A Relaxed and Romantic Wedding in Central London.
John and Sarah met during the pandemic and bonded over their wicked sense of humour and a love of the Rocky Horror Show. When I met them to discuss their wedding over a video call, I instantly loved their warmth and the banter between them and was thrilled when they chose me as their wedding photographer. I couldn't wait to capture their day and it did not disappoint.
When John and Sarah started making their wedding plans, they agreed that the most important thing was that their wedding was relaxed and fun and reflected them as a couple. They chose to have an intimate ceremony at the iconic Old Marylebone Town Hall in the heart of London, surrounded by their closest family and friends, followed by a relaxed reception at The Elgin Pub, in Maida Vale which has a private first-floor space, a chilled and rustic atmosphere and was the perfect place to host a group of their family and friends.
A Quick Pint at the Allsop Arms & A Short Walk to Old Marylebone Town Hall
John and the boys started the celebrations with a quick drink before the ceremony at the nearby pub, the Allsop Arms, while Sarah and her parents and bridesmaids got ready at a nearby Air BnB, a short walk down a pretty cobbled mews ( a little tricky in high heels) just 2 minutes from the Town Hall. I could hear the laughter from the open window before I even arrived at the door and knew we were in for a fun day.
A Ceremony In The Knightsbridge Room
The Bride and Groom chose the elegant Knightsbridge Room in Old Marylebone Town Hall, a gorgeous room of muted greys and rich velvet big enough to hold up to 30 guests and still feel intimate. Their ceremony was personal and lovely. Full of laughter and a few happy tears.
Confetti On The Steps Of Old Marylebone Town Hall.
After a flurry of confetti, lots of big hugs and kisses, we took some couple portraits on the steps outside the Town Hall. With the likes of Sir Paul McCartney and many famous faces choosing Old Marylebone Town Hall for their wedding ceremonies, it is popular and often time can be limited but the team of staff runs it incredibly smoothly and we had time and space for some beautiful couple photos without feeling rushed.
Health and safety tip: dried flower crowns can be sharp! Take care when cuddling up close!
Champagne & Group Photos In Regents Park
It was a beautifully warm September and before they headed to their indoor reception, Sarah and John wanted to spend an hour or so celebrating outdoors. Making the most of London's gorgeous green spaces, we headed to Regent's Park, to a secluded, romantic spot that Sarah and John visit regularly as a couple.
Old Marylebone Town Hall is a short drive away from Regent's Park, one of London's largest parks. They applied for a permit to continue their celebrations surrounded by the beautiful gardens, a perfect spot for group photos, and a shared cheeky bottle of bubbly with their guests before moving on to their reception at the Elgin Pub in Maida Vale.
A Party At The Elgin
Sarah and John were whisked off in a white London taxi to the Elgin in West London, where their guests were waiting for them with a glass of Pimms. The rustic brick walls were decorated with strings of fairy lights and photos that documented the newlywed's adventures together. The tables were adorned with thoughtful touches, wildflower seed table names, cute little bags of jelly beans and 'wedding speech bingo' puzzles, nestled amongst jars of dried wild flowers that matched the bouquets and the flower crown in Sarah's hair.
Speeches, A Sword & A Wedding Cake Like No Other.
After an incredible feasting platter, there were speeches, that had the whole room laughing, champagne toasts to the happy couple and Sarah and John were gifted a surprise wedding cake, by an incredibly talented friend. Inspired by their hobbies, a Harry Potter/ bowling alley extravaganza that they cut with a sword.
A 'Time Warp' First Dance Finale
Starting the party with a musical number from the film that started it all, Sarah and John had a romantic first dance that unexpectedly turned into 'The Time Warp!' It's just a jump to the left...
Quickly, the dance floor filled with their family and friends and John and Sarah continued celebrating their wedding as the sun set over the rooftops of London.
Thank you Sarah and John for having me as your wedding photographer, it was a perfect wedding day.
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Team Of Amazing Wedding Suppliers
Ceremony Venue: Old Marylebone Town Hall
Reception Venue: The Elgin, Maida Vale
Hair and Makeup Artist: Lauren K Smith
Brides Dress: Willowby by Watters
Photography by me: Jennifer West Photography