Should I have an engagement shoot?

Should I have an engagement shoot?

Engagement shoots are the marmite of the wedding photography world.

There’s no way around it, engagement shoots are embarrassing! They just are. Very few of my couples are comfortable in front of the camera, hence why they’ve chosen a documentary style photographer. 

Having done my own engagement shoot quite some time ago, I remember how awkward and unnatural it felt to pose for the camera. Your body stiffens, your arms hang uselessly around your waist and out comes that awkward fake smile.

Unless you’re a super model, being in front of a camera for an hour is quite a daunting task. But this is your wedding and you should do something special. You’ve done the research and you’re pretty sure an engagement shoot is a good idea… 

So should you do it? Will it be worth it? Keep reading for some reason for and agianst.

London engagement shoot Alexandra palace

IT’S GOOD PRACTICE FOR THE WEDDING

Hmm maybe? Your wedding day is a juggling act, scheduling every moment, not a minute to spare and for someone who’s camera shy, allocating an hour for couples photos seems a little over the top.

Every wedding photographer will have a different approach. Some will put heavy focus on the portrait shoot, so if you know you’re having an hour or so for photos, an engagement shoot will be good practise. However, I find the majority of couples I work with prefer to prioritise the candid, documentary style shots over the couples photo session, and tend to allocate a smaller duration of about 10-15 minutes.

On top of that and maybe more important, an engagement shoot can’t prepare you for how you’re going to feel on your wedding day. Your blood is pumping, everyone is taking your photo, you are the centre of attention. I can’t think of a time when you would care any less that your photographer is going to take some photos of you both. It’s a completely different experience to an hour long engagement shoot, just the three of you walking around a park or a city street. So yes it can be good practise, but I feel it’s not as needed as other photographers might say.

London engagement shoot locations greenwich

THE CLIENT-PHOTOGRAPHER RELATIONSHIP

Pre pandemic I would always meet with potential couples over a coffee or a beer. We’d discuss their plans for the day and get to know each other a little better. Over the last year, phone and video calls became the only way to ‘meet’ your clients and whilst we’re back to normal (sort of), the majority of people are still booking without a face to face meeting.

So an engagement shoot can also be an opportunity to get to know your photographer. You can talk through your day, ask them questions, get recommendations and generally use them as font of knowledge for all things wedding related. You’ll also get used to their style and better understand how they work, which in turn will help you stay calm and relaxed on the day.

London engagement shoot Peckham cat

MAKE IT YOURS

If you’re undecided about an engagement shoot because you don’t fancy an hour kissing your partner in a dreamy meadow, just remember an engagement shoot is essentially you buying an hour of time from your photographer. What you choose to do in that time is entirely up to you.

Maybe you want some photos at a cocktail making class, or you could go bowling in fancy dress, plant flowers at your allotment, or just stay home and play twister? Whatever it is, don’t waste it on something you think it should be, make it something completely for you.

 

HOPE THAT HELPS MAKE YOUR DECISION, IF YOU ARE BOOKING AN ENGAGEMENT SHOOT AND STILL UNSURE WHERE TO GO CLICK HERE FOR A FEW PLACES IN LONDON THAT COULD HELP YOU ALONG.

Asha + Dipil // Camden lockdown wedding

Asha + Dipil // Camden lockdown wedding

Asha and Dipil cancelled their original wedding date that was just after lockdown began in early April. They decided to keep their rescheduled date in July and to keep it small, simple and meaningful. I was nervous to shoot my first small and socially-distanced wedding since the pandemic began, but I couldn’t have wished for a better day. I loved that Asha got ready at her family home with loved ones close and a round of putting with her dad in the garden. After a ceremony at Marylebone Town Hall, we had an awesome couple’s shoot in Camden Town. Camden, as usual, didn’t disappoint, but there was something even more special than usual – crowds in the bars cheered them over the bridge, a busker offering to play their favourite song, while they danced on the cobbles, and they even found time for a quiet drink – just the two of them – inside one of the usually-packed bars. As they are both dentists who have worked in full PPE for months, they were so happy to break out and celebrate! They finished with a meal in one of their favourite Indian restaurants.

10 awesome London engagement shoot locations – part two

10 awesome London engagement shoot locations – part two

Five down, five more to go! This is the last five London engagement shoot locations. As I’m writing this I can think of three, four, five more amazing places but I guess they’ll have to wait for the next blog!

Kew Gardens

kew.org

This place is so big you’ll need a map to find your way around. And choose your locations wisely as there’s no way you’ll find your way round all of them.

One of my favourite locations is the Palm House Conservatory. If you can bear the high temperature and get some shots before the lenses start to fog up, you’ll be super happy.

Luckily, when I shot a wedding there they provided us with a golf cart to scoot around in, minimising our travel time but whilst this might save a little time, I can’t think of a nicer park to spend the day walking through.

Shoreditch

Shoreditch, the hipster’s playground, the street artist’s canvas. I’ve never been into the skinny jeans looks and whilst I do occasional wear a beany it’s only to control my monstorously curly hair. But despite my lack of cool, I do love Shoreditch and it’s vibrant colourful streets.

Whilst this is one place I do know my way around, I still like to shoot with no specifc direction in mind. The back streets all link up and have a varied selection of colours, textures and graffiti, some covering whole buildings.

There’s a great mix of new and old London in Shoreditch, so you’re bound to get a great mix of styles in your photos.

The Southbank

southbankcentre.co.uk

If I could be anywhere in London on a sunny Sunday afternoon, it would be on the Southbank. There’s a feel of culture when you walk along past the Southbank Centre, the BFI and the Royal Festival Hall. Luckily, the 70’s architecture and location next to the river make it a great location for some pics too!

The route from the Waterloo entrance through to the Tate Modern or even Borough Market will not only give you more than enough spaces for photos, but you’ll have a fantastic day out. There’s so much to do and experience here that you’ll get what you need way, before you get to the end of the route.

The Hill Garden and Pergola

https://secretldn.com/hampstead-pergola-beautiful/

This is a real hidden gem of a location. It’s tucked away at one end of Hampstead Heath but good luck finding it without a map.  Imagine you discovered a pergola garden that had been forgotten about for years, the bricks weathered and plants overgrown and climbing up the archways, creating a location right out of a fairytale.

For a London location, it’s remote and not overly busy, so it’s another place that great for a shoot if you don’t want to be on show.

Peckham/The Bussey Building

copelandpark.com

I was heading to Peckham on the overground thinking of Rodney and Delboy. Their flat, the yellow three wheeler car and the pub they drank in was the full extent of my Peckham knowledge. It turns out that Peckham is actually quite different now.

The space around the Bussey Building is full of outdoor cafés and bars, perfect to sit down get some ‘chilling with a drink’ shots. There are loads of industrial buildings covered in colourful, mural backdrops and then there’s the Bussey Building. The part I shot in is basically a multi-story car park with a bar located on the top floors but it also makes for a very cool rooftop shoot, but be sure to get going before the crowds ascend… or not, if a night out is on the cards.

I hope you found this helpful. If you’re not getting married in London or wanted to shoot your engagement shoot else where then get in touch, we’d be happy to help!

<<< Click here to see part one

10 awesome London engagement shoot locations – part one

10 awesome London engagement shoot locations – part one

Good, London engagement shoot locations shouldn’t be hard to find but it can be hard to decide which one you like best. I find a lot of my couples know they want a shoot long before they know where they want to shoot. There’s lots to think about, do you want a location that has meaningful significance or just some kick-ass photogenic backdrops?

To help you with the decision we’ve provided you with a list of 10 awesome London engagement shoot locations. There are some great locations here but if nothing quite takes your fancy, it should at least give you some ideas for the style you may want to go for. Enjoy!

Alexandra Palace

alexandrapalace.com

I’d heard of Alexandra Palace before but had never actually been, and since my first shoot there, have only ever been back for work and sadly never for fun! Something I am constantly planning to remedy, but have never quite achieved.

It’s such a great location for photography! It has amazing views of London, a boating pond, a small fun fair, amazing architecture, lovely green picnic areas and loads of little nooks and crannies to compose your creative snaps.

It always feels like you have enough space to shoot and wander around without feeling distracted and embarrassed. There’s also enough location and backdrop variations to get a great selection of photos.

Hampstead Heath

One of, if not London’s biggest park! I don’t think I’ve ever been to Hampstead Heath without getting lost or becoming completely disorientated and ending up in another suburb of London!

There’s a mix of wild forest, swimming ponds and grassy hills with stunning views over London. It’s a great place to just wander around, chat to each other and grab a shot here and there when the location strikes!

Hampstead Heath is London’s less manicured park so whilst its rougher round the edges it has a natural, breath of fresh air feel about it, and is definitely the park I’d visit to destress and free up some much needed headspace.

Saint Dunstan in the East Church Garden

https://secretldn.com/st-dunstan-ruin-church-garden/

This little square of old London is hidden amongst the huge, towering blocks of London city. So whilst there is the beautiful crumbling ruins of an old church to shoot around, you can also get a nice contrast, shooting against the modern skyscraper architecture across the road.

Saint Dunstan always reminds me of the film Return to Oz, except not as terrifying and with more ham sandwiches being eaten on near by benches. If you’re in London and you’re not sure where to shoot this place is a no brainer. You won’t be disappointed.

Greenwich

Greenwich is a popular choice for my couples for both engagement and family shoots. Ok, maybe giving a whole town as location is cheating and not helpful but whenever i shoot there I’ve always shot as many areas of Greenwich as I can. There’s such a great selection of backdrops and locations, you really do end up racking up the miles by the end of your shoot.

The route normally consists of the top of Greenwich Park near the Observatory, yet another location with beautiful views of the London skyline. From there, you have the winding paths through the park to the Naval college with its grand imposing architecture. If that’s not enough you then have the market and Greenwich High Street with the Cutty Sark sitting on the bank of Thames as a great place to collapse and grab a drink at a near by pub.

Trinity Buoy wharf

trinitybuoywharf.com

If you’ve read any of my other blogs you’ll know I’m a massive Trinity Buoy Wharf groupie! It is a photogenic hub of creativity, full of colourful backdrops and fascinating installations. So, you’ll not only get some great pictures but you’ll learn something as you go.

Trinity Buoy Wharf feels like a film set with random props and scene set up for you to use as you wish, perfect for photography. There are tons intersecting walkways, varying sized backdrops, arty typography and graphic design scattered through out and industrial warehouse spaces, that could easily be the location for Justin Bieber’s latest Tik Tok music video.

It is a little hidden away but is only a short taxi ride from the nearest Tube station. You can easily shoot a good two-hour engagement shoot here and once you’re done you can visit the Wharf’s residential café or the American Diner for a nice bite whilst you wait for your taxi back home.

Click here for part 2 >>>

Viv + Dwij // Micklefield Hall

Viv + Dwij // Micklefield Hall

Micklefield Hall multicultural wedding

Viv and Dwij’s wedding day at Micklefield Hall was a fun-packed multicultural celebration. It started early in the morning with the Chinese tradition of blocking the groom from entering the Bride’s home (or in this case bedroom) to collect his bride until he proves himself worthy. This involves completing fun and hilarious challenges set by the bridesmaids. It’s definitely a great way to kick off the wedding day.

They then continue the day with not only the traditional civil service around Micklefield Hall’s beautiful water feature but also a Hindu service and Chinese tea ceremony. After the formalities, they relaxed with cocktails and canapés before dancing the night away.

What an epic day of cultures and celebration.

Read more about Micklefield Hall here.

Alice + Richard // Trinity Buoy Wharf

Alice + Richard // Trinity Buoy Wharf

Trinity Buoy Wharf urban wedding

I met the wedding crowd at Tower Bridge where we waited for the Boat to arrive to take us to Trinity Buoy Wharf. Along the way we went through a small storm which meant people took cover anywhere they could, luckily this was the only bad weather we’d have all day.

There’s a number of places to have your ceremony at Trinity Buoy Wharf, Alice and Richard chose The Drawing Room a venue that reminded me a lot of St Chad’s Place in King Cross, the venue my wife and I had our reception in… it’s now a burger restaurant!

They then migrated over to The Chain Store where they had their wedding breakfast and drinks out on the Trinity Buoy Wharf’s terrace overlooking the Thames.

A fantastic day at a fantastic venue!

Read more about Trinity Buoy Wharf here.

Ranitta + Sunit // Trinity Buoy Wharf

Ranitta + Sunit // Trinity Buoy Wharf

Trinity Buoy Wharf indian wedding

Trinity Buoy wharf is one of those venues that can cater to any wedding because it has a room, basement or hall for every occasion. Ranitta and Sunit had their ceremony in the The Electrician’s Shop. An industrial basement venue packed full of history and atmosphere. They then made their way to The Chainstore & Riverside Terrace for the reception and evening drinks.

Trinity Buoy wharf is always my first recommendation to any getting hitched in the capital.

Read more about Trinity Buoy Wharf here.

Lucy + Tom // Micklefield Hall

Lucy + Tom // Micklefield Hall

Micklefield Hall outdoor wedding

Within about two emails after Lucy and Tom got in touch regarding their wedding photography, we realised they lived two doors down and decided to meet in our local pub. They were planning a Micklefield Hall outdoor wedding, a beautiful venue with stunning grounds just minutes down the road from us.

Micklefield Hall has everything you need for your wedding day. From any accommodation needs the night before and after, the option for an indoor or outdoor ceremony, beautiful stretching gardens to roam around and sip some cocktails and the restored barn for drinking and dancing into the night.

A good venue and a great staff will always make the day feel fun and seamless, and that’s exactly what the folks at Micklefield Hall do.

Can’t wait for my next wedding there!

Read more about Micklefield Hall here.

5 cool and quirky London venues

5 cool and quirky London venues

Ok, it’s been quite a while since we wrote our last installment about our favourite venues, best London pub venues. So we’re now back with another awesome list of my favourite places to host your wedding day. These venues vary a little from the traditional pub, barn and country house options. But they still offer everything you need to host an amazing wedding in London!

As we are on lockdown right now, I know you can’t actually visit any venues. So we’re hoping that maybe this post could serve as a substitute whilst we’re stuck inside and hopefully give you a few ideas for when we’re released back into the wild.

THE ZETTER TOWNHOUSE

thezettertownhouse.com
The Zetter Townhouse
Clerkenwell
London
EC1V 4JJ

The cobbles of St John Square outside gives you an old London feel before you even get through the door. Inside feels like a boutique bar and living room. It also had a science/academia/magic vibe going on, like a Hogwarts speakeasy… but maybe that’s just me.

I spent a long while just taking photos of the amazing selection of art, ornaments and taxidermy before I moved on to anything else. There’s more than enough for two weddings guests who’d never met, to get a conversation started.

At the far end, is the cocktail bar, serving a range of bespoke drinks catering to all tastes. It all feels well thought out and authentic rather than a venue trying to be something it’s not. Downstairs is the dining room and party area. It’s not huge but everytime I’ve been here the dancefloor has been in full swing. Need another drink? No need to worry, there’s a bar down here too. There’s also enough room to lay your evening food out.

The Zetter Townhouse has rooms upstairs for the couple and some of their guests, but if you do run out of space there’s always the Zetter Hotel across the road.

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CLAPTON COUNTRY CLUB

claptoncountryclub.co.uk
38-40 Upper Clapton Road,
London
E5 8BQ

Any old part of London that can be kept and repurposed as something we can keep using and appreciating, I’m totally up for! Clapton Country Club used to be a Tramshed and it has thankfully kept that industrial work space atmosphere.

The brick buildings and reclaimed materials give the venue an intimate, rough round the edges feel, like a working artist studio. The main dining area is more urban but with an added rustic touch. It makes you feel comfortable and at home.

It’s a short drive away from Hackney town hall. So, you can get ready there in the morning, meet your guests at the town hall, say your vows and be back at the country club within the hour. Perfect!

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THE OLYMPIC CINEMA

www.olympiccinema.co.uk
Olympic Studios 117-123
Church Road Barnes,
London
SW13 9HL

After discovering this wasn’t the official cinema for London’s 2012 Olympic Games, I realised it was in fact an awesome cinema, restaurant, café, cocktail bar and fancy members club. Whether you’re enjoying a film, sipping on a martini or enjoying the homemade food, the quality is consistent throughout. Each area works nicely on its own for any visitor, but as a whole when hiring the venue for a wedding, it’s really quite fantastic. You can take the cinema theme and run with it, pinning up retro themed posters and adding a red carpet outside for selfies and groups shots, as one of our couples did. The ground floor is the lovely bar and restaurant. The cinema is on the second floor and the third floor is the über trendy member’s bar. If you’re still around for the dancing in the evening, the top floor is where the disco is at!
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THE ROOST

www.theroost.co.uk
142 Sandringham Rd,
Clapton,
London
E8 2HJ

The roost is hired as a studio space for artists and commercial shoots, meaning anywhere you turn your head there’s a beautiful backdrop, trendy graphic print or some retro, boutique prop. It makes every photo full of colour and character. There’s a total of three floors and a basement, so as well giving your photographer an exhausting workout as they run up down throughout the day, you can also choose a different floor for each part of your wedding. The top floor has two bedrooms opposite each other for the couple to get ready in, so as long as you’ve surrounded yourself with logistically, savvy ushers and bridesmaids who can coordinate the opening and closing of the two facing doors, you’ll get to the ceremony without without a hitch. There’s a small garden out the back for any smokers, and a basement for late night beats if you want to push the party into the early hours. The Roost is also associated with two other venues, Dalston Heights and Friendly Place so if it’s already booked there are two other great options worth checking out!
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WILTON’S MUSIC HALL

www.wiltons.org.uk
Wilton’s Music Hall,
1 Graces Alley (pedestrian access only)
London,
E1 8JB

I first visited Wilton’s Music Hall a few years back when a couple of close friends got married there. At that point, I’d never even heard of it, but I became immediately keen to shoot there!

If history is your thing, or London is your thing, or theatre is you thing… or just really cool things are your thing, then Wilton’s should be a big contender for your venue. It’s completely magical, filled with history and atmosphere.

The buildings have lived many lives – homes and an ale house in the 1600s, concert hall and saloon throughout the 1800s, a methodist mission saw it through the two world wars until the 1950s, and then it was almost all over when as a derelict rag warehouse in the 1960’s it was listed for demolition. No Londoner was going to stand for that. Especially John Betjeman, who fought with many others to save it.

Through many periods of restoration, it is now an arts venue. Though indeed restored, it’s very much frozen in time as a music hall – from the moment you walk in, it’s like finding yourself in Victorian London. You can almost see the popular entertainment acts play and hear the audience merrily willing them on.

You can hire the whole venue, which includes the bars, the Victorian staircase, and the Hall with its famous barley-twist columns – there are countless photo opportunities and backdrops, everywhere you look is steeped in faded Victorian charm. This venue is so special and completely unique and a fantastic place for a proper east-end knees up.

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I hope you enjoyed our 5 cool and quirky London venues recommendations, if you have any other suggestions get in touch, we’re always happy to learn about new places and hopefully when we’re allowed back out I’ll be shooting a few of them soon! If you want to see more images from our recent weddings then click on gallery on the main navigation.
5 amazing barn wedding venues

5 amazing barn wedding venues

Gate Street Barn

Set in the surrey hills just 5 miles outside of Guilford. Whenever I’ve shot at Gate Street Barn I’ve always felt that it was the perfect layout for a wedding. With a number of areas for every part of your day, you move seamlessly from ceremony to reception and on to the wedding breakfast without evening knowing the work happening behind the scenes. The surrounding areas are fantastic for couple shots, although you could easily stay within a 20 metre radius of the barn itself and still get some lovely shots. [smart-grid row_height=”400″ captions=”false” lightbox=”none”] [/smart-grid]    

Lillibrook Manor

This estate is set in the Thames Valley in a stunning grade 2 listed building, with beautiful spacious grounds catering to whatever their guests desire. When I worked at Lillibrook Manor the ceremony was outside in the Cloister Garden, a courtyard surrounded by brick walls and old barn doors. The couple also hired dogems and fun fair stalls for the evening which the venue happily hosted in the area just outside the Great Barn where they held the wedding breakfast. [smart-grid row_height=”400″ captions=”false” lightbox=”none”] [/smart-grid]    

Upwaltham Barn

Found in the rolling south downs, drive too fast and you’ll miss the entrance. This is another venue that seems to have been perfectly designed for your wedding day. The barn, ceremony hall and bridal suite are all surrounding a beautiful courtyard where you guests can drink and chat after the ceremony before heading inside for the wedding breakfast. There’s also a small, picturesque garden for anyone who wants take a time out from the wedding crowds. [smart-grid row_height=”400″ captions=”false” lightbox=”none”] [/smart-grid]    

The Tithe Barn

Shooting at Tithe Barn meant a bit of a road trip for me, living just outside London I drove 5 hours up into the beautiful yorkshire country side but it was totally worth it. It’s a brand new venue opening only mid 2018 and I had the honour of shooting their very first wedding. It’s lovely and spacious with a nice, intimate little garden area for reception drinks but enough room inside if the weather wasn’t looking great. But if the sun is out, enjoy the view of the beautiful Bolton Abbey, which is definitely where you want to go for some photos at sunset. [smart-grid row_height=”400″ captions=”false” lightbox=”none”] [/smart-grid]    

Stone Barn

This is another venue that has the perfect layout and combination or areas to suit any wedding. It has a great mix of traditional decor but with a modern architectural twist. Choose between the stone barn itself or the charming garden area for your ceremony. Wander around the beautiful Cotswold countryside for your couple shots, then head in for the wedding breakfast in the light and spacious dining hall. The corrugated metal ceiling and hanging fairy lights adds a cosy, magical feel to the day. I absolutely loved shooting at this venue and can’t wait to go back! [smart-grid row_height=”400″ captions=”false” lightbox=”none”] [/smart-grid]
Natalie + Johnny // Londesborough wedding

Natalie + Johnny // Londesborough wedding

Johnny used to work at The Londesborough Pub and what with it being one of the best wedding pubs in London, it seemed the obvious choice to host their reception. They tied the knot at Islington Town Hall then jumped on their Routemaster bus up to The Londesborough. Before everyone else arrived, we took a stroll around the surrounding streets to grab a few, fun couple shots. Natalie and Johnny had decided the food was to be entirely Vegan, which being a massive BBQ made me a tad apprehensive. Of course after tasting the Malaysian curry, I was proved totally wrong. The only place I could find fault was the fact I was’t allowed seconds. After nervously putting off the first dance for as long as possible, they kicked off the dancing which then carried on into the night. These two were such a sweet couple. Always playfully teasing each other in the photos creating a genuinely fun, authentic set of pictures. Another great wedding at a great venue!        
Sam + Steve // Wilton’s Music Hall

Sam + Steve // Wilton’s Music Hall

Sam and Steve were married in 2017 at Wilton’s Music Hall in East London. I’d been eager to shoot here after attending a wedding a few years ago – the walls feel alive with history, and no venue I’ve shot at before feels quite so much like going back in time. As the oldest surviving grand music hall in the world (the whole world!), it saw life first as a row of houses in the 1690s, followed by a merchant’s ale house in the 1820s, a concert hall in the 1830s, a music hall in the 1850s-80s, a Methodist Mission from the 1880s right through the Blitz until 1956, a rag warehouse in the 1960s and after half a century of campaigning to save and preserve it, it is now once again thriving with performance and art… and of course, weddings! To say Wiltons has atmosphere is an understatement. From the moment you arrive at the front doors, flaking its paint in all hues of red and pink, you know you have arrived somewhere special and completely unique. This paved the way for Sam and Steve to have a day their guests would remember for a long time to come.

 

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Family shoots

Family shoots

Family shoots were never where my confidence was highest, but recently I’ve become a lot more comfortable and started to really enjoy meeting up with families and capturing such a precious time  – since we had our baby last June, I have realised how quickly kids change and how fast the time passes! I’ve had the pleasure of photographing some beautiful families – I have especially loved seeing couples who I met through their weddings expand their family and ask me to shoot with them again. Here are some of my favourite shots.

 

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Best pub wedding venues in London

Best pub wedding venues in London

contact-story-and-colourThis is the second post about my favourite wedding venues (part one can be found here) and this time I’m focusing on the building that is so many people’s humble home from home – the old English pub.

Pubs have really upped their game over the last few years and can now hold their heads high amongst the many wedding venues on offer. What they lack in grandeur and size they make up for in modesty, intimate down-to-earth atmosphere and of course, price!

There are so many great pubs in London and I don’t pretend to know them all, but the below are some of the ones I’ve shot in and can highly recommend. So, in no particular order, here are my top pub wedding venues in London – enjoy!

 

THE DEPOT

thedepotn7.co.uk
1 Carpenter’s Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF
The Depot (previously Shillibeers) is a few minutes walk from the Caledonian Road station and tucked away just below the Pleasance Theatre. It’s one of the bigger pub venues I’ve shot in, but still has loads of atmosphere. It also has a nice little cobbled area outside for those warmer days and for any group shots you might want.

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THE LONDESBOROUGH

thelondesborough.com
36 Barbauld Road, Stoke Newington, London N16 0SS
This has got to be my most shot in pub venue in London, it has an unofficial partnership with Stoke Newington Town Hall which is a two minute walk up the road and the Londesborough seems to be the place to go after your ceremony. Packed full of warmth and atmosphere, The Londesborough has a nice long bar area big enough for 50-70 people to chat before moving down to the restaurant area for your wedding breakfast. Nice and cosy!

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THE PRINCE ALBERT

https://princealbert.pub
60 Dace Rd, London E3 2NQ
I love this place. This pub has the perfect layout, a nice central bar with room for people to mingle around the outside. It also has a small garden and a separate upstairs area for the wedding breakfast, so whilst not enormous, it has enough space to cater for every part of your day.

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THE PEASANT

thepeasant.co.uk
240 St John Street, London EC1V 4PH
The Peasant is a great pub with a downstairs bar for the reception and a lovely french bistro-styled eating area upstairs. The downstairs is a traditional wooden bar area with a lovely tiled floor and enough room for dancing in the evening, but the restaurant area is the best feature – the decor and the layout gives off a lovely family feel.

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ARTISAN

theartisanofclerkenwell.com
53 St John’s Square, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4JL
As you can tell by the name, The Artisan has a trendier, urban, industrial style and is more cocktail bar than traditional pub but I’m still including it here, as it is such a great venue. Follow the long bar down into the seated, eating area which is a great sized dance floor in the evening.

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ROYAL INN ON THE PARK

royalinnonthepark.com
111 Lauriston Road, Hackney, London E9 7HJ
This place feels like a royal home with a bar plonked in the centre. A place from the mid-Victorian era, its large marble pillars and black and white chequered floors give you a sense of quality and sophistication without being snobby. It’s also right next to Victoria Park so you can do a quick 5k to burn off your meal.

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THE GREEN

thegreenclerkenwell.com
29 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0DU
Based in the heart of Farringdon, this lovely little venue has everything you want from a London pub. It has a bar downstairs for reception drinks and an upstairs area for the wedding breakfast. The location is great for group and couple shots as well.

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TRAFALGAR TAVERN

trafalgartavern.co.uk
Park Row, London SE10 9NW
Located on the edge of the Thames, this pub gives off a nautical atmosphere, which isn’t surprising as it couldn’t be any close to the water. With a bustling pub downstairs, the weddings take place upstairs where you have your own bar, reception room and ceremony/dining hall which has loads of room to boogy when converted in the evening. This place has everything you need!

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Joanna + Andy

Joanna + Andy

I’d been impatiently waiting for this wedding ever since Joanna enquired. The ceremony and reception were held in an urban, graffiti drawn warehouse space in Hackney called Swan Wharf which looked super cool and perfect for a London wedding… and it didn’t disappoint!

Flowers by Kirsty Jean

Brides Gown: Wed2B London www.wed2b.co.uk

Hair & Makeup: Lipstick & Curls http://www.lipstickandcurls.net/

Cake/Dessert/Canapé Maker www.luminarybakery.com

 

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Claudia + Adrian // Trinity Buoy Wharf

Claudia + Adrian // Trinity Buoy Wharf

When Claudia got in touch about her wedding at Trinity Buoy Wharf, it was only after a few emails that we realised we knew each other from a few years back when we both worked in French Connection as students, oh how the time flies, and what a small world!

Both the ceremony and reception were held at Trinity Buoy Wharf, which in my opinion is one of the best urban venues in London. Gin & Tonics were poured by The TGC during the reception, pizza was served by Baz and Fred in the evening and the finale was a dance set performed by DJ Luck and MC Neat. What a day!

 

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5 awesome urban wedding venues in London

5 awesome urban wedding venues in London

contact-story-and-colourOne of the great things about being a wedding photographer is being able to visit so many amazing venues. Whether it’s in the country side or the city, a spacious hall or a cosy east end boozer, it never disappoints.

Choosing a venue is hard, probably the hardest decision you’ll make when organising your wedding. So to help you out, I’ve started a list of the best venues I’ve photographed this year.

Starting with my top 5 Urban wedding venues. If you want that big spacious barn vibe but don’t want to leave the city hopefully this list can help you kick start your venue research.

 

THE WORX

http://www.theworx.co.uk
10 Heathmans Road, Parsons Green,
London, SW6 4TJ
The Worx is a Venue and Studio hire complex. With infinite white backdrops used for fashion, portraits and car photography, it also works well for couple’s portraits and group shots. The wedding was held in one of the bigger studios and was later transformed into the dining area, there’s also a courtyard outside for drinks and canapés!

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HOXTON ARCHES

http://www.hoxtonarches.com
402 Cremer St, London E2 8HD
Situated across the road from the Hoxton Overground Station, The Hoxton Arches are literally underneath the railway track. With a cool, art gallery feel to it, it’s a blank canvas for you to transform into whatever you see fit. There’s a back garden area, with tables and chairs and a backdrop of graffiti.

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SWAN WHARF

http://www.swanwharf.org
60 Dace Rd, London E3 2NQ
I love this venue. Hidden away in East London, this is a super cool, spacious warehouse with all the trimmings. This is as urban as you can get! It’s three floors up, with exposed brick walls and high ceilings with metal girders. It has loads of space inside and out for drinking, dining and dancing!

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TRINITY BUOY WHARF

http://www.trinitybuoywharf.com
64 Orchard Pl, Poplar, London E14 0JY
Situated right on the Thames at what used to be a former working dock. Trinity Buoy Wharf is the perfect wedding venue. Sip your drink whilst looking out over the Thames, or maybe have a wander past the colourful shipping containers, have a game of ping pong… and if you’re lucky, see the view from the top of London’s only lighthouse!

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STOUR SPACE

http://www.stourspace.co.uk
7 Roach Rd, Tower Hamlets E3 2PA
Stour Space is a fantastic, creative space. Drink your fizz in the large open area on the ground floor before heading up to the mezzanine level for some yummy food. To chill out, head to the floating jetty on the canal to see amazing views of the Olympic Park.

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Abi + Ollie

Abi + Ollie

Abi + Ollie had a wonderful country wedding in the Gloucestershire countryside – in Abi’s family home’s grounds no less! Rustic in parts, every detail was well-thought through and beautiful. Shooting it was a pleasure.

 

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Jamie + Pierre

Jamie + Pierre

Early this year, on a slightly grey February day, I had the huge pleasure of shooting the engagement shoot of these two bright things on Hampstead Heath. They’ve since been married in San Francisco – one of my all time favourite places in the world. Perfect. Congratulations guys!

 

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Daniel + Lewis

Daniel + Lewis

Daniel and Lewis had a beautifully simple wedding day with the ceremony at midday followed by a stroll around the grounds of York House in Richmond. Choosing to keep the guest list low, only two close friends were invited to the day, so I count myself very lucky to have been there to capture such a lovely, intimate celebration.

 

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Hattie + Peter

Hattie + Peter

Upwaltham Barns is becoming one of our firm favourite venues. We had the pleasure of shooting Hattie + Peter’s wedding there in March – with Spring in the air, champagne in the glasses and everyone suited and booted (Hattie in a gorgeous Jesus Piero gown), it made for a fantastic day of celebrating.

 

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India + Nick

India + Nick

This English country garden wedding is full of the biggest laughs you’ve ever seen – from ceremony to speeches to the first dance, it was a giggle-fest, start to finish. Held at the Olde Bell in Hurley, Berkshire, India and Nick hosted a wonderful easy-going day of genuine and straightforward love and affection for all their family and friends as well as each other. Shooting it was an absolute privilege.

 

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Jo + Mikey

Jo + Mikey

Mikey started his wedding day with dip in Hampstead Heath Men’s Pond with a group of his best mates and family – an activity I had never photographed before! Luckily the sun was shining and everyone seemed game enough to plunge in the cold water. The rest of the day was a blast from there – fun and modern elements of the day took the form of a reading from Nick Hornby’s Fever Pitch during the ceremony, a first dance sung by one of the beautiful bridesmaids, and matching bespoke Converse for dancing (amongst other things!), whilst a more traditional edge was covered by the beautiful surroundings of Camden Town Hall for the ceremony and Gibson Hall for the reception. A London wedding at it’s finest.

I had a little help from a great second shooter called Dawn for the main part of the day, a few of these shots are hers.

 

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Dress | Stella York at Forever Bridal

Suit | Moss Bespoke

Ceremony | Council Chamber, Camden Town Hall

Reception | The Gibson Hall

Buses | Ensign Buses

Flowers | Amber Rose

Cheese cake | La Fromagerie

Cat + Oli // Upwaltham barn wedding

Cat + Oli // Upwaltham barn wedding

After a fun engagement shoot in Paris last January, I was looking forward to seeing Cat and Oli again on their wedding day. Upwaltham Barns is becoming a favourite venue of mine – this was my third wedding there, and as a family-run business they really know how to run a wedding day with the greatest of care, consideration and attention to detail. I think my favourite moment of the day was the kids chanting to lure Oli and Cat outside to have picture taken with them. A super cute bunch.

 

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Bandwww.thedeloreansband.com/index.html

Venue | www.upwalthambarns-weddings.co.uk

Cheese cake | www.finecheese.co.uk

Hair and Makeup | www.the-id.co.uk

Our year in pictures – 2015

Our year in pictures – 2015

It’s been a year of firsts for Story + Colour – first engagement shoot in Paris, first Indian wedding, first wedding abroad in Cyprus, first trip to… Peckham. This little dream we had about owning our own business three years ago has really come to life and we’re loving every minute. On top of the international travel, our work has taken us to the Cotswolds, West Sussex, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, London, Surrey and Devon. We’ve managed to get our new website up and running which not only shows the photography at the heart of Story + Colour, but also the design of invites and various bits and pieces that we do along side it.

Thank you to every couple who has put their faith in us this year – we cherish each and every one of you and it has been such a pleasure to work along side you and be present on your big day. Your relaxed natures, sense of fun, massive smiles, epic dance moves and tears of happiness have inspired us for the past 12 months. We can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store and look forward to the people we will meet and the places we will visit along the way. Here are just some of our favourite images from 2015.

Happy new year! Laura and Dan xx

 

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Victoria + Adam

Victoria + Adam

It’s really exciting when someone asks for an engagement shoot in a part of London I’ve not had time to explore. When Victoria and Adam suggested their home borough of Peckham, I jumped at the chance, and was not disappointed. Vibrant and eclectic, we found many interesting locations including the Bussey Building, and the sunny summer’s Sunday morning, made for a great shoot.

 

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Jessica + Sandeep

Jessica + Sandeep

After Jessica and Sandeep’s English countryside civil ceremony on the Monday, I was really excited to see them again and shoot their Indian wedding at Merriscourt in the Cotswolds just a few days later – my first ever Indian wedding. I was looking forward to seeing the rituals of another culture but in terms of shooting the pictures, I couldn’t wait to see the colourful celebrations. And they did not disappoint! With the August sunshine in our favour, one of my favourite parts of the day was watching and listening to the procession of drummers who lead Sandeep to the one of the ceremonies on horseback, as well as the amazing food courtesy of The Clay Oven. Meeting these guys and shooting both their wedding days was a real highlight of 2015.

 

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White Wedding Dress |  Boutique Cholpon

VeilBoutique Cholpon

Wedding Sari & ChunniTraditions

Groom’s Suit |  Reiss

Groom’s Sherwani | Ladlee Direct

BridesmaidsBoutique Cholpon

BouquetsField Gate Flowers

Indian Ceremony Venue |  Merriscourt

DJ, Drummers & Mandap DecorationsCalibar

TransportAllied Wedding Cars

Horse |  Wedding Horse

CateringThe Clay Oven

VideographyArtistic Motion

Jo + Mikey

Jo + Mikey

A highlight about shooting in the summer, is being able to do engagement shoots after the working day as the sun starts to fall across the city. The warm, hazy days produce beautiful light and warm glowing backdrops for my favourite kind of pictures.

Jo + Mikey chose Hampstead Heath for their engagement shoot (and it’s where they actually got engaged!), and we had a great time walking around one of London’s best green spaces, shooting and getting to know each other in the usual relaxed fashion. I love their complementary patterned outfits, the easy summer vibes and ending with a pint in the pub… my favourite way to finish any shoot!

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Helen + James

Helen + James

The rain is pouring down outside. The guests are arriving and running from their cars into the pub entrance below. I’m watching from a bedroom window with Helen and her bridesmaids. There are a few worried looks but Helen is perfectly calm, she’s getting married today and that’s all that matters.

The venue is The White Horse near the South Downs National Park, a lovely place with amazing grounds, perfect for a country wedding shoot. Having rained all morning, the rest of the day goes off without a hitch, beautiful sunshine, drinks, laughter and some old school dance moves.

 

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Venue |The White Horse, Chilgrove

Florist | Zelie at The Homegrown Flower Company

DJ | Matt Terris , After Dark Productions

Marquee and chair hire |South Downs Marquees

Dress | Emma Elizabeth Bridal

Bridal hairpiece | Prissy Marilla

Kali + Thom

Kali + Thom

If an engagement shoot is any measure of the wedding then Kali and Thom’s wedding was going to be fantastic. With a 1920’s theme and set in the Farringdon’s Artisan restaurant and bar it wasn’t going to disappoint. After Kali and Thom had made their vows at Islington Town Hall, everyone jumped on a Routemaster bus for a quick drive through London (seeing some of the new James Bond film being shot near St Paul’s), the route ending at the Artisan where fun, food and dancing was had until the early morning.

 

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Kali + Thom

Kali + Thom

It was cloudy and on the brink of rain when I met Kali and Thom but that wasn’t going to stop us. After all it is January in England – it’s not like we weren’t expecting it. We made our way through Greenwich Park and up to the Meantime Museum, where we experienced a coffee/football incident that almost ended the shoot! But after a quick timeout, we head back down to the Greenwich Market and then on to Kali and Thom’s favourite pub, The Cutty Sark. Both of them are so sweet and easy-going it felt like walking with a couple of good friends, so it’s no surprise I’m very much looking forward to their wedding in April this year.

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Cat + Oli // Paris engagement shoot

Cat + Oli // Paris engagement shoot

For me as a photographer, shooting an engagement shoot in Paris is a big deal and a definite high point in the life of Story and Colour.

Unfortunately, my only experience of Paris is from at least 12 years ago, so we took our lead from Cat and Oli who had already planned our route, starting of course at the Eiffel Tower! We then wandered the Parisian streets and eventually made our way up to MontMartre, with the most amazing views of the city and then devoured a well earned cup of coffee in the artist square.

Cat and Oli were great to work with and the whole day felt more like hanging out with friends rather than being on a shoot.

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Katie + Arber

Katie + Arber

Set in the beautiful Gate Street Barn with the sun shining I could tell this would be a great wedding.

Hearing the wedding ideas on their engagement shoot a few months back, I was excited to see how things had panned out. I knew Arber was a comic book fan (sorry, Graphic Novels) and if you look closely, there’s a really cool comic book theme running through out the day, from the confetti cones to the table plan. It was all so well thought out and really added that personal touch that makes a wedding unique.

 

Emma + Tom

Emma + Tom

2014 has been an epic year at Story + Colour and I couldn’t think of a better way to end it than with Emma and Tom’s beautiful barn wedding at Upwaltham Barn. Going through these photos I can’t help but smile, it was such a happy day, everything was just perfect. The sun was shining down and with small bursts of beautifully atmospheric rain and clouds, I couldn’t have asked for more.

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Courtenay + Rob

Courtenay + Rob

It was only when walking up to the poppy filled moats of the tower that I realised I have never been here before. Anyone who reads newspapers, watched the news or been anywhere near social media would have seen the sensation that is the poppy display and here it was, right in front of me, quite a sight! I hadn’t taken a picture yet but the day was already off to an amazing start.

The chapel in the Tower is reserved for Military ceremonies only and today was one of only 16 weddings this year (like it wasn’t already special enough!). I had a chance to run round the grounds before capturing Courtenay take the 100 yard walk from her room across the tourist filled square over to the chapel. Heads were turning, cameras were snapping, I even got asked to move out of the way, sorry!

Having the opportunity to shoot a wedding at the Tower of London really was a privilege and something I’ll never forget. Sharing that with such a great couple like Courtenay and Rob was just perfect and I’d like to say a very big thank you to them both! Guys, you are very cool and I’ll be seeing you in Cyprus next year!

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Clare + Gareth

Clare + Gareth

Clare and Gareth’s was one of those weddings that has been a while in the making – it was one of my first bookings just after I started out and also one that I was most looking forward to. I’d met Clare and Gareth for a quick drink to discuss the day and they told me of the details that makes them and their wedding so beautiful.

One of my favourite of these details is the Beetle in the photos, which is a very personal project Gareth has been working on for quite a while. It originally belonged to his family but was sold. Years later Gareth tracked it down, bought it back and started work on the renovation, with the promise to Clare that this would be the car they would use on their wedding day.

The day finally came to life in all its retro, East End glory a few weeks back and I loved every second of it. The venue was the amazing Stour Space, (which Clare tells me does the best breakfast in London!) a mix of café and modern exhibition space that’s a stone’s throw from the Olympic Park. As promised Clare and Gareth arrived in the newly renovated beetle, drove straight in the double doors and parked up in the middle of the room, where their champagne was waiting. What an entrance!

 

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Lydia + Andrew

Lydia + Andrew

After shooting their engagement shoot, it was a understatement to say I was looking forward to Lydia and Andrew’s wedding… and they didn’t disappoint! The day was a vintage inspired trip back in time. The attention to detail was exhausting: from Lydia’s vintage styled dress bought from eBay, the 1960s red Cadillac taking her to the town hall, all the way through to the gramophone, old typewriter, the amazing 50’s classics sung by The Nightingales and finally the first dance which was a medley of swinging old school moves. On top of that, you’ve never met a happier (see the speeches pics for the evidence!) and more welcoming bunch of people – what a fantastic day!

 

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Wedding dress | Ebay

Wedding shoes | Jimmy Choo Bicester Village Outlet

Rose shoe clip | Freya Rose

Groom’s suit | River Island

Tie | Thomas Pink Bicester Village Outlet

Groom’s shoes | Office

Hair accessory | Angelica Bridal

Cake| Sugared Saffron

Bridesmaid dresses | Primark

Wedding car | Cool Classic Cars

SingersThe Nightingales

Makeup & hair |Stephie Hoyle

Wedding bouquet & buttonholes | Pumpkin and Pye

LOVE sign | Argent and Sable Signs 

Wedding wholesale whop |Lavenders of London

Golnaz + Russell

Golnaz + Russell

I’d been looking forward to this wedding since I shot Russell and Golnaz’s engagement shoot at The Grove Hotel a few months back. Firstly, The Grove Hotel is just amazing, the grounds are stunning and it’s the prefect venue for a wedding. Secondly, Russell and Golnaz are such a lovely couple and were so easy to work with, so to shoot not only their civil service but also a second Persian ceremony was really exciting. The whole day was a huge celebration of family and friends and I loved being a part of it.

 

 

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Julie + Patrick

Julie + Patrick

As a photographer you really are spoilt for choice when you’re shooting down on the London’s Southbank, you could spin around blindfolded and still get an interesting photo.

The only thing that would make it better is a couple like Julie and Patrick, so in love and also great company! It was a pleasure shooting them on the beautiful bank of the Thames and I look forward to their wedding a little further down the river in Richmond next month.

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Courtenay + Rob

Courtenay + Rob

Courtenay and Rob are soon to be moving abroad so wanted their engagement shoot to be something they could look back on to remind them of their time in London. Thankfully, due to this amazing weather we’re having, their memories will be of a glorious evening along the the river in Richmond, a beautiful sunset and a pint at the top of Richmond Hill. Perfect.

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Emma + Tom

Emma + Tom

Hayling Island has all the hallmarks of an old English beach town, miles of sand, rustic little beach huts, an ice cream parlour and well… the sea! So when Emma and Tom suggested it for their engagement shoot I immediately rushed home and booked my train ticket, there’s no way I’m saying no to a day at the seaside!

 

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Jessica + Tom

Jessica + Tom

I do love a London wedding (apart from it meaning I have a short journey to work!), I also get to see the places I’ve lived and worked all my life from a completely different perspective, and getting to experience this with people like Jessica and Tom make it even better.

This was a beautiful low key Camden wedding starting in brick lane and then moving on to islington town hall, finished with a London bus ride to Jessica and Tom’s local pub, to dance and drink the night away. Where better to celebrate with your friends?

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Golnaz + Russell

Golnaz + Russell

Golnaz and Russell are getting married at the stunning Grove hotel in outer North London, so what better place to have the engagement shoot than… the Grove Hotel! Apart from the lush surrounding landscapes, it also has a beautiful walled garden, a volleyball court and it’s own beach, it’s one of those places you never want to leave!

 

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Rachel + Chris

Rachel + Chris

We’ve known Rachel and Chris for a quite a few years now and it was pleasure to be asked to shoot their intimate Horsham wedding. I am of course a professional and acted accordingly but I was also under strict instructions to enjoy myself and make sure I had at least a few glasses of wine at dinner… these really are the best kind of weddings!

It’s a great thing to see and experience true emotions from your friends and family, it doesn’t happen often enough and that’s why weddings are so great – people talk, they laugh, they cry…. and this day had it all.

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Lydia + Andrew

Lydia + Andrew

I knew after meeting Lydia and Andrew that their engagement shoot would be something special. It was decided that we would visit Alexandra Palace (which I’ve never been to before but can now highly recommend for a relaxing day out), where they would go for a swan ride on the lake, ride the merry go round at the fun fair, get some skate park shots and finish off the day with a picnic! They were so creative and put so much effort into bringing their ideas to life and it really was a pleasure to work with them! We laughed the whole time and I think we captured some beautiful shots. Can’t wait to shoot their wedding in August.

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Marta + Fabrice

Marta + Fabrice

So last Saturday was beautifully sunny… and also incredibly wet – typical English weather! But I like to see it more as a challenge than a problem and walking along London’s Southbank there’s never a shortage of places to take shelter: trees, bridges, even the Tate Modern. It also gave us an excuse to get out the red umbrellas!

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Laura + Chris

Laura + Chris

Camden is home to some of the best urban backdrops in London, which was perfect for my shoot with Laura and Chris. We wandered over the canal, through the market and up into the famous Hawley Arms pub (once frequented by the late Amy Winehouse) for a halftime rest. Having turned heads pretty much as soon as we started we were soon stopped by two or three tourists asking for a photo, even in Camden this was bound to happen at some point! Walking back through the stables I couldn’t move five paces without spotting another cool backdrop but unfortunately the sun had gone down and another day of shooting was done.

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Katie + Chi

Katie + Chi

Brighton is one of those beautiful places that was made to be captured on film… or in this case, pixels. It has that nostalgic, English seaside vibe about it, that retro style that just works in a photo. I’m sitting in the Coho Cafe preparing for the shoot and outside it’s just started pouring with rain, which gets me wondering if Katie and Chi are still going to be up for doing the shoot? They arrive and excitedly walk in, oblivious to the rain and excited to crack on. Having met at a college in Brighton seven years ago, Katie and Chi thought Brighton an ideal place for their engagement shoot and I totally agree.

The intermittent rain and drizzle did mean that the pier and the beach were both quite deserted which was great, Brighton on a sunny day would have been near impossible to shoot without getting photo bombed by about 12 different people! So whilst the weather wasn’t ideal it did help in other ways, not to mention those stormy clouds in the distance, what a backdrop!

Katie and Chi were great sports, and I wish them all the best for their wedding in Vietnam in December… far, far away from this English seaside weather.

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