Luke and Tom organised their wedding in only a few months and got in touch with me four weeks before their wedding to ask me to shoot it for them at York House in Richmond. As I tend to photograph weddings in the Norfolk and Suffolk area I was really excited about shooting in London. It's easy for the eyes to become numb to familiar surroundings and so being in a new venue with so many new backdrops and things to photograph was a real joy. I had only met Tom and Luke via FaceTime but that gave us a great head start. I always try and have one meeting with my couples in advance to their wedding with in person or via FaceTime / Skype as it makes everyone feel just a little more relaxed with being photographed, and I get a clear sense of what people want, their plans and what makes them laugh.
For a Saturday in early February the weather was tropical! I wore a short sleeve top and actually thought at one point I might be burning (I am ginger so I tend to be either in a state of either being scared of being burnt or getting burnt!). We really did luck out, as the sun shown down Tom and Luke's guests could mingle and drink fizz on the patio in front of York House before the ceremony started in York House's gorgeous conservatory. You wouldn't believe that the next day was when Storm Ciara hit and the whole of the UK stopped. Upon arrival Tom and Luke greeted me with huge hugs, which as you scroll down you'll see hugs were in abundance throughout the day. So many of their friends and family were seeing each other for the first time in ages and having their own mini reunions. Weddings are great for that.
Split over two venues we all took a double decker red Route-Master bus to The Steam Packet pub in Kew. Mini bottles of Prosecco and vodka jelly shots were enjoyed whilst we zipped through London. I love photographing during this time as guests are all together, having fun and catching up and making really fun and natural photographs.
The reception at The Steam Packet was situated on the river Thames with stunning views. We got there just in time for the Golden Hour. I love the light at that time of day, it's so soft and dreamy. The Steam Packet pub is a brilliant location for a reception. Nice, light and the pub surroundings set a relaxed and informal vibe. Luke and Tom's guests partied upstairs enjoying the views before returning down stairs for several joyous, emotional and funny speeches. I set off just as the meal was being served. A fantastic day. It was a joy to capture and such pleasure to spend time with Luke and Tom.
Beth made us feel so at ease, as well as all the other guests throughout the day - and was like a bit of a photographic ninja (we didn't even know she was there half the time!) yet she took the most amazing images which captured the day perfectly. We cannot recommend her enough - she's fantastic. We had such an amazing day in every way - we were blessed with helpful and jubilant friends and family, beautiful weather, and we meant everything we said in our review - it was all so effortless with the photography and Beth captured the day so well and beyond our expectations. Thank you so much! Tom + Luke
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