London wedding photographer • Engagement photos
Sara Gore and Chris Miles
Today's feature - Sara and Chris's beautiful Rivervale Barn wedding. Vaulted ceilings with rustic wooden beams, roomy interior, plus beautiful gardens, a spacious courtyard, and charming cottage make this an ideal and photogenic venue. Special thanks to Sophie Brooks for assisting! Enjoy...
Katie & Adam Featured in Wedding Venues & Services Magazine
Flashback to last summer! Wedding Venues & Services magazine have just published two spreads featuring Katie and Adam's Coltsford Mill wedding from last June. You'll see even more of Katie next week as Maid of Honour for Sara and Chris's wedding! Enjoy the sunshine, and keep your fingers crossed that it hangs around for summer!
Portrait Shoot with Sara Gore and Chris Miles
Winter gave us a temporary pass on Wednesday, with temperatures finally nosing well above the freezing point. But that didn't stop Sara from passing on the opportunity to show off her winter gear! Bright and clear cold gave way to a warm(ish) wet Wednesday for our engagement portrait shoot at Rivervale Barn. The wet limited our options, keeping us out of the lovely gardens and new footbridge. Fortunately they have a nice courtyard space which offers great opportunities for portraits. And... more
Xiaojie Bai and Ed May
There was a time I could never quite understand couples marrying mid-to-late afternoon during the late autumn and winter months in the UK. It's a race against time for any ambient light advantage, indoors or out! And especially so on grey (most!) days. But there's something much more relaxed and easy-going about the autumn and winter weddings. Maybe the couples who plan "off-season" (I hate that phrase, there's nothing "off" about it at all!) weddings are just more relaxed about the... more
Portrait Shoot with Xiaojie Bai and Ed May
It's not often I pen a post of pre-wedding portraits after the wedding has taken place. But for these two both days were just a week apart! So they're happily wed now (they were just as adorable together at the wedding as they are in the photos beolow) but you'll have to wait a few days to see those photos. For now you can enjoy their autumn engagement photo session, set in Well Hall Pleasaunce next to their wedding venue,... more
Clare Watkinson and Tom Elliott
Remember Clare and Tom's engagement photos? I joked on Facebook that I celebrated my Americanness by spending the 4th of July driving in my car. But I gladly did so to get the right photos for these two. Besides, it was an easy drive for a Midwestern American (and just another Monday here in Britain!). Following that lovely day I had great expectations for their wedding, and they didn't disappoint. In fact I nearly split this post into two parts after... more
Christina Shih and David Hedges
You've seen a few of Christina and David already in last week's sneak peek of their first look in the gardens of St. James's Square. Here are just a few (err, loads) more which round out the day nicely. Not only are these two super organised, they're also super talented and designed most of the details you see here, including the stationery, table decor, and the lovely mirror seating chart. Everything perfectly matched the stately elegance of the Carlton Club's... more
Hannah Cookson and Pascal Laplante
After wrapping up Claire and Andrew's wedding at the Elvetham Hotel, I said my goodbyes and headed to Devon for Hannah and Pascal's wedding the next day in Drewsteignton. And a lovely day it was, despite the chilly air & drab Devon sky. Hannah initially contacted me from Australia, where she and Pascal were working for most of the year leading up to the wedding. And he's French Canadian, so the whole day was a wonderful mix of international and English... more
Claire Butler and Andrew Williamson
Summer made a lovely return for Claire and Andrew's Elvetham Hotel wedding a few days ago. Plenty of sunshine and blue sky in their wedding photographs! True story: the two visited the venue for the first time last June, coincidentally on the same day I was there photographing Naomi and Glenn's wedding. They were struck by Naomi's choice of sweet shop decor for the wedding breakfast and so were pleasantly surprised to see it all again when looking through the photographs... more
Lucy Morrison and Simon Vickers
Lucy & Simon's Hampton Court wedding began with heavy rain but improved just in time for the end of the ceremony and the outdoor photos afterward. Rain on one's wedding day is a sign of good luck, so no worries (except for a soggy photographer). Bonus points if you can spot one of my past brides in the photos. Hint: she married in the same church. Congratulations Lucy & Simon! They're off on a honeymoon to Italy, then a tour around the... more
Portrait Shoot with Claire Butler and Andrew Williamson
Don't tell these two that summer is waning. Or me, for that matter! Fingers crossed for a few more weeks of nice weather before the inevitable sets in. Claire and Andrew will marry in a few days at one of my favourite wedding venues. The Elvetham Hotel is a big place but feels quite intimate. And wedding clients have the venue to themselves, which is a bonus. Looking forward to it!
Portrait Shoot with Christina Shih and David Hedges
I spent a sunny and warm summer afternoon (strange weather, I know...) with Christina and Dave, who will marry quite soon at The Carlton Club. It describes itself (err, Wikipedia describes it...) as the "oldest, most elite, and most important of all Conservative clubs." And indeed it does have a noticeably more conservative atmosphere than One Whitehall Place, the home of the National Liberal Club I visited back in March. It seems ideologically wrong for the Labour Party to have... more
Katie Farrell and Adam Betteley
I've spent a bit of time trying to pare this wedding preview edit down to 25-50 images. No such luck! So I present a generous selection of Katie & Adam's lovely Coltsford Mill wedding. Congrats to Katie and Adam! And thanks to EVERYONE for making the day such a great one. Cast of characters Reigate branch of RUSH Hair Reigate branch of Benefit (these two conveniently located across the street from each other!) Bridal gown by Sottero & Midgley Flowers by Cindy Kirkland Tiara, necklace and... more
Portrait Shoot with Clare Watkinson and Tom Elliott
I met Clare and Tom recently for their venue visit at Kimberley Hall, near Wymondham in Norfolk. But more on that lovely venue when I shoot their wedding in September! For their engagement session we traveled further north to Holkham on the Norfolk coast, where there's a great (and actually sandy!) public beach which spreads out quite a distance. Perfect for a photo shoot, since it was relatively easy to exclude others (save one excited and sociable dog) from the... more
Kate Channer and Alan Armstrong
Typical English grey yielded to lovely British sunshine for Kate and Alan's wedding in Surbiton a couple of weeks ago. After their ceremony at St. Andrews Church, everyone gathered at Glenmore House, a lovely late Georgian / early Victorian building just up the street from the centre of town and just a short walk from the church. Don't they have the cutest flower girl and ring bearer combo ever? I promise I didn't set up their little kiss moment. Congratulations to Kate... more
Portrait Shoot with Katie Farrell and Adam Betteley
I met Katie and Adam yesterday on a windy & chilly but sunny (sort of) morning, just before Coltsford Mill started to come alive for a scheduled wedding in the afternoon. Who needs a wind machine these days when you can just step outside? We had a lovely time exploring the grounds, planning some shots, and taking a few photographs. Lots of sitting poses for these two, since Adam is seriously tall! Their big day comes very soon, so stay tuned... more
Rhian Jones and Tim Allen
Rhian and Tim were married back in April, can't believe I'm so behind in my posting! It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm, but we spent most of our photo time enjoying the cool art deco interior of the fabulous Wandsworth Town Hall. Finally we joined the guests over at The Alma for drinks, dinner, and celebration. If you haven't been to The Alma before, it's definitely worth a look after an extensive restoration and transformation into a restaurant... more
Sneak Peek: Rhian and Tim
Just can't resist a little preview of the sunny Saturday we enjoyed at Wandsworth Town Hall and The Alma. Don't you think Tim could be Sergeant Hathaway's body double? Do I watch too much TV? Enjoy. More to follow...
Ailsa Withers and James Duckworth
Designed by architect Sir Alfred Waterhouse, One Whitehall Place sits on the bank of the Thames alongside the neighbouring Royal Horseguards Hotel. Historically it's been the home of the National Liberal Club since the building was completed in the 1880s. Several years ago the hotel took over and repurposed the top floors, making it the lovely wedding venue it is today. And together the buildings make for an iconic view looking back from the other side of the Thames.
Portrait Shoot with Ailsa Withers and James Duckworth
Not sure what excites me more about Ailsa and James's wedding in a few weeks at London's One Whitehall Place: the magnificent marble staircase or the exquisite service provided by the venue. A few from their portrait shoot below the fold:
Monica Andrei and Claudiu Stefanescu
Monica and Claudiu married on a beautiful February afternoon at Marylebone Town Hall, surrounded by family and friends, nearly all of whom travelled to the UK to witness the happy day. I met them first at the Landmark Hotel for portraits. I'm always thrilled to photograph clients who are keen to do a proper portrait session! And to allocate enough time to make it relaxed while taking good advantage of a location. Monica is a keen photographer as well, so... more
Alison Higgins and Des Cooke
Autumn Wedding at Alexander House Alison and Des married a week ago Friday against a lovely backdrop of orange, red, and yellow leaves at Alexander House, near East Grinstead in Sussex. Despite the chill in the air and the grey skies outside, the couple enjoyed a warm reception amongst friends and family, including the bride's brother entertaining guests with his jazz trio.
Beth Carter and Ben Dunnett
Beth was convinced it would rain on her wedding day. And rain it did! We got soaked immediately upon leaving the church, so we skipped over directly to Burhill Golf Club, where we were eventually met with sunny skies for some outdoor photographs. A wedding day with the full range of British weather! Well, no heat, at least.
Portrait Shoot with Beth Carter and Ben Dunnett
Here's a little sneak peek of Beth & Ben, who marry next weekend. The ceremony will be in Hampton, followed by reception, dinner, and evening festivities at Burhill Golf Club in Walton-on-Thames.
Saffron Mohammadi and Jamie Gloyne in Purley
Garden Wedding Photography in Purley The leafy London suburb of Purley provided the lovely setting for Saffron and Jamie's Surrey wedding photography two weekends ago. After performing the official bits at Croydon Town Hall on Friday, they opted for a private ceremony to mark the occasion in her mother's back garden. The clouds threatened their usual spells of lousiness, but the day proved to be fantastic in every respect.
Adrienn Nagy and Zoltan Sirman
Presenting Adrienn and Zoltan, a couple from Hungary living and working just outside of Reading in a lovely village tucked into the Coltswolds. Our day together began at the church, and included quite a bit of traffic dodging on my part to get a few candids and formal groups in front of that wonderful hedge on the street corner! After a fun round of post-ceremony portraits inside and outside of the church, we headed for their reception at the house,... more
Susanne Schofield and John McAllister
With all of these sun-kissed summer weddings, I fear all of my 2010 work will look the same! Oh wait, I mean "hope!" I hope all of my 2010 weddings will suffer the same good fortune of sunlight that has met my previous clients over the course of this wonderfully warm season. Now where did I store that linen suit? Susanne & John booked the lovely Hall Place in Berkshire for their wedding. Fortunately the venue's tall windows allowed a nice... more
Portrait Shoot with Saffron Mohammadi & Jamie Gloyne
What a summer! Heaps of sunlight and a nice cool breeze for Saffron and Jamie's brief but fun pre-wedding shoot yesterday. They will marry at the end of the month in a garden ceremony at her mother's home in leafy Purley, on the southern side of the London borough of Croydon. Once the wedding is finished, I'll make them a beautiful 12x12-inch feature album, with two miniature books included as well. If you're still on the fence about your wedding photography,... more
Naomi Cullan and Glenn Fairbrother
Once again the British summer came through and delivered a beautiful day for Naomi and Glenn's wedding photography in Hampshire. The day began at Naomi's parents' house in Winnersh, Berkshire. From there we traveled to the ceremony at the charming All Saints Church in Dogmersfield, and finally arrived later that afternoon in true English country estate style at the exquisite Elvetham Hotel. The best part about a nice summer wedding in England? Delaying the formal portraits until after dinner when the... more
Joanna Baker and Simon Whittemore
An elegant and intimate backdrop for Joanna and Simon's wedding photography in London last Friday. A lovely assortment of flowers inspired by English country gardens, a small gathering of close family and friends, gorgeous food at Chez Bruce on Wandsworth Common, and a shining white taxi cab to escort the couple from place to place. Plus a warm and sunny day! Perfect. Congratulations, Jo and Simon!
Naomi Skinner and Jason Hawkins
Summer made a brief visit to London on the day of Naomi and Jason's Surrey wedding at Lovekyn Chapel in Kingston. Intense sunshine lit up the inside of the chapel nicely but made for a rather warm outdoor reception afterward in the garden. Wait, who's complaining about summer in London? Come back, please. Congratulations, Naomi and Jason!
Portrait Shoot with Naomi Cullan and Glenn Fairbrother
Naomi and Glenn will be getting married next month at the gorgeous Elvetham Hotel in Hampshire. In between a meeting with their wedding coordinator and food tasting, we met on Tuesday to talk through their timeline and wander around the grounds to plan ideas and take a few photographs. The sun broke through the cloud cover for a few minutes towards the end of our shooting time, which gave some lovely contrasting light to a small set of the images. Stay... more
Jane Llewellyn and Jim Keefe
Gosfield Hall sits approximately an hour's drive outside of London, a perfectly situated wedding venue for couples in Greater London, Essex, and surrounding areas of the Southeast. Jane and Jim enjoyed a lovely day, in spite of grey clouds which fortunately never quite materialised into rain. They also just escaped the blast of cold which swept down from Scotland over the bank holiday weekend. I'm learning quickly that a bank holiday in the UK usually guarantees miserable weather. There's certainly... more
Alison Williams and Kevin Westcott
Coltsford Mill provided a beautiful spring backdrop for Ali and Kevin's Surrey wedding photography on Saturday. The sun and warmth certainly helped as well! Due to a rather quick turnaround between the ceremony end and seating for dinner, Ali and Kevin opted to wait until the evening for their formal portraits together. Something a bit different from the usual sunlit outdoor portrait session. A big thank you to my friend and colleague Wardi Sanusi for his able assistance throughout the day. Finally,... more
Jane Benson and Tom Nightingale
April can be so hit and miss for wedding photography in London and the UK. Well, I suppose that's true for just about any month here! In spite of the grey clouds, Jane and Tom enjoyed a rain-free day for their Bartholomew Barn wedding over the Easter weekend. I didn't say dry, since the trip to the venue included a drive through a frightening amount of water in the road. And at the end of an afternoon tromping through the... more
Portrait Shoot with Alison Williams and Kevin Westcott
Such a gorgeous day for a wedding! Fortunately, the staff at Coltsford Mill enjoy a day off after a string of beautiful wedding days this week. And that meant Ali, Kevin, and I could wander leisurely around the property to discuss their plans for the day and take a few photographs around the venue. Ali and Kevin will be married on the 24th of this month, so look forward to more photos of them soon!
Claire Weston and James Fuller
Pembroke Lodge provided a stunning yet intimate venue for Claire and James's Surrey wedding photography on Saturday. They stayed at the Chiswick Moran Hotel, where I met the bride and her bridesmaids for a few preparation photos before the ceremony. True to form, the London weather managed to bring traffic to an aggravating crawl for the trip from the Chiswick Moran Hotel to Richmond Park, delaying the bride's arrival by several minutes. James kept the guests entertained while they waited, and... more
Rhonwen Beesley and Matthew Reed
Congratulations to Ronnie and Matthew Reed, from Wandsworth. They married this past Saturday in a lovely ceremony at The Alma Tavern just across from Wandsworth Town station. I always enjoy ceremonies which allow for unusual wedding photography, and Ronnie's red dress paired against Matthew's blue velvet suit certainly fit the bill! A big thank you to the lovely couple for sharing their day, and of course to the wonderful staff at The Alma.
Johanna Shearer and Stuart Smith
Grey skies and rain dampened a few of the photographs but not the spirit of Johanna and Stuart's Leicestershire wedding at the Exton Park Chapel and Barnsdale Hall Hotel. Congratulations!
Naomi Romero and Harry Grapenthin
Naomi and Harry traveled from New York City for their wedding this weekend at her parents' residence in Hampshire. Their lovely home and garden made a perfect setting for the day, aided by the gorgeous weather. Congratulations!
Emma Lewer and Roger Smith
A lovely day for Emma and Roger's Oaks Farm wedding. They pushed their wedding forward by a month so that her ailing father could attend. A day of mixed feelings, but dominated by joy and celebration. Grey skies fortunately never produced rain, so we had perfect weather and light for outdoor photos. Many thanks to the owners and staff for helping to make the day a success.
Belinda Sterry and Nick Harris
Another lovely spring wedding! Belinda and Nick enjoyed a holiday weekend wedding at stately Gosfield Hall near Braintree in Essex. A gorgeous bridal suite with big windows and warm light for preparation photos, a peculiarly narrow ceremony space but with beautiful wood walls and daylight streaming through the windows, and a grand banqueting hall for the breakfast. And of course, spacious and green grounds for reception mingling and group photos. The staff had a busy weekend but were absolutely accommodating... more
Nimalka and Anand Lakhani
Here's a selection of from the St. Aldate's Church and /macdonald-randolph-hotel/">Randolph Hotel wedding of Nimalka and Anand, a vibrant mix of Asian colour and English tradition. Set against the background of Oxford in full bloom...
London Portrait Shoot with Jessica Rynning and Nate Etingh
I caught up with Jessica and Nate for a portrait session the other day in Green Park / St. James Park and the surrounding areas. Getting married next year, they came through town from Chicago this spring on a trip which also took them to Paris for a few days. Their wedding plans will go forward once he returns from an overseas deployment with the U.S. Marine Corps. Best wishes to you both!
Tracy Murray and Laurence Jones
Hever Castle proved to be a warm venue on freezing day in late autumn. Although we didn't venture out into the icy air for photos, the lovely interior of the Astor wing provided an excellent backdrop for photographs. Congratulations!