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Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding sparklers with bride and groom kiss

Best Trinity Buoy Wharf Wedding Day in History 😉

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

We love a Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding, and we’ve done a fair few! As a London based wedding photographer there are certain venues we particularly looked forward to being booked for, and Trinity Buoy Wharf is definitely on our personal Top 10. We won’t say where on the ten, but it certainly the upper half! In fact we can’t see anything not to like.

Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding couple in lighthouse at night 1
I (David) grew up opposite a lighthouse, complete with a very loud fog horn on cold misty nights, and distinctive flashing beams lighting up my bedroom warning incoming ships.

Bridal prep for Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding

Bride arrives in car for Trinity Buoy Wharf Wedding

I mention lighthouses because one of the great things about the wharf is that it has London’s only lighthouse. Built in 1864 it was famously used by renowned scientist Michael Faraday and served as an experimental place to test lights and other things, rather than guide boats on the Thames!

Trinity Buoy Wharf Wedding day collage one

Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding ceremony wide shot

Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding ceremony close shot

Bride cries reading vows Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding ceremony

First kiss at Trinity Buoy Wharf Wedding ceremony

Wedding recessional at Trinity Buoy Wharf ceremony

It’s a fantastic place like the rest of Trinity Buoy Wharf, and when we were booked by C and L I knew they would have an epic day. I also knew that as well because the venue team, the wedding planners, caterers and outside suppliers are always top notch.

Confetti throw at Trinity Buoy Wharf Wedding

Photography opportunities abound at the venue with many quirky buildings and views of the Thames. This big day was a little different from our usual experiences though.

Bride and groom walk on pier at Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding day

For a start it was later in the day and in November, so darkness fell pretty quickly. Also, instead of the drinks reception being at Trinity itself the couple had booked a two hour Thames round trip cruise as a special treat. It was great but a little choppy, and I did start feeling a little motion sick looking through the camera viewfinders while we were bobbing up and down 😊

Trinity Buoy Wharf Wedding couple kiss on Thames cruise

Bride and groom walk towards Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding

Our day started at The Stratford Hotel where C and her bridesmaids were getting, ready which was about a 15 minute drive from Trinity Buoy Wharf. On then to L at the venue and his organising and greeting of the guests.

Bride and bridesmaids at Trinity Buoy Wharf Wedding

C arrived in a nice vintage Rolls Royce with her dad and then on to her ceremony with L. It was a humanist wedding ceremony conducted by fantastic celebrant Anna Thirkettle.

Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding couple hug in lighthouse

Trinity Buoy Wharf bride and groom look out from lighthouse to Thames

Photo looking into lighthouse Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding couple

Straight after we had a confetti throw with all the guests and then straight on to our boat. Lots of classic reportage and good ‘in the moment’ photography followed (plus my sea sickness, not…) and a little window of opportunity in a small area at the back of the boat to get some couple shots, with Thames views and Greenwich Old Naval College in the background. Kind of made me think of Venice, which I’ve had the great pleasure of visiting a few times.

Wedding sparklers at Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding

Trinity Buoy Wharf Wedding sparklers shot with bride and groom and O2 in background 1

When we returned to Trinity Buoy Wharf for the wedding reception nightfall had come, but there was still 15 to 20 minutes time built in for ourselves and the couple to do some images at the very top of the lighthouse, which as every time I’ve been there before, I loved!
Thing is, I’ve never seen shots of it done with a wedding couple in the dark before. However we always like to push the envelope and I enjoyed the challenge, and I’m very happy with the results and the variety of shots produced.

Cake eating ceremony at Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding reception

As well as all the usual candid and documentary shots we provide during the day and night, we love to give couples some images that are different, quirky stand out images, something that may not have been done before in a familiar venue. Almost as a conversation piece, and if it doesn’t take too long, why not!?

First dance image from Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding reception

A great day shifted towards the wedding breakfast, full of amusing and emotional speeches, and some scrummy food courtesy of the street vendors brought in. Brilliant pizzas, and tasty crepes a bit later.

Fifteen minute of organized madness saw us all go outside, and me organize a sparklers shot with the O2 in the background. Great fun.

First dance was to C and L’s choice of live band: The Soundouts who I thought were phenomenal, and then it was time for some serious partying by the Thames.

Another fantastic wedding day for us at Trinity Buoy Wharf and thank you to C and L for being such a brilliant couple!
Supplier List:
Ever fab venue: @trinitybuoywharfweddings
@trinitybuoywharf
Event Coordinators & Suppliers: @theweddingarrangers (thanks Harriet)
@urbanweddings
Food & Drinks: @londonweddingbars
Street Food: @chew_that_events
Wedding Dress @sassiholfordbridal
Cinematographer: @confetti_and_silk_films
Celebrant – Anna @gentlerebelceremonies
Flowers: @sage.flowers
Light up stuff: @vowedandamazed

Band: The Soundouts: Function and Wedding Band in Kent, Essex & London | The Soundouts

Take a look at another Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding day from our blog here:

Trinity Buoy Wharf wedding photographers, and a sky full of stars – Creative London Wedding Photographers Big Day Weddings (bigday-weddings.com)

By David Green

London Christening photographer font image Greek church Camden

London Christening Photography at All Saints Greek Orthodox Cathedral Camden

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding PhotographersNo Comments

London Christening Photography is something that David has done, time permitting, between weddings for the best part of ten years now. We don’t post about it very often, but it does happen! Just pleased to receive a lovely thank you card here from Stella and Michael who’s wedding we captured at Old Marylebone Town Hall and the iconic original Ivy Restaurant in West Street Covent garden two years ago.

In the meantime they have started a wonderful family 🙂

David documented the christening at All Saints Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Camden on a very very hot Sunday in June, and stella gave us permission to release one of the images of her lovely daughter Emily.

Big Day Weddings thank you card image 2023

The card reads: “Dear David, Thank you so much for the fabulous photos for Emily’s christening. We love them and you’ve really captured some great moments of our baby girl. We really appreciate what a great job you did in 2 hours and the photos will stay with us forever! Pleased to work with you as always! All the best, Stella, Michael and Emily.”

It was seriously great to see so many faces again that were also at their fantastic wedding, and see the circle of life in action with the arrival of little Emily!

London wedding couple with balloons by red phone booth wide

Screen on the Green Cinema Wedding Islington, Reception at The Juno Rooms

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

There are days that live long in the memory for wedding photographers, and not just the bride and groom! This fantastic celebration stretching from Islington’s iconic cinema and gig venue Screen on the Green, via London Routemaster bus, to the Juno Rooms on Watling Street in the shadow of St Paul’s is one of them.

Groomsmen laughing together Islington wedding day

Islington Screen on the Green wedding cinema groomsmen in front

K and K wanted to put their personal stamp on their big day, and they excelled at everything they planned. The area’s most popular wedding venue is of course the wonderful  Islington Town Hall on Upper Street. We should know, we were married there ourselves! But these two as avid film lovers wanted to get hitched in one of London’s greatest cinemas: The Screen on The Green.

Islington Screen on the Green wedding cinema sign

Islington Screen on the Green cinema wedding venue

Screen on the Green Wedding Collage 2

The Screen on the Green has also been a gig venue of legendary status, most notably for the Sex Pistols.

Bride arrives for Islington wedding ceremony

Day began with us switching between the cinema and the set up for the ceremony there, to the Fox on the Green pub just across the road where groom friends and family began to gather.

Groom waits by cinema screen Islington wedding ceremony

As the time for he ceremony drew near everyone drank up their pints and cocktails and headed to the cinema. K and K had a cinematic slideshow playing of themselves superimposed onto famous actors and movie shots for the delight and amusement of their wedding party.

Screen on the Green cinema Islington wedding ceremony

After documenting our brides arrival we absolutely loved the theatrics of having Islington’s registrars and the lovely couple conduct their wedding ceremony on stage with a spotlight highlighting the action.

Wedding ceremony at Screen on the Green cinema Islington

First kiss wedding ceremony Screen on the Green Islington

That took me David back to another Islington wedding day we did, starting at the town hall and ending with a reception on stage at the Charring Cross Theatre, owned by the groom no less!

Wedding couple kiss in front of Islington Screen on the Green

Bride and groom in front of black wall Islington wedding day

Islington wedding bride and groom by glass wall London

Islington wedding couple laughing by glass wall Upper Street London

After a brilliant ceremony and drink reception in the cinema we all hoped on a Routemaster bus to the excellent Juno Rooms on Watling Street near St Paul’s Cathedral, another of our frequent wedding venues we are ever delighted to photograph at.

Islington wedding couple by London routemaster bus

One of our absolute favourite parts of the day was of banter with the City of London Police outside St Paul’s, who agreed with very little persuasion to pretend to arrest the couple for a pic opportunity.

Under arrest wedding couple at St Pauls Cathedral

We are back there twice this year for wedding ceremonies in the cathedral itself.

Islington wedding couple with balloons by St Pauls Cathedral image

London wedding couple with balloons by red phone booth wide

The Juno Rooms is a modern vibrant and quirky venue both upstairs and downstairs. I (David) went on a short exploration during the wedding breakfast and found the most incredible little streets and alley ways full of character and history all within a minutes walk of the place. Recommended!

Cake cutting with confetti cannons Islington wedding reception 2

Cake cutting with bride and groom Juno Rooms London

Juno Rooms Wedding Reception Collage

Cake cutting was truly bonkers. K and K wanted it to be lively and memorable. Well it was for me as a confetti cannon set off right by my ear send me temporarily deaf but thankfully by the end of the party I was almost normal again 🙂

First dance Islington wedding couple at Juno Rooms central London

Wedding breakfast was downstairs and so was the speeches first and dance and the mother of all parties. What a day, and thankfully I can hear properly again!

Islington bride and groom dance at Juno Rooms wedding reception London

We delivered over 1150 images to the couple, full of their friends and family having a great time and all the natural moments as the day unfolded. We’ve highlighted some of our favourites, but of course this is just a snap shot of an all round quirky and pretty awesome day!

 

Bride and groom at Aldwickbury golf wedding

Aldwickbury Park Wedding Day

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

Bride at Elstree Hilton wedding image

Here’s a post about David’s time with Appy and Dan at their Aldwickbury Park Golf Club wedding day. You can see what they thought in the Google review at the end 🙂

Now imagine you plan your ideal day as these guys did, you look around and fall in love with a particular venue and it has everything you are hoping for. You imagine yourself and your guests there having the time of their lives. You see yourself in the grounds spending time with everyone including your photographer. In your mind’s eye it is probably a lovely sunny and warm day with perhaps a gentle cooling breeze.

First kiss Aldwickbury golf wedding ceremony

What happens then when it’s cold, windy and wet almost the whole day? Do you let it ruin your dream? Maybe for some it does impact them.

But for Appy and Dan and certainly David, we were all determined to get the very best out of the day. In these images you can’t feel the cold or the strong winds. You can’t see the rain in the background of some of the shots. And you wouldn’t realise that when we did get outside we had literally moments at a time between showers!

Harpenden wedding couple walk on golf course Aldwickbury

David is very very experienced with all things wedding, and has seen every weather condition, and a hundred and one different approaches and emotions that come out on such a big day. If you read the reviews about us all over Google and some of the listing sites, you will soon see how delighted people are with our approach whether it sun rain or shine. When you love people and their wedding days, putting the technical side of things to one side, it’s easy!

Wedding couple laugh at Aldwickbury golf club Harpenden

Our day started at the Hilton DoubleTree Elstree where both bride and groom were getting ready separately, so there was time to get each of their preparations and some shots around the hotel. Then it was time to drive to Aldwickbury  Park Golf Club for the ceremony and reception.

Aldwickbury park golf club wedding couple by fountain

The staff at Aldwickbury were great, friendly and efficient too.

Wedding coule under veil Harpenden wedding day

Despite the weather a great time was had by all that’s for sure!

Aldwickbury park golf club wedding couple

First dance Aldwickbury golf course wedding reception

Here’s  a transcript of Appy and Dan’s Google review shown in the screen grab below:

“I have no words left, its more then what I expected. The photos and expressions that you captured were amazing. We were very upset with the weather on our big day and thought we won’t get good photos, but you did an excellent job. We can see your efforts and hard work. We both are very happy with your services. I will definitely recommend people/friends for your services. We are soo glad we met you David, you are the best wedding photographer. Excellent photography. You made our day.”

Response from the owner

“Apexa and Daniel, thank you so much for your review. It was a fantastic day, and although it was cold windy and wet we all made sure love and laughter blew all that away. I could see the special bond between you and made that my goal to shine through in every image. Wishing you and your families the very best for the future. David and Joanna”

Big Day Weddings Google review Aldwickbury Park Golf wedding 2

Big Day Weddings best of 2022 collage Two

Another busy wedding season ahead, can’t wait!

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

Although wedding season started in earnest in February for us, and before we head outwards to Islington for todays wedding, here’s a quick look towards what is coming from this years super couples.

As it says on our Wedding Galleries on the site here: Wedding Galleries  “From St Paul’s to San Tropez” we will be covering weddings at St Paul’s cathedral once again this year, and heading to sunny France for a few including another of our favourite “saints” St Tropez!

There’s also of course many Big Day’s starting in the capital’s iconic town hall’s of Islington, Marylebone and Chelsea and some beautiful churches too, followed by hotels, Victorian boozers and warehouse spaces for many fantastic planned receptions.

As usual we will doing a lovely selection of quirky venues, industrial chic, and manor houses and barns throughout the home counties, and some outdoor celebrations in the mix too.

Can’t wait! Some dates still free, so get in touch to find out which 🙂

David and Joanna

Big Day Weddings best of 2022 collage one

Engagement shoot at Alexandra Palace north London

Alexandra Palace Engagement Shoot, for 2023 Engagement season!

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographers, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

Well, they tell us that now is the traditional time after Christmas and heading through New Year that those of us in the wedding world call “Engagement Season.” So here’s a recent Alexandra Palace engagement shoot landing on the blog.

Alexandra Palace engagement shoot, couple walk through leaves

Apparently now is the time the vast majority of couples pop the big question to each other and then providing the answer is positive (!!!) planning for the big day begins in earnest.

Engaged couple in front of blue doors Alexandra Palace wide shot

M and J live in Buckinghamshire and it’s very near their homes in Bletchley they are getting married, with a wedding reception to follow in Milton Keynes. J is English and M is Brazilian and bizarrely as I (David) found on on the shoot, J and I used to work in the same company many moons ago. Small world 🙂

Couple sat on log Alexandra Palace engagement photo shoot

And that’s one of the great things about engagement shoots: everyone gets to know each other a bit better. It certainly helps some couples relax a little ahead of the big day to find out how friendly and relaxed we are.

Alexandra Palace engagement couple by graffiti

Having said that, it’s only about thirty percent of couples that take up our offer of a complimentary engagement shoot that comes as standard in our Elegance and Platinum Plus packages, both found here: Pricing – Creative London Wedding Photographers Big Day Weddings (bigday-weddings.com)

couple walking together Alexandra Palace engagement shoot

If you’ve seen any of our other engagement shoot blog posts you will know that it is David that pretty much does all of these on his own, unless of course it’s a longer and more involved shoot say in central London with a couple that may have flown in just for the experience. Yes people really do that! A quick look on Google will tell you how happy people are with us 🙂

Couple on steps Alexandra Park and Palace shoot

What’s great about Alexandra Palace engagements shoots, apart from the fact we used to live right next to it, and our children went to school nearby in Muswell Hill, is the variety the building and surrounding park offer.

Forever Yours Alexandra Palace engagement shoot

It has water, woodland, views, gardens, interesting architecture, and plenty of characters wandering around too. The thing is knowing what works visually and what doesn’t, getting people relaxed and understanding light and camera technique to get the best out of an engagement shoot. And on top of that being able to do it with energy, a smile, gentle direction, and guaranteed results every time.

Couple by grafitti Alexandra Palace engagement shoot photo

Things is when it’s your career, when you love what you do, when you always want to create something fresh and engaging: it’s a pleasure.

Couple by tree Alexandra Palace engagement photo shoot

Engagement shoot on steps by Alexandra Palace London

Want to see some more of our engagements shoots including Alexandra Palace? Then take a look at the links below:

Shoreditch Engagement Shoot, inner London photography

Best London Engagement Shoot from Covent Garden to Leadenhall Market

Engagement Shoot at London’s Alexandra Palace in Muswell Hill

Engaged couple in front of blue doors Alexandra Palace

Engagement shoot at Alexandra Palace north London

By David Green

Wedding at The Ivy London bride and groom image

Fitzrovia Chapel Wedding Westminster & reception at The Ivy London

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

We love a Fitzrovia Chapel wedding. One of the best things about photographing in London and the home counties is the sheer variety of venues. We appreciate that, it helps keep us fresh and is a challenge we always relish. For E & R’s special day they chose three iconic spots in central London.

Wedding couple kiss outside The Ivy central London image

The day started with E getting ready at The Dorchester just off Park Lane central London, a venue we have been very happy to work in many times. A very relaxed start there and a chance to get to know mum and dad a little and of course the maid of honour and bridesmaids.

Bride getting makeup The Dorchester Hotel London

Wedding dress hanging The Dorchester Hotel London

Bride in wedding dress The Dorchester Hotel London

A fairly short convoy cab ride away, beating bride and dad to the church, we arrived at the ever amazing Fitzrovia Chapel in Pearson Square.

Groom waits for bride Fitzrovia Chapel wedding Westminster London

Bride arrives at Fitzrovia Chapel Wedding ceremony Westminster London

Fitzrovia Chapel in Westminster for those who haven’t been looks to my eye (David) something that could be in Vatican City Rome, it really is that impressive and golden inside!

Bride arrives with father Fitzrovia Chapel Wedidng London

First look Fitzrovia Chapel Wedding ceremony London

It was built between 1891 – 2 but work with the interiors didn’t fully finish until 1929. Well at least there was something positive about 1929 considering it was the year of the great Wall Street stock market crash and the beginning of the Depression era!

Fitzrovia Chapel Wedding ceremony Westminster London

It’s gothic, it beautiful, you can record songs there, fashion shoots, art exhibitions, performances you name it and of course you can get married too in its vaulted splendour. A real hidden gem in Westminster central London.

First Kiss at Fitzrovia Chapel Wedding London

Photograph there in winter and you have to make an artistic choice, discreet soft flash or purely ambient. Purely ambient is pretty easy though we’ve seen quite a lot of previous wedding coverage there that is very dark and not particularly flattering, so diffused flash became the order of the day and worked very well.

Wedding recessional at Fitzrovia Chapel Westminster London

Bride and groom outside Fitzrovia Chapel Westminster London

Especially love the moment E comes through the arches with Dad, and R’s anticipation moments before. The registrars for the ceremony we knew, they really are a great team in Westminster, and thank you to the helpful staff on hand at Fitzrovia Chapel itself.

Bride and groom hold hands Fitzrovia Chapel Wedding

Afterwards there was a short drinks reception we used as a chance to get ten minutes outside with the newly weds for some shots, and then it was time to make our way to one of London’s most famous and iconic restaurant The Ivy.

Wedding couple walk through Westminster London

What to say about The Ivy. Well we have both photographed and dined there many times. It is probably one of the most famous celebrity frequented restaurants London has. Starting in 1917 as an Italian Café it morphed over time into a restaurant frequented by some of the most famous actors of the day from Sir Lawrence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, Sir John Gielgud, Noel Coward and many many others in it’s history. It’s in the heart of theatreland, beautifully decorated and you cannot see in from the outside which David thinks is one of it’s biggest assets: privacy.

Wedding at The Ivy London bride and groom image

It’s also a fantastic place for a small to medium sized wedding reception. The first floor (we’ve worked at the top as well) is beautiful with a bar, socializing and dining area.

The Ivy Wedding Reception London Collage

E & R arranged a fantastic three piece jazz band that kept the evening swinging, through another drinks reception, the wedding breakfast, first dance and beyond. It was a special ambience, great staff as well as fantastic guests all combining to make it a very memorable Ivy wedding reception.

Take a look at some related central London wedding days and receptions on the blog below:

Best London Engagement Shoot from Covent Garden to Leadenhall Market

More of our favourite wedding images from in and around London in the past year

London’s best wedding venues that are both iconic and alternative

London Engagement shoot at Southbank and Tower Bridge again

By David Green

Confetti throw St James's church Paddington Wedding

Paddington Wedding Photographer – no bears involved!

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

Every wedding day is memorable for this wedding photographer, it’s just some over time become more memorable than others! As a pretty frequent Paddington wedding photographer, and all those central London areas around, this particular day with Elizabeth and Sean is certainly one that will live long in my mind’s eye.

Bride and groom walk through gardens Paddington wedding

Here’s some of the reasons, firstly apart from fifteen to twenty minutes spent fifty yards away in a small public rose garden the entire wedding day from ceremony though to reception food and drinks cake cutting and first dance everything was contained within the church.

Bride enters St James's church for Paddington wedding ceremony

The venue in question was the magnificent St James’s Church Sussex Gardens in Paddington. Built between 1841 and 1843 it replaced the previous building of St Mary’s of Paddington Green. It’s had many famous people over the years in the congregation and perhaps it’s most famous wedding of the past was Oscar Wilde marrying Constance Lloyd in 1884.

Wedding ceremony St James Paddington

London Paddington wedding ceremony at St James's

It’s constructed in a gothic style and as much as I could I wanted to show the drama of it in my wide shots.

Wedding couple stroll through Paddington London park

I talked extensively with Elizabeth about what the couple wanted for their big day, and the basic brief was that they preferred a low-key unobtrusive style with some gentle direction if needed at any point. Excellent, and that’s why I (David) captured the day on my own rather than as a pair.

Bride and Groom at Abbey Road crossing wedding day

This was a meeting of many cultures and countries and a really interesting mix for me to photograph. The whole vibe was one of love laughter and respect from everyone involved. As a wedding veteran, this time with everyone to me had an almost unique quality that is difficult to put into words.

Wedding couple kiss on steps Paddington London

What was different? Well the wedding breakfast, which was utterly delicious (thank you guys!) was delivered within the church itself and not in an adjoining hall or area. Quite a change to eat sat in a pew! The confetti throw was later in the day. And most special of all for me was cake cutting and a dance in aisle in the centre of the church rather than the sides. I’ll admit that was my idea, as I thought it would make it more memorable for Elizabeth and Sean, and that first dance was so heartfelt and beautiful it will probably be my longest memory of this Paddington wedding day 🙂

First dance in church aisle Paddington wedding London

We found twenty minutes to have a bit of outside fun and shoot some couple shots in the little garden across the road, and a pedestrian crossing and buildings we spotted nearby. A great day, only four hours actually and a really great couple.

THE REVIEW

Big Day Wedding Review October 2022

These two wrote me a lovely review five-star review (a shot is included) but also a really wonderful thank you email which I’m including to show real feedback from one of my cherished couples:

“Dear David,

Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding. We have been away in the Azores (honeymoon) island hopping and checking my emails whilst I am away is something I am notoriously terrible at.

However, what a wonderful gift to return to. Sean and I are both so thrilled with the collection of photographs. I cannot believe how happy we are with them all so thank you so, so much! From the first contact I knew I had made the right choice on photographer. I felt you understood us and our take on a relaxed, low key wedding perfectly. I was immediately at ease talking with you on the phone and as soon as I met you I was instantly relaxed. We can’t believe how you managed to capture so many shots in so many different places seemingly all at the same time! Sean’s Dad even commented ‘where did you find this guy, he is brilliant’. The images are incredible and have far exceeded expectionations. It is such a great mix of guests in the moment looking happy and relaxed but also some amazing shots with your creative direction. Your artistic flair shines through and we are thrilled with everything that you managed to capture. It is a true essence of the day. Thank you for coming by so early and texting me to know you were already there which was very reassuring and the images you got of the guests arriving right through to the cake cutting are brilliant and such a fantastic keepsake of the day. It has brought back the entire day beautifully for us. I normally do not like to have my photograph taken nor am I photogenic but in the nicest possible way I didn’t even notice you were there at all! Our expectations for the photographs across the road in the flower garden and ‘Beatles’ style on the zebra crossing were not high as we didn’t really know how to be and were worried you would get run over by a passing car for most of it but with your direction they have turned out to be so brilliant we are simply thrilled with them. The confetti shots also capture how happy everyone is and they are also fantastic. I could simply list everything as the entire collection is superb.

Thank you, again for capturing the day so magnificently when we only planned a very small, last minute, intimate afternoon that we threw together only a month or two before but with your style it looks like we planned the most exquisite day down to the finest detail. The amount of photos is incredible and they are all truly wonderful. The slide show to music is really something very special to treasure.

Sean insisted on writing on our behalf as I normally leave these things to him so I have additionally pasted his message from both of us below as well.

Sir David

You are an absolute royal super star!! Wow, Wow, Wow! So many great shots, it’s almost overwhelming! How did you jump around seemingly every corner of the church like that?! Some we love the most were when we went across the street to the rose gardens. You talking and joking and just your great personality made us so relaxed and you got so many amazing pictures there. But so many beautiful ones all over. The detail and characters and mood you captured. Impossible for us to pick a top 10 or even 100. And you gave us over 900 pics!

You are a star my friend. Thank you so much for being part of our divine day. We love you.

Sean and Elizabeth

Thank you, again, David.

A great day and captured to perfection.

Elizabeth”

Here’s some more central London Weddings to check out:

Eight Club Wedding in Moorgate and Shoreditch

Winners for London and beyond 2022 in UK’s biggest wedding competition. Thank you!!

All Souls Church Wedding London with plenty of social distancing joy!

Central London Weddings

Shoreditch Engagement Shoot, inner London photography

Paddington wedding reception photo collage

 

Here’s another recent central London wedding:

Fitzrovia Chapel Wedding Westminster & reception at The Ivy London

By David Green

 

Big Day Weddings Hitched Wedding Awards 20200

Winners for London and beyond 2022 in UK’s biggest wedding competition. Thank you!!!

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographer, London Wedding PhotographersNo Comments

We are humbled, and beyond delighted to win for London (and our work in the home counties) in the Hitched Wedding Awards 2022. Hitched, and their owners The Knot Worldwide are the biggest global wedding brands out there, and their competition is all down to the people that matter the most, wedding couples themselves. Winners are judged on how happy the couple are with their photographers on a range of criteria, from great imagery to people skills and professionalism and more.

Best nine image 2021 Big Day Weddings collage

In truth we did nothing but what we always do, which is to work our socks off for our brides and grooms and their families, without every letting them see us break into an obvious sweat! There’s no point having all the technical knowledge in the world, and the best equipment money can buy to go with it, if you don’t deliver what the good people who hire you WANT and more. If you can listen, if you can put yourself in other people’s shoes, if you can dream their dreams for the big day, then you are beginning to do what we believe the very best wedding photographers and videographers do.

Big Day Weddings Collage Two of 2021

You can have all the flowery prose, current buzz words in the world in your website and your marketing, but if you don’t look after the people that put their money and faith in you, then you won’t last long. Wedding photography is a great vocation, but it’s a hard one too. Everybody wants to be a photographer, and everybody IS a photographer. But only those that consistently deliver will last, and in our close to fourteen years full-time in this wonderful industry, we can only think of five photographers we know of that are still here today!

Now there ARE a lot of brilliant photographers out there. Absolutely no doubt. You may get lucky, and we wish you all the best with that. There are people we follow ourselves for extra inspiration and ideas, we’re always learning too.

But, if you would like a couple who still deliver, still win, and most of all (and actually we are humble, but we have to shout about ourselves sometimes!) are “people” people who listen, then get in touch, talk to us about your exciting plans, and at the very least get some friendly no obligation advice about your wedding day.

And truly, thank you for all the brilliant couples we worked with in the last year that voted for us, without us even asking! We would be nothing without you, that’s for sure 🙂

David and Joanna

Big Day Weddings Hitched Wedding Awards 20200

Google review Claridges Big Day Weddings

Another 5 star review from a very recent Claridges wedding

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographers, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

It’s always great to return to the historic and iconic London luxury hotel Claridges for a wedding day. It’s also fantastic to receive this kind of five star review on Google afterwards.

Michele and Stephen’s Christmas wedding held in the French Salon and dining room for sixty guests was a joyous emotional coming together of many who had not seen each other much, if at all since the pandemic, which made it extra special.

Here’s the review copied and pasted from Google and our reply:

“I cannot recommend David & Joanna enough. They were so brilliant on, before and after my wedding. Not only are they so professional, they are just the nicest people too. I could not have chosen better people to mix with my friends and family, they felt like they belonged. Their photos are outstanding and everyone who has seen them have been so complimentary. You will not go wrong with Big Day Weddings.”

“Michele thank you so much! We had a lovely time documenting your wonderful wedding at Claridges. It was fantastic to meet your friends and family, and we would like to wish you both the very best for the future. David and Joanna :-)”

To see more of our reviews on Google click the link: Google reviews for Big Day Weddings

By David Green

 

Islington wedding couple outside Upper Street pub image

Another great Islington Town Hall Wedding Day

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

It’s a London wedding icon, we’ve photographed there many many times, but no matter how often we visit it’s always a very special occasion. We are talking about Islington Town Hall, it’s our favourite, closely followed by Old Marylebone Town Hall and Chelsea. Ok there’s a little piece of our heart in Stoke Newington and Finsbury too!

Islington wedding couple at Coopers Yard Upper Street image

Islington Town Hall wedding couple pose by blue wall

Anyway on to S and J’s intimate wedding, a total of ten people amid some of this years restrictions that David photographed by himself. This was the legal part of their wedding in the UK with very close family only, to be followed by a celebration a few days later in Sicily.

Bride and groom pose outside Islington Fire Station on wedding day

S is from America and now working in the UK while J was English born and bred. Naturally we got on like the proverbial ‘house on fire’. It’s myself David writing the piece, and it’s no waffling exaggeration to say I absolutely love meeting new people and getting the best images, moments and reactions I can for their wedding day.

Islington Town Hall council chamber wedding ceremony

Exchange of rings Islington Town Hall wedding ceremony

For our time together the sun shone, but brighter than that were these two as the stars of their own romantic show. There’s something very special about being a professional guest with such an intimate wedding, and it’s critical that a photographer mirrors the personality and outlooks of the people they work with. It’s essential to get truly natural and relaxed shots. I love that these too were open minded for some creativity too.

Couple kiss by stairs Islington Town Hall wedding

Wedding couple kiss by window Islington Town Hall

The ceremony itself was in the grandest of spaces at Islington Town Hall: the Council Chamber, and even though there were only a few of us the love and enthusiasm of this wedding party more than filled the room. Afterwards we had ten minutes or so to take advantage of some of the locations this fantastic building has to offer. As usual we were looked after by wonderful registrars, many of whom I know personally now!

Islington wedding couple embrace by blue wall

As a former longtime resident of Islington I was able to take these guys to some of my favourite little spots afterwards. I particularly enjoyed their champagne reception at Fredericks restaurant near Angel Tube. It’s a place I’ve visited many times myself over the years.

Islington wedding couple in front of glass wall image

After that it was into cabs for an afternoon tea celebration at famous Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair. A splendid end to a splendid day.

Islington wedding day couple on the street

I’m showcasing some of my personal Islington favourites here. I was able to give the couple 800 edited images of the day telling its story in full for them to treasure and share.

Islington wedding couple outside Upper Street pub image

Here’s link to some of our other blogged Islington weddings:

Last ever Islington Town Hall Wedding before lockdown

Islington Town Hall Wedding Photographers, reception at Dead Dolls House

Another lovely Islington Town Hall Wedding & Reception at The Albion

Islington Metal Works wedding day starting at Hampstead& St Stephen church

By David Green

 

Top 100 photographers badge Big Day Weddings

Another award to end 2021, thank you to all our couples and industry partners!

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding PhotographersNo Comments

It’s always great to win an award even though we don’t actively enter many competitions. This is the third year in a row we’ve either won a national wedding award or appeared in a final.  Voted for by Your Perfect Wedding Photographer as best in the UK is  satisfying as it is one of the largest wedding portals out there.

In truth though, all the wedding awards in the world are meaningless unless that translates to a great experience for the people that work with us. When our couples come back to us delighted (and often leaving reviews) with their images and how we behaved with themselves and their guests on their wedding day, then that is the best award of all.

Have a read of our reviews on Google and other places to see people’s real world experiences of us for yourselves.

Google Reviews for Big Day Weddings

Feel free to get in touch to talk over any wedding plans you have. We are more than happy just to give advice and some inside knowledge of venues you may be thinking of, regardless of whatever your final decisions may be.

Wishing all a wonderful 2022!

David and Joanna

Clapton Country Club wedding day two brides laugh image

Clapton Country Club Wedding photographers

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

We love a quirky wedding venue, almost as much as we enjoy a challenge. Clapton County Club is certainly one of London’s great alternative wedding spaces, and perfectly complemented the vibe and values of D & M.

Clapton Country Club wedding ceremony black and white image

Clapton Country Club used to be a tram depot and all throughout its different spaces there’s was evidence of its former role. D & M told us they wanted photographers experienced with urban and quirky weddings and plenty of creativity when we originally spoke, and we were delighted to give them exactly what they wanted and then some 🙂 Not your home counties stately home big day for these guys!

First kiss at Clapton Country Club wedding ceremony

Two brides at Clapton Country Club wedding London 2

David had built a rapport with both through zoom and a very enjoyable engagement shoot in Shoreditch central London. Here’s a link to that shoot: Shoreditch Engagement Shoot, inner London photography

Wedding recessional at Clapton Country Club London two brides

A new challenge for us as photographers was the fact that both brides were deaf and so were ninety percent of the wedding guests plus the two videographers.

Two brides laughing at Clapton CountryClub wedding in London

In truth, through communicating through a bit of universal sign language and skilled lip-reading on D & M’s behalf made everything a pleasure. In fact, I for one (David) hardly thought about it throughout the day and it ultimately made no difference whatsoever, which is of course how it should be!

Clapton Country Club confetti throw image LondonTwo brides black roller doors Clapton Country Club wedding London

Our day started with both brides getting ready in a lovely hired Airbnb loft space five minutes away from the venue.

Two brides sitting at Clapton Country Club wedding reception

A swift walk with cameras and equipment through the streets of Clapton lead us to the Country Club to get some establishing shots and into the wonderfully titled “Department of Life” which is used for wedding ceremonies.

Entrance of two brides Clapton Country Club wedding reception

Clapton Country Club wedding reception venue London

A great ceremony followed with sign language interpreters so everyone totally understood, including D & M, what was being said by the registrars, interspersed with much love and laughter.

Two brides and sparklers at Clapton Country Club wedding

When the big deed was finished and that magical first kiss as married partners was done, we had a little time around the venue during the drinks reception to get some couple shots before some more structured pics of friends and family.

The Country Club’s largest internal area is called…wait for it…Clapton Country Club! In this chic industrial space D & M had their reception. It’s also used for ceremonies too if there’s more people than the Department of Life can hold, or the couple favour it.

We’ve put an image of it shot from the balcony to give a sense of this excellent space.

Food, speeches, laughter and then a lovely first dance where D & M romantically signed the words to each other, set the tone for the rest of a fabulous evening. Congratulations to the both of you, and thank you Clapton Country Club for your hospitality and professionalism throughout the day!!!

Clapton Country Club wedding day two brides laugh image

By David Green

Bride and groom kiss by anchor Cutty Sark Greenwich wedding

Our 47th 5 STAR Google Wedding Review

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographers, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

It’s no exaggeration to say that at the moment we are waiting on about 15 reviews to come through! The problem is people are very busy, and actually getting a review onto Google without creating an account is not particularly easy, so lovely couples with the best of intentions often don’t get round to actually doing it. We remind them if they said they wanted to (just once) because we don’t want to be over pushy!

Anyway here’s a cut and paste from mighty Google itself of our 47th five star review, thanks to Joanna and Tom and their fabulous wedding day at Islington Town Hall, the Cutty Sark and an incredible hired private mansion in Eltham:

“From our initial conversation with David we knew he would be brilliant. He listened to all our ideas, made loads of helpful suggestions, had lots of local knowledge around the venue and good spots for photos, and filled us with confidence. On the day he was superb – he was chatty and friendly with our guests, made everyone feel very at ease and expertly arranged the group shots. He somehow managed to be everywhere at once and capture every moment of the day while also being completely unobtrusive and blending into the background. The photos themselves were wonderful; so many to choose from, natural and colourful and exactly like we wanted. We are so grateful to him for producing such beautiful photos, but also for being such a fun part of the day and cannot recommend his services highly enough!
Joanna & Tom
Response from the owner a week ago

Joanna and Tom, thank you so much for the goggle review! What a fabulous day we had at the most quirky and impressive private mansion I’ve ever seen, your glorious Council Chamber wedding at Islington Town Hall, and the wonderfully atmospheric Cutty Sark. Wishing you both health and happiness for many years to come.

Google review for Big Day Weddings London

Shoreditch engagement shoot girls laugh by iron doors

Shoreditch Engagement Shoot, inner London photography

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographers, Wedding VenuesOne Comment

Well there’s only one thing David likes more than hanging around in a place like Shoreditch, and that is doing a Shoreditch Engagement Shoot!

Shoreditch engagement shoot couple stood by graffiti

Many times we have done a wedding in this most colourful of areas, and then had ten to twenty minutes to get some couple shots between the ceremony and reception. Here’s an example of that at Eight Club Moorgate: Eight Club Wedding in Moorgate and Shoreditch

Shoreditch-engagement shoot couple sat on steps together image

For this shoot I had about fifty minutes, what a luxury, and what a pleasure to work with M and D. This fantastic twosome are getting hitched at the lovely and funky Clapton Country club in August, and quite frankly I can’t wait.

Shoreditch engagement couple in front of large graffiti on black wall London

We started by meeting at Old Street tube station, at 6.30pm. Early evening is ofter best for the quality of light and also the fact that most people working in the city will have wandered home, or into a bar….

Shoreditch engagement shoot couple piggyback and laugh by graffiti

Even so, this is a really buzzing place with people, cycle and electrics scooters whizzing everywhere.

Shoreditch engagement shoot ladies by graffiti

I had a quick walk around before going to Old Street to check a few places I knew, and what has and hasn’t changed graffiti wise and to check whether there was any new scaffolding obscuring anything. Yes scaffolding, London never stops building and growing!

Couple show engagement rings in Shoreditch photo shoot

From our Zoom call earlier in the year I knew I had a great rapport with these guys, and this continued all the way through the shoot. M and D love all things urban and are also partial to any interesting graffiti. This is exactly what suits a Shoreditch engagement shoot.

Engagement couple in Shoreditch by Michaelangelo art display

Such fun finding places, creating reactions, and making use of different lighting and backdrops. Generally speaking I try and make engagement shoots discreet for the couple so that they can relax and feel unselfconscious, usually starting in places where very few people are around.

Couple hand in hand at Shoreditch engagement photo shoot

That’s virtually impossible in Shoreditch, though I did manage, but really these ladies were not  shy and just got into the energy and fun of the shoot.

Couple on steps at Shoreditch engagement shoot London

We celebrated a successful time with a cheeky beer afterwards at the Old Blue Last pub.

In fact for those interested I used the area behind and around the Old Blue Last extensively, plus two blocks away from Old Street Station to begin the session.

Next stop Clapton Country Club…

By David Green

London-wedding-couple-pose-sat-in-bus stop

Intimate Weddings at Old Marylebone Town Hall

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

Here’s a very recent small intimate and covid friendly wedding at London’s iconic Old Marylebone Town Hall. This June wedding was shot by myself David, as there was just seven people involved and to be as unobtrusive as possible.  I had a great time with this bunch of very positive people, and huge congratulations to Valentina and James for tying the knot 🙂

Bride crossing road to Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding

Bride outside Old Marylebone Town Hall with wedding bouquet

Both of these guys work in the bus and transportation industry in Oxford, and decided to come down to the “big smoke” to have their ceremony in a town hall that has hosted more famous weddings than perhaps any other single venue in London.

Bride and groom hold hands during wedding ceremony Old Marylebone Town Hall

Bride laughs during Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding ceremony

Exchange of rings Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding ceremony

First kiss Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding ceremony

My first sight of Valentina was crossing the busy Marylebone Road with two of her guests, having stayed the night at The Landmark Hotel. Time for James to get inside and speak with the registrars!

Bride and groom walk through Old Marylebone Town Hall corridor

Wedding couple on balcony inside Old Marylebone Town Hall

Bride and groom walk down stairs Old Marylebone Town Hal wedding

What I usually do in these situations is start documenting the scene, ie: buildings, room if possible, details etc, then the arrival of groom and anyone that is with them, until the bride arrives. Usually I get a minute or two to get some shots before she too has a pre ceremony chat with the registrars.

Confetti throw Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding

Much as I like the staff at Old Marylebone Town Hall, they are friendly and efficient, but in my humble opinion a little too efficient at times. I get the least amount of time allocated in the building of any London registry, on average 3 minutes after a ceremony in the corridors and stairs. I know they are very busy, but…not that busy. Ok I’ve said it, I know plenty of other photographers who feel the same, they won’t say it though, not publicly!

Bride and groom together after Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding

Speaking of ceremonies, this was one of the most affectionate and love filled I’ve seen in a long time, and I’ve documented a lot! Valentina also had the most wonderful and infectious laughter too, which was a joy to capture.

Bride and groom kiss by lion statue Old Marylebone Town Hall wedding

New bride and groom walk past Old Marylebone Town Hall after wedding

Afterwards I used my three minutes inside with the newlyweds at fairly high speed. I work fast anyway and it certainly kept the energy levels up.

Bride and groom hold hands by roller doors Old Marylebone Town Hall

Outside on the famous Old Marylebone Town Hall steps it was time for confetti in super bright sunshine. So many times I’ve heard guests at weddings say that they think the personal photos they are taking will be better in sunshine. Well, while we all love sunshine, it usually makes people squint and…let’s just say it’s not that flattering to many skin tones. I noted the sun was going in and out fairly rapidly, so after a few group shots I asked if there was any confetti left, and everyone enjoyed another throw in what is known in photographic speak as “open shade” and so much better!

Bride and groom on wedding day Regents Park bridge London

My coverage for this was at my minimum two hours, so we had plenty of time to walk towards Regents Park and get some shots there. As is my usual style anything on the way that looks interesting we used for shot variety and some fun. Roller doors, bus stops iron railings and general walking shots. I’ve also included an image with a happy cyclist riding past, I spied her out of the corner of my eye and definitely wanted to include her for a more funky take on a fairly traditional shot.

Cyclist rides past bride and groom Regents Park bridge London

I celebrated a little with the couple afterwards in the park, and then got on my horse and road off into the sunset for the day.

Bride and groom by log in Regents Park London

One week later I was able to send them just under 600 edit images for a permanent reminder of a really fun time. Congratulations to Valentina and James and their super wedding at Old Marylebone Town Hall!!!!!

London-wedding-couple-pose-sat-in-bus stop

By David Green

Confetti throw outside All Souls church wedding London

All Souls Church Wedding London – with plenty of social distancing joy!

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding PhotographerNo Comments

Bride in facemask arrives All Souls wedding LondonBride arrives for her All Souls wedding London

To say that 2020 to 2021 were challenging years for the world as a whole is of course obvious and a bit of an understatement. The wedding industry like most others was challenged and had to adapt too. We thought it would be a good idea to show what a “socially distanced” wedding looks like for a number of reasons, the main one being to showcase that the the joy, love and uniqueness of a big day, though smaller in scale, is absolutely undiminished!

Groom and bestman at covid secure wedding

David was the busiest last year, sometimes capturing four weddings a week. Although the first three months were well booked with “normal” size and timeline weddings, come March we all had to massively adapt. Many couples understandably moved their dates, but many others decided to press ahead when they could and scale back their plans.

Bride outside All Souls London for her wedding day

Featured here are one such couple Rebecca and Matt, who’s original grand plan was a ceremony in the lovely All Souls church next to the BBC in London, followed by a shoot as newly weds around some central city sights, and then on to a large reception at Crypt on the Green in Clerkenwell. A long planned fusion of American and English families coming together in the capital where the couple met. As ultimate reality would have it, it was 15 souls at All Souls, and a restaurant dinner afterwards, with an amount of Zoom, and some recorded video messages too.

I’m just delighted it went ahead and I was able to be part of an intimate heartfelt and memorable event. As you can see from Rebecca’s arrival it was a mask on mask off affair. Thankfully once things were underway  both bride groom  and clergy were exempt. I was lucky enough to do twelve such socially distanced weddings and this was pretty much the norm, but absolutely non were any the less for it. I particularly like the two shots below where you can see Matt going from happy and excited to overwhelmed when he first sees his wife to be walking down the aisle towards him.

Grrom waits for bride All Souls church wedding

Grrom cries into hankerchief All Souls wedding

There was so much emotion and love in the room it was palpable 🙂

Wedding ceremony at All Souls church London

When there was some live guitar and singing interludes I snuck quietly up on the balcony, to get the kind of wider shot you can see below.

All Souls church wedding from balcony covid restrictions London

We take a lot of shots by the way, all with a purpose, and all of which we give to our couples after editing. Back to the ceremony, one of my favourite parts was where a family friend performed magic tricks which he’d taught himself especially for the wedding. Very unusual end to the ceremony, and very entertaining too.

Bride and groom close up All Souls wedding ceremony London

By the time the register was signed and Rebecca and Matt walked back down the aisle it was dark outside. Still I’m very experienced with winter weddings, and I was very happy with our confetti shots, family groups and the five minutes or so I had to grab some couple shots outside. A bit less time than the hour we had had originally planned though!

All Souls covid wedding with live Zoom feed on monitors

Exchange of rings All Souls London wedding ceremony

Magician at All Souls wedding London

Bride and groom wedding recessional All Souls church London

All in all a lovely time, and I’m sure the start of a wonderful life for these two guys together.

All Souls Church central London

All souls church wedding London bride and groom image

By David Green

Bride and Groom St Johns Square Clerkenwell

Zetter Town House wedding and St Bart’s Brewery Reception

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding PhotographerNo Comments

Wedding dress hanging at Zetter Town House Clerkenwell London

Bridal prep at Zetter Town House wedding London

Groom in mirror Zetter Hotel wedding

Bride in bath Zetter Town House wedding

Groomsmen walking to Clerkenwell wedding day

We were delighted to photograph Catherine and Joe’s Zetter Town House wedding in Clerkenwell, followed by a a blessing ceremony in Smithfield’s fantastic St Bart’s Brewery, and then a reception there afterwards.

Entrance of bride Zetter Town House wedding London

Zetter Town House wedding ceremony London

Bridesmaids reading at Zetter Town House wedding ceremony

Exchange of rings Zetter Town House wedding

Bride and groom recessional at Zetter Town House wedding

We have worked at the Zetter many times, in fact there are two of these great hotels in Clerkenwell central London. One is an original Georgian Town House built next to historic St John’s Square,  and the other is a modern version known simply as the Zetter Hotel built directly onto Clerkenwell Road Farringdon itself. It too is a brilliant and quirky hotel that we have photographed bride and groom’s wedding morning preparations on countless occasions over the last twelve years. This time it was groom Joe at the newer building and bride Catherine in the intimate Georgian splendour of the Town House.

Confetti throw at Zetter Town House wedding in London

Bridesmaids throw confetti at London wedding

The legal ceremony was downstairs at the Zetter Town House in what it known as “The Games Room.” It’s an intimate space and was perfect suited to the couple’s plan for a close family only ceremony and subsequent lunch. The more public blessing ceremony and reception for a large crowd of friends and family was well served by the large St Bart’s Brewery at the edge of Smithfield market.

Zetter Town House wedding couple in Clerkenwell

Bride and groom walk through St John's Square gardens London

Clerkenwell wedding couple at St Johns Museum

London wedding couple by red phone box Farringdon

We had a fun time with new bride and groom around the streets of Clerkenwell doing a variety of couple shots before the reception and the short walk to old Smithfield.

Bride and groom St Johns Square Clerkenwell wedding

Clerkenwell wedding couple laugh by London graffitti

Wedding couple look right at Smithfield Market London

London Smithfield wedding day by phone boxes

St Barts Brewery wedding venue Smithfield

Catherine took time back at the hotel to change into a different outfit for the blessing and reception, while Joe busied himself on a meet and greet at the St Bart’s reception venue. St Bart’s is of course a short way of saying Saint Bartholomew’s.

Brides entrance Truman Brewery wedding London

Truman Brewery wedding ceremony from above Smithfield London

Wedding kiss Truman Brewery ceremony Smithfield

The blessing ceremony itself was hosted by a chaplain from nearby St Bart’s Hospital, and was an emotional yet joyous affair followed by the party of all parties to see out a tremendous wedding day in a very historic part of central London. Definitely a highlight of 2020 for us.

 

Clerkenwell wedding couple in eyes graffiti

Zetter Town House Hotel image

By David Green

Islington wedding couple laugh by blue wall Upper Street London

Last ever Islington Town Hall Wedding…before lockdown

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographer, London Wedding Photographers, Wedding VenuesOne Comment

This was a truly lovely and somewhat surreal wedding spent with Alex and Brett, for the very last wedding ceremony at Islington Town Hall before London’s end of March lockdown.

Islington Town Hall wedding couple by London street signs

It felt a privilege, and quite honestly inwardly a little sad for me, to document a special day which none of us knew from the registrars to general staff of the Town Hall, when any of us would be back.

Islington wedding couple back to back by brick wall central London

That didn’t dent the energy of myself or this really fantastic couple and their three guests. One photographer only (David) plus five people, that’s all we were legally allowed!

Bride and groom cross road after Islington wedding

No reception either, as the government at that time had already ordered the closing of venues.

Islington Fire Station wedding image with bride and groom

Anyway, I had a good sense of what Alex and Brett were looking for from our chats on the phone, and as a former resident of the borough and a very frequent wedding photographer at Islington Town Hall, I knew where to go and where the light would be in the surrounding area.

Upper Street wedding reception venue with bride and groom

Meeting firstly in front of that imposing Islington landmark we hit the ground running, with literally energy and laughter all the way.

Islington Town Hall wedding ceremony Mayors Parlour

We really love people and what we do and I think time and again it shows in the photography and the good-natured energy we bring to every wedding. Check out our Google reviews to read what previous couples think of us here: Google wedding reviews

Bride and groom hug Islington Town Hall Mayors Parlour

We spent just under thirty minutes on our pre-ceremony travels before returning to the Majors Parlour for the big event. Ahh how we love the Mayors Parlour. Why? Because that’s where we were married ourselves, so it’s always very special to return to that particular part of the Town Hall.

Wedding couple and marriage certificate Islington Town Hall

After a suitably touching and intimate ceremony and some quick shots in the nearby corridors, it was time for the world’s smallest confetti throw on the steps leading to Upper Street!

Wedding party walk down Islington Town Hall steps

I said my goodbyes as these crazy cats skipped away down the street and I rode off in the sunset.

Small wedding confetti throw Islington Town Hall

Islington we love you. Until next time…Adios.

Islington bride and groom hand in hand by blue wall image

Going to let our little bridesmaid have the final say 🙂

Bridesmaid with balloons at Islington Town Hall

By David Green

Couple by red phone boxes London wedding day Smithfield

St Paul’s Cathedral Wedding ceremony and Smithfield Reception at The Butchers Hook and Cleaver

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographers, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

When we started capturing wedding days St Paul’s was on our bucket list of places to photograph, if the opportunity arose. Little did we think we would be there multiple times, let alone become regular St Paul’s Cathedral wedding photographers.

Bridal prep on St Pauls Cathedral wedding morning

Groomsmen talking near St Pauls Cathedral on wedding day

When ‘J’ and ‘N’ got in touch to tell us their big day plans for a ceremony at this national treasure, we knew exactly what to expect and also the protocol and rules that St Paul’s asks wedding photographers to abide by.

Groomsmen laugh in front of St Pauls Cathedral

Having done an engagement shoot with these guys in Greenwich Park, we had already got to know them a little better and what worked best for them image wise. Here’s one of those images below.

The day started with myself jogging between ‘J’ and her bridal prep at the lovely Leonardo Hotel in the shadow of the cathedral itself, and then with N with his son and best man at a coffee shop a few streets away. Joanna stayed with the bridal party because she doesn’t like jogging, ha ha just a little joke of course.

Bridal party walk to St Pauls wedding

When the time came I also took a bunch of candid and messing around shots with the wedding party meeting on the famous steps of the cathedral. These parts of the day are always interesting because it’s such a public space and you know that the photographer and their antics are also becoming an Instagram post for someone visiting the capital.

OBE chapel wedding ceremony St Pauls Cathedral London

For wedding ceremonies at St Paul’s everything takes place in the atmospheric OBE chapel. For photographers the rules are strict. We are only allowed to photograph the wedding party before the ceremony, then the brides entrance, the first hymn and the recessional. All shots have to be from the very back of the chapel, and all without flash of any kind. No problem!

The best wedding photo at St Pauls Cathedral London

After the ceremony there is a couple of minutes to be able to take non flash shots under the iconic dome, so there will always be interested members of the public behind you.

Wedding party waves on the St Pauls Cathedral

London bus passengers wave at St Pauls Cathedral wedding party

The place where we usually do any requested family and friends shots on the steps of the north transept entrance, was having some renovation. That is a fairly private area, whereas the south transept we had to use as an alternative exit is not. Nevertheless we got some great shots, and I particularly liked involving the public on their London buses waving at us all. See the pics above 🙂

Bride and groom hold hands by red London phone boxes

After that it was time for the wedding party to head to old Smithfield and the impressive Butcher’s Hook and Cleaver gastro pub.

Bride and groom on St Pauls Cathedral steps

Bride and groom at St Pauls Cathedral fisheye lens

Wedding couple outside St Pauls Cathedral

While this happened we spent half an hour with the newly weds doing some quick couple shots around St Paul’s, and then by Smithfield Market itself. It’s one of our favourite parts of the day, and from what couples tell us, one of theirs too.

Bride and groom kiss by Smithfield Market phone boxes

A fantastic drinks reception at the Butchers Hook and Cleaver was followed by speeches, cake cutting, much merriment and an excellent live band to boogie the night away to.

Bride and groom outside The Butchers Hook and Cleaver Smithfield

By David Green

Here’s another St Paul’s Cathedral wedding on the blog: St Paul’s Cathedral Wedding Photographers & Skinners Hall Reception

Butchers Hook and Cleaver wedding collage one

Butchers Hook and Cleaver wedding collage two

Butchers Hook and Cleaver wedding reception collage three

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