Janice and Mark’s lovely church wedding took place at Farm Street Church in Central London. Earlier that day, in North London, Janice had an early start in her wedding preparations. Experienced make-up and hair assistants were there in the home to help her look her best to walk up the aisle. The service was lovely and with a large church our videographers are always able to move about and create some really beautiful shots – which is helped by the terrific lighting through the stained glass. After the ceremony, as everyone gathered outside, we managed to find a bit of a patch of lawn to do some photos/videoing of the wedding party. They were a really playful lot, which leant a nice easiness to the shooting.
Soon the party shifted to the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel where a glass of chilled champagne was awaiting each guest. As the guests paired off into small groupings in order to chat and get to know each other better, we had the opportunity to make our way around with the camera to get lots of footage of all the guests – that way we know we’ve got everyone on Janice and Mark’s wedding video. We hope that they love the end result and will have memories to treasure for years.
Yane was tucked away in the Chesterfield Hotel where she could have some space and quiet to prepare for her church wedding to Tim. With a little help from her friends, she was soon ready to go and posing for a few photographs in her stunning dress. As she was putting on her finishing touches, the guests were starting to arrive nearby in Hanover Square in the heart of London at St George’s Church where Tim was waiting to catch a glimpse of his bride. Yane arrived in a spectacular white Rolls Royce before being walked up the aisle. It’s a nice bit of editing there where the film changes from black & white to colour when they share their first married kiss – you can do amazing things in post-production. While the bride & groom had a vintage car to travel to the reception in, the remaining wedding party were ushered over in rickshaws – a nice eco-friendly touch.
Once they all safely arrived at Dartmouth House there was drink waiting to welcome them. The group posed for a bunch of wedding photos – the highlight of which had to be when all the blokes hoisted up Yane for a photo in their arms. Good thing they didn’t drop her. After dinner the dancing began. With a large contingent of Brazilians it wasn’t hard differentiating between the English and the Brazilians on the dance floor – they are a nation of people with rhythm and they didn’t disappoint. We wish a rosy future for this dancing couple.
Lalani and Rupert pulled out all the stops for their wedding in London. The day began with a lovely church wedding at St Mary’s Church, a really pretty little stone church which was soon filled with all their closest friends and family. Lalani arrived at the door in a chauffeur driven vintage Rolls Royce – emerging from the car like Cinderella from her carriage. The choir was singing inside to herald her arrival. Lalani beamed as she walked up the aisle to meet Rupert and exchange wedding vows.
The reception was at the Hurlingham Club and its well-tended lawns were the ideal setting for photographs. We enjoyed filming all the laughter and horsing-around which accompanied the wedding photography – this is a clearly a group of friends who enjoy themselves. As the photos were taking place, the remaining wedding guests had a chance to admire the sculptures in the Hurlingham grounds and enjoy a glass of champagne in the sun. Soon it was time to retreat inside for the wedding breakfast where tables were well-laden with beautiful floral arrangements. Lalani and Rupert made a splash on the dance floor executing a very elegant first dance – no shuffling feet here! The live band soon had all the guests up on their feet enjoying a boogie. All-in-all a fantastic wedding day for Lalani and Rupert.
Claridges Hotel, in London’s Mayfair area, is one of a small handful of the world’s best hotels. From its sumptuous facilities to its attentive service, it is a wonderful place to spend any amount of time in. So for Keely & Simon to hold their civil wedding reception at the hotel was an inspired choice and pleasure for us to be a part of. The civil service was at the Chelsea Old Town Hall where a small group of their closest friends and family were privy to the ceremony. Keely made a stylish entrance with a white fur cape on over her dress trailed by several flower girls. The ceremony was lovely and simple and soon they were pronounced man and wife to thunderous applause. The entire wedding party gathered on the steps in front of the Town Hall for a photograph and then it was back to Claridges for the reception.
The hotel surpassed expectations with stunning white floral displays on the long table set for them in the Gordon Ramsay restaurant. Before eating, the guests enjoyed a glass of champagne and a chance to visit while the harpist played. The food and the service lived up to the hotel’s reputation and when the last guest left it was with a smile on their face. We thank Keely & Simon for allowing us to be part of their special day.
While Sarah was getting pampered with beauty helpers at the Landmark Hotel, Martin was at a nearby sports bar playing a few rounds of pool! Each getting in the right frame of mind for their civil wedding. While Sarah had plenty of family around to support her, Martin had his stags (groomsmen) at his side to have a laugh with. Both seemed very relaxed and having a great time. The guests started to arrive to the Landmark Hotel, located in central London, which had been beautifully decorated for the event. With a piano player tinkling away, and lit candles about the space, the scene was set for a romantic wedding. Sarah made a dynamite entrance coming down the staircase in her strapless white dress and Martin was all smiles when she joined him in front of the assembled audience. After exchanging very personal vows, they were married as husband and wife. We took a few great photographs of the couple together after the ceremony. It wasn’t long before the corks were popping in the atrium and the celebratory champagne was flowing.
Guests boarded a Routemaster bus to make their way to the Natural History Museum for the wedding breakfast. Inside were dramatic lighting, decorations and skilled bartenders on hand to mix potent cocktails. To eat dinner amongst the amazing dinosaur skeletons was a first-time experience for most of the wedding party and one they will remember for a long time to come. We wish Sarah and Martin all the very best in married life together.
Carolyn had plenty of support from her beautiful bridesmaids as she sat with rollers in her hair getting ready for her big day. Between fits of laughter and many good wishes, the girls soon were coiffed, dressed and ready for Carolyn’s wedding to Pete. Meanwhile Pete and his posse of groomsmen made their way to Dartmouth House for the civil wedding ceremony. The dark wood paneled room was a beautiful setting for the ceremony with plenty of light streaming in from the side windows. We shot plenty of footage of the guests as they arrived and took their seats. The ceremony was very nice and when it was over the entire wedding party congregated on the stairs for photos – it was great to get everyone together for a picture to remember. A red Routemaster bus was there to transport the wedding party – and there were some particularly great shots of Carolyn hanging off the pole!
They made their way through the streets of London to the Erasmus docked on the Thames – ready to take them on a cruise along the river. The boat set sail and they enjoyed a drink outside while they floated past the many sights of London. When it came time to eat, they dined on bangers & mash while cruising the Thames! A quintessential mash-up of British traditions – we love it and wish Carolyn and Pete many more wonderful celebrations.
High above the rooftops in London is the Kensington Roof Gardens, an unexpected oasis of ultra-lush greenery way up close to the clouds. This was the setting for the Chinese wedding of Pui-Lai and Andrew. The bride and groom were at the Royal Garden Hotel getting themselves prepared: Andrew with his best men at his side and Pui-Lai with her makeup artist and parents to aid her. The boys made the short journey to the civil wedding venue by foot catching the eye of many a passerby as they went! As the guests made their way up to the Kensington Roof Gardens they had some time to marvel at the flowers and fountains which appear so unexpectedly all to the accompanied strains for the string quartet. Pui-Lai made an entrance and soon they were announced as man and wife upon which they released two doves. Our camera was able to track them as they flew off into the sky. Much to the delight of the children they had a surprise for later: a basketful of doves to release! They loved being able to take a beautiful white bird into their tiny hands and then set it free. It was a really nice way to include them in the proceedings. Meanwhile the adults were enjoying a chance to visit with each other over a glass of champagne. We wish to Pui-Lai and Andrew much joy as they go out into the world as newlyweds!
St Etheldreda’s Church in London played host to the Catholic wedding of Manana & Marc who tied the knot in a formal top hat and tails ceremony shared with all their friends and family. St Etheldreda’s is both imposing and grand with spectacular glass windows and fine stonework. During the ceremony Manana and Marc were serenaded by the choir accompanied by the church organ. However, what stood out most was the dazzling smile which both of them wore throughout. Outside the church was the perfect time to capture some shots of the newlyweds and film their assembled guests as they pass on their best wishes. One by one, they shook hands and planted kisses on Manana and Marc and gave them their blessings.
There was a spectacular array of hats on display that June day. Whenever we could, our cameraman would try to pan across the hats to capture them in their entire array. Some large, some small, they really did add a nice lift to the celebration! The chauffeur of their classic car waited patiently until all the photos were finished, all the kisses had been planted, before he opened the door for the chariot waiting to whisk the newlyweds away! We wish all the very best to Manana and Marc for their future together.
All Saints Church Fulham, London, played host to Jennifer and Paul’s nuptials. It was a charming choice for their church wedding as it has a sort of ‘country charm’ about it which lends itself well to the proceedings. Not sure the guests were expecting Jennifer to pull up in a black cab – that was a great surprise and says a lot about how down-to-earth this couple is. The service was simple and lovely and we got some great footage of the couple signing the registry. When they came out of the church, they were showered in confetti – shooting from behind the couple lets the camera see it as they see it as a riot of coloured bits float down in front of them. Outside in the summer sun was a great time for everyone to chat (and for our videographers to capture plenty of footage of the guests while they are distracted and engaged in their conversation…)
When we arrived at Fulham Palace, everything was all ready with both interior and exterior spaces all set for their reception. Guests were favouring the outdoor space until the time came to come inside to eat, at which point there was little argument. However after dinner, with the sun still showing its head outside, the party-goers retreated into the courtyard. It’s all the same to us! We just trail behind with our camera. Thank you Jennifer and Paul for a great day.
Highbury in London was where vows were exchanged at the beautiful church wedding of Jasmine and Tim. Jasmine’s preparations began across London at the Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel, where she had various helpers with hair and makeup to prepare for marching up the wedding aisle. With highly-skilled professionals looking after her she was able to relax and enjoy the process. As the guests arrived at the church, they had a chance to admire its handsome architecture, especially on the outside which looked its best on a sunny June day. The girls arrived in a decorated ‘Dial a Cab’ which was a really great touch! It was just one way that the couple’s sense of humour and fun shone through on their wedding day.
The reception was at the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn where the wedding party was able to enjoy the summer weather outside in the garden with a glass of something cool. With its leafy overhang it really helped to soften the light, which made for favourable shooting conditions. I think we enjoyed the jazz group playing as much as the guests did! They were great. Dinner was in the marquee in the garden and it was decorated with a really simple but bold décor which really worked. And when the post dinner dancing started, it never really stopped – reaching well into the night. Best wishes to Jasmine and Tim!
