arriving at Dovecote Barn, Adderbury and looking excited…

Inside Dovecote Barn

Anne and Gareth during the wedding ceremony

One of my favourite moments of the day occurred during our newlywed photo shoot as we walked around the grounds of Dovecote Barn. Gareth grabbed Anne’s hand and they started practicing the first dance routine! This is one of the reasons why I love being a wedding photographer. I get to witness so many private, special moments between the bride and groom, with my job being to capture these intimately, but in an unobtrusive way. You want to be able to be yourself, and that’s why I think it is so important to get on well with your wedding photographer.

Impromptu first dance rehearsal

Newly-wed couple photoshoot

What a photogenic couple!

As a wedding photographer, I always look out for the details that could otherwise be forgotten in time

A pop of red against the green garden of Dovecote Barn in Adderbury

The beautiful couple

I get excited by weird things as a wedding photographer, such as the lamp in the background of this photo. As soon as I spotted it, I knew it would complete the photo!

The speeches were extremely moving, and left Anne with tears rolling down her face. There are the images that I feel are the most important from the day. It might not be flattering, it might not be the one that you print out and put on your wall, but it will remind you of the emotion you experienced.

Capturing emotional moments like this, as a tear rolls down Anne’s face, are what make being a wedding photographer most rewarding

Anne’s father giving a speech

Another toast!

Anne and Gareth

Dovecote barn is an amazing wedding reception venue

The first dance

The first dance

Anne and Gareth, due to your late booking you are the first couple I have ever been wedding photographer for and not met before the day, but it was an absolute delight! Best of luck with your future together!

Wedding car

One of the 3 dresses

Getting ready

Final makeup touches

I love using reflections in my wedding photography

Bridal preparations

The three wedding dresses

Jimmy Choos – I hear they’re fancy?

Bouquet details

Bridal details

Wedding reception

Love this lighting behind the wedding cake

Can’t beat a dance floor with decent lighting!

Having fun on the dance floor. This is one of my favourite parts of the day as a wedding photographer.

Weddings are for romances and bromances

Great shapes!

And one more dancing photo, just because they’re such fun!