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London Mandarin Oriental wedding photographer

Chinese President follows in the footsteps of London Wedding Photographers – Big Day Weddings

By London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

It has been very interesting for us both as we sit here editing our latest London wedding today, to watch the coverage in the background of Xi Jinping’s state visit to the capital. It feels almost like the Chinese president follows in the footsteps of London wedding photographers Big Day Weddings! Firstly he is staying at ther London Mandarin Oriental Hotel where very recently we photographed a lovely intimate wedding. That’s the featured image here on this post.  On that particular day staff showed us the “Royal” entrance at the back of the hotel where royalty and visiting dignatories could enter and exit. This was featured on BBC news coverage and included here are a couple of shots of that very entrance that Xi Jinping has been using. The only difference is that for these visits they construct a temporary overhead structure by the distinctive black gates. It was the Chinese who requested previously to move the nearby lamp post to the side, as it kept getting in the way on this drop off and in point! Also we see the red carpet at the Mandarin Oriental was rolled out,  photo included, from our wedding coverage, and apparently this is the same one used for all such high profile visits and weddings. So we treaded that carpet first before Mr Jinping. Read about it here: London Mandarin Oriental Wedding Photography

Newly weds walk through Hyde Park gates

laying the red carpet at Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Secondly a lot of the action is taking place at Horse Guards parade, which is a where we frequently photograph when wedding couples spend sone time alone with us for some extra memorable shots, away from the wedding party and reception. There’s an example image from Aishe and Habib’s lovely day below.

Love at horse guards parade photo

Finally we see that the Chinese president is also going to visit Imperial College London, and it was only days ago that we photographed Nicki and Stephen’s big day in Imperial’s premier event venue 58 Princes Gate, which you can read about on the blog here: London Kensington Wedding Photographers There’s a shot from the venue below as well. That’s one of the great perks of photographing central London weddings in that we get to work at tremendous venues, and also access areas not normally available to the general public.

Kensington wedding photographers

You can read and watch constantly updated coverage of the Chinese president’s state visit on the BBC News website linked here: BBC News coverage of Chinese President’s London state visit

By David Green

wedding couple in central London

Lansdowne Club Wedding Photographer

By London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesOne Comment

It goes without saying that we love a wedding day but we also love a bit of history too, and to be a Lansdowne Club wedding photographer is to work in a venue with a really interesting London past. Ayshe and Habib were instantly impressed when researching venues for their Mayfair wedding with its mixture of classic Georgian and Art Moderne spaces.

Wedding ceremony at Landsdowne Club

Although the Lansdowne Club, sometimes known as Lansdowne House, began its present form in 1935, it was originally built in 1761 for Lord Bute British Prime Minster of the day.

Getting ready at the Landsdowne club

In the 1920’s the house was leased to famous pioneering department store businessman Gordon Selfridge, who was well known for the glamorous and raucous parties he hosted there.

Landsdowne House wedding photos

Civil ceremonies can be held in either the Adam Room or Dining room with capacities of 70 to 150 people, and wedding breakfasts can be hosted in the magnificent art deco inspired ballroom, complete with curving balconies.

Bride in Lansdowne Club reception

Wedding couple at horse guards parade

A full complement of bedrooms means that bride and groom should they wish can get ready at the Lansdowne on the morning of the big day. Habib prepared himself with his groomsmen at the club, while a little later Ayshe arrived by London wedding cab. Ceremony was in the refined atmosphere of the Adam room, and then while quests enjoyed their drinks and canopies the newlyweds snuck off for half an hour with myself and Joanna for shots around Horse Guards parade.

The fantastic wedding breakfast was served in the ballroom which can hold 150 seated guests. With a quick post meal turnaround the room was ready for a party to rival the best of Mr Selfridges legendary affairs!

The day was a great send off for Ayshe and Habib as they had arranged to live in Oman shortly afterwards. The best of luck to them from myself and Joanna in their exciting new life adventure!

For a lowdown of our present wedding collections take a look elsewhere on the site here: Pricing

To find out more about booking a Lansdowne club wedding here is a quick link to their official website:Lansdowne Club

By David Green