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London Wedding Photographer

Bride and groom messing around at Shoreditch wedding by graffiti

Eight Club Wedding in Moorgate and Shoreditch

By London venues and events, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding Venues2 Comments

There’s something endlessly fascinating about the streets of central London. It’s not just the rich history of our capital, it’s the architecture, it’s the energy and the sheer variety of what is around us. Whenever we work there for a wedding day we remain  equally motivated and fascinated by this environment.

When we spoke with V and B we were as ever excited to be working in iconic areas, and this time it was to be Shoreditch and Moorgate, which had a lot of both personal and professional history for them.

Wedding dress hanging at Montcalm Hotel in London

Bridal preparation Montcalm Hotel London

Bride's face in mirror Montcalm Hotel wedding

The day was to start at B’s local pub with the boys at the Old Blue Last on Great Eastern Street, and a bit of fun in a few places around the block. The Old Blue Last has a very colourful history, including being a formal brothel, site of a theatre Shakespeare hung out at and is now a vibrant music venue too.

Groomsmen on bikes in Shoreditch wedding morning

V and her bridesmaids were getting ready at the Montcalm Hotel in Finsbury Square. Joanna started there and I joined her after a while.

Bride and bridesmaids outside Eight Club Shoreditch wedding

Bride near Eight Club Moorgate wedding

The venue foe the ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception was the rather fabulous Eight Club Moorgate. A lovely members club with fine dining, private meeting rooms and large airy modern spaces with terraces around making it a special place to host a wedding ceremony and reception.

Bride and groom in aisle at Eight Club wedding ceremony

V and B chose a celebrant to host their ceremony and to make it meaningfully personalised for them, and we have to say she did an excellent job.

Bride groom and bubbles inside Eight Club Moorgate wedding

Their recessional was played out to bubbles from the guests and Sucker for You by The Jonas Brothers. I have to admit to being a little bit of a sucker for that track myself.

Bridal party walking through Shoreditch wedding streets

Whilst the guests enjoyed their drinks reception on the sunlit terraces of Eight Club, we took to the surrounding streets of Moorgate and Shoreditch to do some shots once again in places that had memories and meaning for the couple.

Shoreditch wedding couple kiss on graffiti filled steps

In my opinion that’s the best kind of wedding day, one that is filled with relevance and meaning to the couple themselves. While a country mansion is great too, unless it was your ancestral l home (!!!!) I don’t think it could resonate quite the same way.

Wedding party by graffiti in Shoreditch London

The wedding breakfast and speeches were in the stylish Quartier restaurant level of the club, while the upstairs bar and terrace areas were readied for the first dance and evening partying.

Eight Club Wedding Collage

All in all a great day, and a special mention to the staff of Eight Club Moorgate who were great throughout the ceremony, reception and party.

By David Green

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Was this our best year ever? 12 months of wedding photography inside…

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

Goodbye 2019. Hello 2020. That was one great year of wedding photography with truly special big days we were super excited and privileged to be a part of.

Tanner warehouse wedding at the Shard photo

For us all wedding days are fantastic to be a part of, and we worked our socks off to do every single one of them justice for the couples and their guests.

Eleven years of London and Home Counties wedding photography has not dimmed our enthusiasm, in fact every year it grows as does our experience and technique.

London wedding photography collage two

Looking ahead to the next 365 days we have our usual mixture of iconic venues, hipster hangouts, warehouses, stately homes and Victorian gastro boozers to look forward to. A whole host of new places and faces to explore, and also a return to favourites St Paul’s Cathedral, The Gherkin, The Shard, London Zoo and Tower Bridge.

Gherkin wedding day two brides on stairs

In truth though it doesn’t matter if the venue is humble or spectacular, for us it is about the people and making them happy with an approach and imagery that they value.

Bride arrives at Dead Dolls House for Islington Town Hall Wedding

Bride and Groom walking at Brook Farm Wedding

We are lovers of wedding photography and its challenges, but we never ever forget that we are in the service industry, and that it is about the couple first and foremost and what is best for them.

Wedding-couple-kiss-under-Tower-Bridge-London-photo

Bride and groom messing around at Shoreditch wedding by graffiti

It’s interesting that a few brides and grooms told us last year that they felt many photographers they were talking to were more interested in the possibly photogenic venue to shoot at rather than the plans of the couple themselves. That’s a mistake because great photography can be anywhere.

Groomsmen walk to Trinity Wharf wedding ceremony

We don’t blog every wedding, very simply because we are busy both photographing and living our lives. Every year we shoot between thirty and forty weddings. That’s enough for us to give the right level of time and attention to every one of those big days. Once we have our limit of bookings we stop for that calendar year, unless it’s an emergency to help someone out.

Two brides at their wedding hold hands on a bridge

Couple by red phone boxes London wedding day

Stoke Newington town hall wedding ceremony kiss

There are some 2019 weddings that were highlights we haven’t blogged, so we choose some of the favourites from the ones we did in our featured collages. Hope you enjoy and feel free to ask to see a whole wedding, which on average will be over 1000 individually edited images we present to each couple.

Couple in Leadenhall Market London engagement shoot image

Bride looks across London Gherkin wedding day

Looking forward to 2020 and beyond!

By David Green

Here links to some of the featured images in this post:

Tanner Warehouse Wedding Photography, with a ceremony at Stoke Newington Town Hall

Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding photographers, and a sky full of stars

Eight Club Wedding in Moorgate and Shoreditch

Islington Town Hall Wedding Photographers, reception at Dead Dolls House

St Georges Cathedral & Gherkin wedding photographers

Hanbury Manor Wedding Photographers

 

 

 

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First kiss Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding ceremony

Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding photographers, and a sky full of stars

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesOne Comment

Trinity Buoy Wharf London is one of those weird and wonderful wedding venues that we have been asked to photograph many times but we have always been doubled booked! So naturally we were delighted for the first time to be able to say ‘yes’ to T & M’s November big day.

Groomsmen walk to Trinity Wharf wedding ceremony

We love a good winter wedding which is just as well as it’s always a busy time for bookings with us every year. Never mind it was wet and windy, we are used to that too!

Bridal prep for Trinity Buoy wedding day image

Our day started in London’s Canary Wharf quarter with T’s bridal preparations in an apartment overlooking the Thames. There was certainly plenty of laughter anticipation and energy on show. After a while I (David) headed off separately to document M and his three best men and groomsmen’s arrival at the wedding venue and their “meet and greet” of all the arriving guests.

Groomsmen share a joke at Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding London

I grew up next to a lighthouse in Yorkshire so it was special for me to experience London’s only such beacon across the Thames from the O2 arena as well. So what if it doesn’t work anymore, what could be more cool than a lighthouse with a wedding ceremony and reception venue beneath!

Wedding ceremony at Trinity Buoy Wharf London

T and M arranged some great decor for the venue and we particularly liked their hangings from the ceiling. This made me think of Coldplay’s Sky Full of Stars and I was keen to incorporate it in some of the angles I shot for the wedding ceremony. Unfortunately the registrar was in the line of sight for most of the proceedings except for the first kiss, so when that window of opportunity arose I dropped to my knees and got the shot  I’d seen in my minds eye, and which I’ve used as the featured image in this post.

Trinity Buoy wharf wedding couple in lighthouse

Anyway it was a great ceremony and afterwards while Joanna documented the drinks reception I went off with the newly weds straight to the top of a very windy, cold and slightly rainy lighthouse to do some couple shots. Nevertheless we had a great time and the rain did us a favour and stopped for an hour after a while so I had a chance to do some family shots too just outside of the venue.

Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding couple outside lighthouse by O2 arena photo

Wedding couple hold hands and laugh at Trinity Buoy Wharf

Bride and groom in gardens for Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding

History wise Trinity Buoy Wharf is really two buildings. The area for wedding ceremonies and receptions was a storehouse and maintenance depot for buoys, and the lighthouse was added and completed in 1866. As well as doing it’s traditional lighting duties the structure was used to train lighthouse keepers and was also used for experiments by famous scientist Michael Faraday.

Bride and groom by sign at Trinity Buoy Wharf Wedding

After a super wedding breakfast, speeches and a bouquet toss it was time for the first dance and getting down to some serious partying!

Kiss during wedding speeches at Trinity Buoy Wharf

Trinity Buoy wedding collage one

Trinity Buoy wedding collage two

By David Green

Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding venue London

If you are looking for, and would love an alternative wedding style and venue take a look at this related post here: Tanner Warehouse Wedding Photography, with a ceremony at Stoke Newington Town Hall

Wedding ceremony room at Trinity Buoy Wharf

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London wedding couple under arch with flying birds photo

St George’s Cathedral & Gherkin wedding photographers

By London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

It’s been a really multicultural and international year for us so far with our wedding photography. This particular big day was a very Swiss affair, with some of that Alpine magic coming into play from our lovely couple S and A.

Bride looks across London Gherkin wedding day

The day began with coverage of our bride in the couple’s apartment in Bermondsey, with mum and bridesmaids in attendance.

Bride gets ready on Gherkin wedding day

Bride and bridesmaids before St George's Cathedral wedding ceremony

When I  went on their balcony to take some shots I saw something that definitely made me smile, there it was in the distance, the main building in view – The Gherkin. Everyday these guys look upon that architectural marvel, no wonder they chose it for their wedding reception!

St George's Cathedral wedding in London wide shotWedding ceremony at St George's Cathedral London

First kiss St George's Cathedral London wedding ceremony

Wedding recessional at St George's Cathedral ceremony

While I documented the excitement of the morning, Joanna was at St George’s Cathedral to capture the groom’s preparations and his ‘meet and greet.’

Wedding kiss at the doors of St George's Cathedral in London

We’ve photographed at St George’s near the Imperial War museum a few times now, and it really is a grand structure.

Wedding party cross London road by St George's Cathedral

St George’s Cathedral itself was built in 1848, but was extensively damaged in the blitz of the second world war, and had to have a large amount of rebuilding.

Gherkin wedding collage and B Bakery tea bus

It looks truly striking and magnificent today, no wonder couples enjoy their wedding ceremonies there.

After the ceremony close family went to the park next to the war museum for some group photos, and then it was all aboard an old London Routemaster bus for a scenic tour before arriving at The Gherkin.

Wedding couple pose outside The National Gallery London

London wedding couple by Charing Cross Tube station entrance

Now this was no ordinary route master wedding bus. I would have to say it was our favourite one ever because it was run by Bridget’s Bakery, and it was fitted out with lovely tables and cake and sandwich displays for enjoying the best of the bakery, while taking in the best of London on the way. Brilliant!

Wedding couple hold hands by London phone boxes Charing Cross

Bride and groom kiss in front of London phone boxes after wedding

I got off at Trafalgar Square with S and A for some couple shots in and around the area, while Joanna travelled with the rest of the part to 30 St Mary Axe, also known popularly as The Gherkin building.

Bride and groom walking through London's Charing Cross area

Something to remember for any couple planning to travel around central London with your wedding photographer on a Saturday: it’s going to be very public and very busy. Actually that is one of the highlights that you really need to embrace to get the best out of the scenario.

London wedding couple in gardens before Gherkin reception

Bride and groom pose with Charing Cross architecture photo

If this is your plan you will find it’s pretty special to be applauded and congratulated as you walk the streets. Everybody loves a wedding couple, trust me I have seen it a great many times.

Wedding couple look across the Thames towards Waterloo bridge

The other things to bear in mind is that time and opportunity is limited. You have on average 20 to 30 seconds at most to get that shot because of opportunity and the general public. You may well be moved on by security too as many places actually require a pre paid license for professional photography.

Wedding party in front of the London Gherkin before reception

There are ways around this sometimes, and if there’s a way around it we know what it is!

London couple look out of Gherkin window at wedding reception

We had fun on The Strand, down to the embankment and finishing on Waterloo Bridge, before  hailing a cab back to The Gherkin.

Bride and groom by head table at Gherkin reception image

Searcy’s look after fine dining and entertainment spaces at the Gherkin so I knew the setup would be lovely.

We had a little time to take shots of S and A in the wedding breakfast room and a corridor near by before dinner was served.

First dance with umbrella and streamers collage Gherkin wedding

The thing about weddings at The Gherkin is that depending on the size of your wedding party and requirements, the space can be opened out or divided up. For these Swiss lovebirds, it was a more intimate affair so a room that we are used to seeing larger for ceremonies was divided into two.

After dinner it was time for speeches and cake cutting. We then witnessed a Swiss tradition we haven’t encountered before which was the couple dancing beneath an umbrella while streamers were continually thrown over them. It’s similar to Italian traditions except they don’t have the umbrella!

All in all a fantastic day from Bermondsey to St George’s Cathedral, around London in the tea bus to the Gherkin for the wedding reception.

By David Green

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Tanner warehouse wedding at the Shard photo

Tanner Warehouse Wedding Photography, with a ceremony at Stoke Newington Town Hall

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding Venues3 Comments

We knew from day one that Kristine and Oliver’s wedding day would be fabulous from beginning to end. Why? Because they are Norwegian, and Norwegian people know how to enjoy themselves big time!

London wedding couple choose love at Southbank

Actually in repeated survey’s of the happiest nationalities in the world, Norway is always close to the top. First hand, we understand why.

Groom in Ronnie Krays cell at Courthouse Hotel London wedding

Truth be told though these guys were open minded to trying different things photography wise, and they also had plenty of their own ideas too.

Bridal preparation at Courthouse Hotel London

London groomsmen at Courthouse Hotel Ronnie Kray cell image

Naturally we are going to document the day with quality reportage, but we relish to the chance to “make” photos as well as “take” photos. That’s a little bit simplistic to say “take” photos because there is so much to consider: light, angle, technical settings, emotion, action etc but we hope you get the essence of what we mean.

Bridal entrance at Stoke Newington Town Hall weddingStoke Newington town hall wedding ceremony kiss

Ha ha, you are probably just looking at the pictures and not reading this, and who could blame you!

Confetti throw at Stoke Newington Hall wedding

This was a day of many locations and it started in the morning at the London Courthouse Hotel. This place is a brilliant conversion of Old Street Magistrates Court and police station. Both K and O stayed here separately the night before, so morning time we were able to juggle between the two.

Wedding couple on Clissold Park Bridge after Stoke Newington Town Hall

Wedidng couple in Clissold Park London

I loved photographing the boys on some of the original police cells they have retained in the bar area, including Ronnie Krays where he has held for “demanding money with menace.”

Wedidng couple hold hamds in front of St pauls Cathedral London

Central London wedding couple hold hands by St Pauls wooden gate

Wedding couple hold hands in Paternoster Square by St Pauls

Oliver used to a professional footballer, so it was fitting that we ran into West Ham’s coaching staff and current manager Manuel Pellegrini on the main staircase. I swear every time they lose he gains another wrinkle…

London wedding couple head towards the Millennium bridge

London wedding couple kiss in rain by St Pauls Cathedral

Next if was time to take a cab ride to our wedding ceremony venue the lovely Stoke Newington Town Hall. I particularly enjoyed this ride, not just chit chatting with the boys but boring everyone by pointing out where we used to live in Islington and my first studio business on Essex Road.

London wedding couple on Millennium Bridge image

Anyway, what a great wedding ceremony venue at Stoke Newington Town Hall. One of the groomsman performed mid way through a live rendition of  Elvis Presley’s iconic song ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love.’  Always loved this song, and I actually had to fight back the tears myself. As your one of the photographers at a wedding it’s never a great idea to cry into your viewfinder as it makes everything blurry afterwards!

London wedding couple hug by Thames at Southbank photo

London wedding couple by boat art in Southbank

After confetti throwing round the front of the town hall we went for a wander with the newly weds around Clissold Park. Boy oh boy I remember pushing our kids prams around there a few times!

London wedding couple near Oxo Tower laughing

London wedding couple by old shops Bermondsey Tanner Warehouse

Now I’m not being stereotypical when I say that Norwegian people enjoy a drink, and why not? That meant before everyone got on to a specially commissioned London Routemaster bus we had an hour or so’s pit stop at the Irish pub across the road from the ceremony venue.

London wedding couple kiss in cobbled alley with sun flare

Tanner warehouse wedding couple pose in street

All refreshed, the bus toured around central London just in time for the heavens to open and it torrentially rained for a while. It didn’t last long though, and later I (David) left the bus near St Pauls Cathedral and took a walk with the couple to shoot some portraits around there and the Southbank.

First dance at Tanner Warehouse for London wedding couple

Thanks to Uber we got back in time for the wedding reception at Tanner Warehouse in Bermondsey, or to be more precise 50 Bermondsey Street. This is a great wedding venue with fantastic staff. I love the fact that it started life as a chocolate factory too, as my first ever job was working in a handmade chocolate shop and then as a student I did part-time shifts making Rolo’s at Rowntrees chocolate factory. Mmmmm…..

Guitarist at Tanner House wedding London

At Tanner Warehouse its was food, drinks, socialising and of course partying. We enjoyed the speeches, even the ones we didn’t understand in Norwegian. After cake cutting and first dance our talented groomsman from the Stoke Newington Town Hall ceremony took to the microphone and guitar again to get the wedding party boogeying.

Tanner warehouse wedding collage 1

Tanner warehouse wedding collage 2

We thank Kristine and Oliver for their open mindedness with their wedding photography and their fantastic hospitality to us as well.

Stoke Newington Town Hall

I’ve looked online at Bergen in Norway where they live and I’ve put it on my bucket list to visit soon. Kristine and Oliver, you have been warned…

By David Green.

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