A joyful winter wedding in London
When Maryann first got in touch with me about her February wedding day, I had that instant feeling of excitement that I get when I just know that a wedding is meant for me. While I’m based in the North East of England - I absolutely adore a London wedding. There is just something really incredible for me about the experience of photographing love in a city that I am so completely head over heels for. Everything that Maryann and Joe told me about their day had me giddy and I just knew that this was going to be a one of a kind wedding. Obviously for them!! But for me, as their photographer too.
The morning started with Maryann getting ready in a beautiful big house with her family, bridesmaids and one of her two bridesmen. There was cups of tea, champagne and laughter alongside a feeling of gorgeous calm. Prior to the day we had only met on zoom, but Maryann’s warmth and instant embrace on my arrival simply reaffirmed that I already knew that I loved her! She is absolutely magnetic and just so wonderful to be around.
Hair and makeup was by the brilliant Maria McKenna and Goshka. I even had a full preview of the stunning wedding flowers by the insanely talented Sophie Fieldsend Florals - who was also a bridesmaid. I’ve photographed Sophie before and her floristry truly is a work of art. Not to mention she is the wonder who recommended me to Maryann and Joe in the first place. We have a wedding together next year and I already cannot wait to work with her!
Maryann’s dress was one of the things I’d looked forward to most about the day. Bespoke, by designer Andrea Hawkes - the sparkling second layer was truly the perfect touch for a February wedding. Catching the light wherever it went and sending off shimmers and stars in my photographs as the day went on and the daylight dwindled and the candlelight twinkled.
Maryann & her dad caught a cab to Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Wanstead, where Joe and family and friends were arriving and waiting, ready for the joyful ceremony, which had me tearing up. At least twice.
I adore this shot taken by second photographer Leanne Peacock. To me this perfectly demonstrates why adding a second photographer to your package is something to seriously consider (I always suggest having one to my couples having larger weddings). It allows you to get more candids, and alternative angles at key moments that wouldn’t be possible with one photographer.
Following a rose petal confetti walk and group photos outside of the church, it was time to hot foot it across London to the reception. Held at Finch’s in Finsbury Square, which Maryann and Joe had hired out exclusively.
The celebrations at Finch’s got underway with a beautiful meal and emotional, laugh out loud speeches from the wedding party.
A highlight of the evening was an ever glam champagne tower (one of my favourite wedding traditions to photograph!).
From there it was downstairs to an absolutely packed dance floor in Henry’s Den - where Maryann and Joe’s first dance had me in tears once again. I’m a crier people. When you book me for your wedding, understand that I’m going to be feeling all of those emotions with you, and you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Maryann made her very own wedding cake!
Special mention must go to Maryann’s childhood friend Annie, who was a great support throughout the day, from gathering loved ones for group photos to intermittently checking in on myself and second photographer (always so appreciated!). Thank you Annie!
Maryann and Joe, I will never ever forget your wedding day. The warmth of you, your family and friends was truly lovely to experience, and the love you have for one another is electric. As your photographer I could see it, I could feel it. Thank you for inviting me into your lives for this incredible day. It was an honour.
