WWT London Wetlands Centre, an oasis of wildlife in the centre of Barnes.
Ellie and Rob wanted a wedding venue with a difference. A place where family and friends could gather in a unique setting that expressed their love of nature. Nestled in Barnes, Richmond upon Thames, one of London prettiest areas is an oasis that doubles as a wedding venue. London Wetland's centre weddings and events combine a peaceful location, a laid-back atmosphere, and an abundance of natural beauty, complete with wildlife including swans, otters and a flock of resident parakeets.
The Observatory Room at London Wetlands centre.
There are several options at this lovely venue to hold a wedding ceremony. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the London Wetland's center Observatory Room has everything you'd expect from the name. Spectacular, sweeping views over the lakes, from sunrise to sunset, beautiful, natural light that fills the room and the dramatic London skyline in the distance, connecting both wildlife and city.
Wedding vows overlooking the lake.
Ellie and Rob exchanged personal vows, surrounded by their closest family and friends who traveled from all over the UK and beyond to join their celebrations. Their wedding was also live-streamed to the guests that couldn't be there in person.
Ellie wore a gorgeous satin and lace 1940's inspired, knee-length wedding dress and chose a vintage glamour hair and make-up to match.
Flower petal confetti and Pimms in the courtyard.
Ellie and Rob were blessed with a glorious afternoon full of sunshine. After their ceremony, their guests lined the path on the courtyard and showered them with handfuls of natural flower petal confetti. The atmosphere matched the weather, it was warm and full of fun. Rob and Ellie's happiness shone through their smiles and the afternoon was full of the sound of laughter and birdsong.
Bouquets of summer flowers and sunflower buttonholes.
The bride and groom chose a selection of seasonal wedding flowers that were pure sunshine.
Sunflowers, yellow roses, irises and freesias were arranged in Ellie's beautiful bouquet by Dawn Jennings. They adorned a stunning wedding cake by LakeThomas cakes and were carefully bundled into vintage teapots, a touching nod to how Rob and Ellie met at University and fell in love over a good cup of English breakfast tea and their mutual sense of humour.
A Reception in the Water's Edge Room.
A relaxed and lovely atmosphere continued at Ellie and Rob's wedding reception which they held in the Waters Edge Room, another beautiful room at the Barnes Wetland Centre.
There were funny childhood photos and a cheeky Mr and Mrs party game, that kept the whole room laughing and entertained. The bride and groom chose bee-friendly wildflower seeds as wedding favours for their guests and a beautiful double rainbow filled the sky as Ellie, Rob and their family gave emotional and heartfelt speeches.
Couple portraits during golden hour.
We made the most of the beautiful location and the low golden sun by taking a stroll through the reserve, it gave Rob and Ellie a few moments away from their guests and a little time to reflect on what a beautiful day their wedding was.
We took some relaxed and lovely couple photos just as the sun set on their perfect day.
I left Rob and Ellie to continue their party with their lovely family and friends and left with a tummy full of chocolate fudge cake and a big smile on my face.
Thank you, Ellie and Rob for having me as your wedding photographer.
What Ellie and Rob said
"Jen wasn’t the first photographer we booked for our wedding, or even the second! But when the pandemic and other unforeseen events meant that the first two photographers we had selected were not able to work with us, Jen was recommended to us alongside a few other photographers. The quality of her work on her website stood out immediately, and meeting her over zoom for a chat confirmed that she was going to be just the right person for us and our wedding. Throughout the process Jen was incredibly accommodating and easy to work with. She was happy to come to our venue with us to have a look around in advance of the wedding and pick out some locations for some shots and even brought her camera with us and took some photos for us then. Both my husband and I are incredibly awkward in front of a camera but Jen really knew how to put us at ease and bring out the best in us. Jen has an amazing ability to know when to take charge and boss groups of people around, and when to take a step back. She was a real hit with all of the guests at the wedding who commented on how friendly and professional she was. Incredibly, the day after our wedding, she has already sent a few beautiful photos to us that have really captured the feel of the day and I can’t wait to see the rest! When we were left without a photographer five months before our wedding I felt that we were lucky to find another one at all. I now realise how incredibly lucky we were that that photographer was Jen. I cannot recommend her highly enough."
