I first met Amanda and Alex at google hq in Soho to chat about their forthcoming wedding at Syon House. It was actually Amanda’s mum who had first seen my work on the accredited list at Syon House, and recommended me as a wedding photographer to the couple. During our meeting Amanda and Alex said they were drawn to the observational style of my work, and how they wanted natural, unforced photographs taken at their wedding. We spoke about the structure of the day and how the photography would tie in. The couple agreed on a small number of set group shots, and we agreed the main emphasis of the photography would be naturally captured moments. I always make a point of meeting prospective clients before the wedding day; the photographer is the one supplier that will be with you throughout the wedding and it’s key that you feel relaxed in their company.

The men wore dinner jackets and bow ties which worked well visually, especially against the auguste surroundings of Syon House. I think this look combined well with the black & white photography, portraying a graphic and classic style. I started my coverage with Amanda getting ready in Syon House’s main drawing room; the light was diffused through the blinds, which allowed me to follow the action and pick out interesting moments with ease. Amanda looked beautiful in her dress. If you’re a bride-to-be and looking for that perfect wedding dress, check out something like https://www.winniecouture.com/stores/wedding-dresses-charlotte-nc/ to find the one for you and look as stunning as Amanda did on her special day. Then it was time to shadow Amanda as she entered the Great Hall for the ceremony itself.

After the ceremony we shot the group and couple shots using the front aspect of the house where the light was nice and even. I used the steps to tier people within the groups, making sure everyone could be clearly seen. During this time the guests were enjoying champagne in the courtyard, there were a few spots of rain which thankfully only lasted 10 minutes. After capturing reportage shots of guests during the reception, it was time for everyone to make their way to the Great Conservatory for dinner. Every table were assigned a cocktail maker and the fun soon gathering momentum.

After speeches it was dancing time. The boys seemed particularly into this stage of the day, wearing straw hats I was impressed by their boundless energy and moves on the dance floor. The evening food was provided by Brindisa, which was a nice touch (and a favourite of mine when in town). I thoroughly enjoyed shooting Amanda & Alex’s wedding and was pleased with the results.

Please get in touch if you are planning a Syon House wedding, as an award winning wedding photographer, I have covered many weddings at this wonderful venue over the years.

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Royal Institution

The Royal Institution (21 Albemarle Street, London, W1S / www.rigb.org) is seen as much a museum as a public forum for science debate. There are seven function rooms which can host a variety of events, from performances to a small dinner for ten. Now the Institution can perform wedding ceremonies, making for an interesting venue in which to get married.

Kenwood House

The pale stuccoed exterior of Hampstead Heath’s romantic country house makes a photogenic backdrop for refined, unmistakably English wedding celebrations. The isolated location provides a rare opportunity to turn up the trad jazz. Ask permission in advance to use the tree-lined driveway for stylish arrivals. Capacity 180.

The Queen’s House

The Queen’s House in Greenwich is a wonderful wedding venue. Situated within Greenwich Royal park and part of the National Maritime museum, it was built in the 17th century and was originally home to Charles 1?s queen Henrietta Maria. The Tulip staircase is the first geometric self-supporting spiral stair in Britain and is a stunning piece of architecture, the collonades offer shelter in wet weather and soft shade from bright sunlight. The Great Hall reflects Renaissance ideals of mathematical, classical proportion and harmony; the geometric patterned black & white floor makes for stunning photographic opportunities.

If you like to see a wedding I have photographed at this venue -please follow the Link: Queens House Wedding

The Painted Hall

The Painted Hall which is part of the National Maritime Museum is sometimes described as the ‘finest dining hall in Europe’. It was originally intended as an eating space for the naval veterans who lived at the Royal Hospital and was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor. The Painted Hall is used today as a dining area for special occasions, including weddings. I have photographed weddings here many times, it is a joy to work with such visual potential.

Bluebird cafe – Kings Road, Chelsea

I have photographed a number of weddings at the Bluebird cafe on London’s Kings Road in Chelsea. This venue is chic, modern, light and tatsteful. The event team are experienced, friendly and detailed with their approach and sevice. There is a feeling of understated elegance with the interior design which lends itself well to photography. A number of orginal photographic prints from the 1940’s and 50’s addorn the walls that remind me when I’m working that I am in good company.

Syon Park

I am lucky enough to have been an accredited supplier at Syon Park for 7 years. When I work here I feel very much part of the team – Becky, Victoria and Francis are welcoming and know what is involved with wedding photography alongside the other requirements of the day. I see Syon House as 3 venues in one; the Great Hall, the courtyard and of course the Great Consevatory. Elegant, continental in feel and expansive – I have a soft spot for this venue.

If you like to see a wedding I have photographed at this venue -please follow the Link: Syon House Wedding

Chiswick House

Chiswick House is a Palladian villa in Burlington Lane, Chiswick An example of Neo-Palladian architecture in London, the house was designed by Lord Burlington and completed in 1729. The 65 acre gardens, mainly created by architect and landscape designer William Kent, here is one of the earliest examples of the English landscape gardens. Today the house is a Grade 1 listed building, and is maintained by English Heritage. I love shooting at Chiswick House, there are so many possibilities for visually stunning back drops. In my opinion this is one of the best wedding venues in London.

If you like to see a wedding I have photographed at this venue -please follow the Link: Chiswick House Wedding

Stationers’ Hall

Your guests can dine at 340-year-old tables, surrounded by polished wood panelling, huge stained-glass windows and the shields of the Stationers’ and Newspaper Makers’ Company at this Grade I-listed building, which has been the guild’s home since 1673. Three imposing function spaces all have mod cons such as vast LCD screens; discos can also be brought in. There’s no in-house catering, but there’s a long list of approved caterers. The glorious courtyard garden, dominated by a 250-year-old plane tree, recently underwent a £120,000 makeover and is an irresistible draw for a summer wedding.

Dulwich Picture Gallery

It’s hard to think of a more magnificent setting for nuptials than this gorgeous nineteenth-century building by Sir John Soane. Now that the gallery has acquired a ceremony licence, it’s possible for your whole day to take place here. Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, SE21 7AD is a local venue for me – it is a joy to photograph in such sumptuous surroundings.

Dulwich College

I am lucky enough to be the list of recommended photographers at Dulwich college. This is a fine venue based in South East London with excellent transport links to central London. With splendid architecture and expansive grounds this venue has much visual potential. The event team are experienced and friendly and will make sure each wedding runs smoothly. There are a variety of rooms that can be used for weddings at Dulwich College, adding to the range and breadth of the photographic coverage. The Pavilion Salle on the upper floor of the Pavilion has beautiful views of the college grounds from its balconies. Kenwood House.

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We had bright summer light throughout, although some dark clouds loomed from time to time. I have photographed at St. Nicholas church before, it was built in the 15th century and enlarged in the 19th, a church has been on the site for over a thousand years. A  small Saxon window is visible outside above the West door and the Norman font is also still in use.

Holly arrived with her bridesmaids looking relaxed. After a few last minute adjustments she entered the church arm in arm with her father, walking towards a rather nervous looking Joe. The ceremony was touching and meanigful with family members giving readings. The relief between the couple was evident when the vicar finally announced , “And you may kiss the bride”. And that is what Joe did without hesitation.

After the ceremony we took some family group shots outside the church and then Holly, Joe and myself made our way to nearby woodland to shoot the couple portraits. This was a good opportunity to get a selection of images away from the wedding party. These pictures form the foundation of my coverage.

Back at the house my reportage coverage continued. The speeches happened before the dinner, then the roast hog was served. After desert the evening guests slowly started to arrive and soon it was time for Holly & Joe’s first dance. I stayed a little while longer, photographing more dancing and evening guests relaxing and chatting. I hope you enjoy looking at my selection of Holly and Joes’s wedding photographs.

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Here is a portrait taken at a recent wedding at Chiswick House in West London. As a London wedding photographer I get to shoot in many different locations in town, which is a pleasure of the job. Alongside the pictures that show the wedding locations, I always enjoy taking some close up portraits on the day, where by the environment is hinted at but not fully displayed. Here is such an example. The subject is lit by even daylight, which is diffused by the walls of the marquee, the table and chairs are hinted at by being out of focus, but enough detail is given to give the subject environmental context. I think smiling can be slightly overrated photographically, a strong expression with direct eye contact (for me) gives a picture some depth and subtext – not that I would shoot a whole wedding full of frowns you understand……

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Here is a portrait I shot this week in London, using daylight coming in through a diffused window. As a photographer you have to make instinctive choices all the time, what lighting, lens, composition, etc – that is what being a photographer is all about. Sometimes  you will be on location with lots studio lighting kit and the best light is already there – daylight. This is what happened here, the light was good coming in from a nearby window with diffused glass; it was shot around 7pm, the sun was low which always help.

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Claire & Nadeem’s summer wedding took place at the Tudor Barn, Eltham, South East London. I have been lucky enough to have photographed a number of times here before. The Tudor Barn is a Grade 2 16th century listed building built by the family of William Roper and links back to King Henry VIII and the Tudor Monarchy. Then Tudor Barn is situated in the Royal Borough of Greenwich just 20 minutes from central London. With its exposed beams, oak flooring and expansive, well kept gardens this is an excellent wedding venue. If you live in Virigina and would like a barn wedding venue similar to this one then go online and search for barn wedding venues Virginia you’ll find some perfect venues for your perfect day.

I started my coverage at Claire’s flat, shooting the getting ready stage – everything seemed quite calm at this stage. Claire and Nadeem wanted a relaxed, reportage coverage of their day, with a some family group shots in the Tudor Barn’s gardens. After the ceremony champagne was served and the reception began. Soon enough we were in the summer sunshine taking a stroll around the gardens for some couple portraits, looking for some shaded areas too avoid the glare of the direct sun.

As always I photographed a lot of reportage pictures, quietly observing what was going on and the interaction between family and guests. These pictures tell the real story of the day and in my experience are the photographs that my clients look back on with greater fondness.

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It was a nippy November day when Douggie and Elaine got married at St Mary’s Roman Catholic church in Blackheath.

Starting the day at their contemporary flat in the village I found myself in what felt like a ready-made studio with crisp white walls and large windows letting in lots of natural light.  Elaine certainly made a stylish bride and an interesting subject to photograph; achieving good shots at this stage very much helps to get photographic foundations in place.

So, we moved on to the church and I set about my reportage coverage, recording the congregation as Elaine entered the church with her father.

After the ceremony it was then on to Deptford for the reception at The Laban Centre which, with its pink walls and modernist white tables, again highlighted Douggie and Elaine’s strong sense of style.  With champagne flowing I moved among guests to capture environmental images and I brought Douggie and Elaine away from everyone, using this design-led space as a backdrop for their portraits.

After dinner and speeches, the wedding party continued to mingle allowing me plenty of opportunity to photograph the natural interaction between guests, something I am very drawn to.

My job was done.  Elaine and Douggie were very pleased with my images, as their comments testify.  I hope you like them too …

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Local labour MP, Heidi Alexander and her partner, Martin Ballatyne chose The Horniman Museum for their summer wedding.

Heidi, her father and young bridesmaid attended to last minute preparations before heading to the Conservatory where friends and family had gathered for the wedding ceremony. As an accredited supplier I know where to achieve the best shots and I quickly set about my reportage coverage.

After the ceremony, champagne and canapes were served outside in the courtyard.  I weaved among guests documenting the happy vibe and, then, using the nearby gardens, I took group shots and portraits of the married couple.  An obliging usher was more than happy to hold a reflector for me, which added to the feeling that we were all contributing to a positive end result.  Rejoining the rest of the wedding party I continued my reportage and portraiture.  In the meantime, Suzanne James and her team had transformed the conservatory for the wedding breakfast.  I shot some still life images; table details and floral decorations while getting a feel for the room in terms of perspective and depth.  People were seated and speeches took place before dinner to get nerves out of the way.  My short coverage was complete.  Later, Heidi commented on Google …

Ben took the photographs at our wedding last year and did a fantastic job. We couldn’t be more pleased with the images he captured – every time I look at them, they make me smile. If I’d known how great the pictures were going to be, I would have definitely had him stay for the whole day and not just the afternoon bit.

Heidi Alexander, MP Lewisham East

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Family and friends gathered in the Great Hall for John and Michelle’s wedding at Syon Park.

I got straight to my reportage coverage and as an accredited photographer I know where to be to get the best of the crisp light that comes in through the Great Hall’s large windows.

After the ceremony, I took John and Michelle for portraits in the Long Gallery where the interiors work particularly well.  Then, with the weather on our side, everyone headed to the courtyard for champagne. I like using a long lens when photographing here as I can pick out expressions more easily and isolate the background.

The wedding breakfast was served in the Great Conservatory.  Speeches first, to get nerves out of the way, and then a relaxed meal.  Using both wide-angle and portrait lenses, I continued to document festivities.  A jazz band kicked off the evening and lively dancing ensued.

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I’m an accredited supplier to The Royal Society of Arts and familiar with its interiors, which meant I could approach Jim and Natali’s wedding with a certain confidence.

So, as family and guests gathered in the Benjamin Franklin room, I headed upstairs for some pre-ceremony shots of Natali and her bridesmaids as they finished getting ready. Meanwhile, downstairs, the gents (Jim had two best men) were finding last minute preparations less straight-forward, with a buttonhole proving rather tricky.  Drawn, as I am, to realism, and always striving to capture the truth, this struck me as an obvious moment to photograph, revealing a couple of nice images.

Once married, and with the sun shining, I led the party outside for a big group shot.  I often use the steps leading to the Strand for this as I can tier guests and ensure that everyone is included.  The couple and I then walked along John Adam Street to the Strand where I took portraits before a busy London backdrop.  We returned inside for champagne, and back to the Benjamin Franklin room for the wedding breakfast where entertaining speeches were made by Jim’s actor friends.

Finally, the wedding party headed to the Vaults for dancing; parents particularly keen to dance the night away as the band played.

Here are some images of the day, including that buttonhole moment:

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