I adore photographing clients surrounded by rolling hills and flower fields, but I am equally drawn to the lines, shapes and light available exclusively to urban locations. I was thrilled to document the city wedding of two London-based love birds, the wonderful Mae and Jay.
The two first met while working on the student newspaper at Lancaster University (which, coincidentally is how I met both of them, too!) It's not often that one meets their soul mate AND their wedding photographer on the same day!
It wasn't until Jay visited Mae in London that the two got a chance to properly get to know each other. They walked the streets of London for hours, losing track of the time as they were chatting away.
Perhaps on that day the two walked passed the Islington Air BnB where Mae would get ready with her friends on the morning of the wedding. The girls caught up over vegan snacks, drank champagne on the terrace and had their hair elegantly styled by Mae (a different Mae to the bride!).
There was no dress code in place and the tradition of bridesmaids was eschewed; Mae wanted nothing more than for her loved ones to feel comfortable and relaxed.
Mae wore a two piece dress designed by Catherine Dean, with three variations that allowed her to change looks throughout the day. An elegant sheer lace top for the ceremony and a delicate beaded piece with chiffon straps for the dance floor.
Jay was getting ready in a nearby apartment, along his friends and family, many of whom had travelled from his home country of Luxembourg.
The ceremony took place at Islington Town Hall, in the borough where Mae grew up. During a chat we had before the wedding day, Mae shared that she was most looking forward to walking down the aisle and seeing all the people she loved, together in one room for her and Jay.
After a Routemaster bus tour of the London locations with special connections to Mae and Jay's lives, the wedding party arrived at Goldsmiths Hall for the reception. Mae and Jay's celebration was one of only a handful of weddings to take place in the grand building since its opening in 1835. The opulent rooms were dressed with blooms by Maison de Fleurs; pink and white flowers lined the grand staircase and fireplace.
The vegan wedding cake, created by Whisk and Drizzle, with its pink ombre, pretty blooms, and gold leaf detail was so utterly 'Mae'. Brides Magazine fell in love with the cake just as much as I did- they recently shared an image of mine on their Instagram!
After the cake cutting, the lovely couple and I ventured to a rooftop bar overlooking St Paul's cathedral for some bride and groom portraits. We timed it perfectly; as the sun set below the city it created a beautiful, soft glow.
Congratulations, both! It was an honour to document your day!
Are you in the midst of organising a city wedding? I would love to hear more about your plans. Send me a message to find out more about my wedding photography packages.