“… Cliveden House is epic. It's an overused word, in my opinion, but for this venue it is the only logical reaction as you venture down what must be a quarter of a mile of absolutely straight driveway, right to the door…”
Read moreWedding photography at The ICA...
"As soon as Becky and Nick rocketed around the dance floor like complete pros, I was unsure whether I could capture the movement and energy of the routine..."
Read moreWedding photography at The Dorchester...
"Shooting a small wedding party is always enjoyable, but it was a real thrill be spend some time in the top floor penthouse suite at The Dorchester..."
Read moreFrom the archive... #21
Sometimes a memorable photograph is all about what you can't see. And what nobody can view in this shot is my sheer relief, because I'm on the cusp of a brief sit down and bite to eat following 8 hours solid photography at a shoot in central London the day after Boxing Day.
As the guests seated in the ICA's stunning Nash Room for their wedding breakfast, I just loved the way the light hit the walls and overall quiet nature of the shot. Of course, wander back into the room and you would be hit with chat, music and atmosphere - but from only a few feet outside it's a much calmer scene.
About 90 minutes later the room would erupt to the sound of applause and laughter during the speeches - but by then I'd had my sandwich and espresso and all was once again right with the world...
Wedding photography at the St Pancras Renaissance
London boasts many grand locations. And while many have significant individual strengths like location, decor and history, I think The St Pancras Renaissance is one of very few in the UK capital to have it all.
I greatly value my position as an official supplier to the hotel; working there is always a delight. It’s also yielded some of my favourite wedding commissions over the last couple of years since the hotel opened after a lavish upgrade.
So, a great venue was in the bag. Now, enter Paula & Sam - and these guys are cool. Whenever we’d meet they would burst through the door, scooter helmets in hand, happily windswept and keen for a chat. From our first meeting on a freezing winter’s night, I knew these two would make great subjects.
Their day was an eclectic mix of personalities, fun, emotion and that oh-so-rare thing - laid-back formality. With everything wonderfully overseen by the events team at The Renaissance, the day zipped along at a pace with not one dull moment.
I’ll let Paula explain - how from their perspective - they felt it all went…
…………………………..
“As soon as Sam and I met Mark we knew he was the right person to photograph our wedding day. Relaxed, warm and an exceptional listener, he instantly understood our brief and never tried to change our vision, rather offer support and work with our ideas.
We started the journey together and our subsequent meetings (always with a coffee and an exciting story to tell) were filled with enthusiasm and a comfort it was going to be okay on the day. His photography is incredible – a beautiful mix of formal, black & white and our favourite – capturing special poignant moments throughout the day...”
…………………………...
In fact, for me this wedding had only one downside: suit envy. Now, I’m pretty sure Sam put his trust in Burberry on his wedding day. And I am therefore planning an intense spot of January sales shopping.
As usual here are only a handful of my personal memories as seen through the lens. Click any thumbnail to enlarge...
Farrah & Robert, Wedding photography at Kew Gardens
Everybody loves Kew Gardens. It's that place you went when you were a kid - loved the flora and fauna and the butterflies - but perhaps never truly appreciated.
Back in the Autumn, I was in the car after a meeting, checking voicemails. Chief among them was a very polite message from a woman called Farrah. She asked about my availability to shoot her wedding in January. To this day, what sticks in my mind about that message is just how considerate she was to apologise for calling on a Sunday. In this day and age, that's pretty impressive.
Fast forward a couple of meetings and there we are at a freezing, drizzly Kew Gardens the first weekend after Christmas. So many venues would have struggled to put on a show in these conditions, but led by Kew's Ruth Denton the day ran seamlessly.
The day revolved around three separate locations within the Gardens, plus an initial visit to Farrah and Robert's home to shoot the preparations.
The couple held the service in The Nash Conservatory (think understated grandeur), the Princess of Wales Conservatory for drinks (think mini Eden Project), then the The Orangery for the wedding breakfast. Each building boasting a character all its own.
The day was laid-back, different, interesting and in my eyes a very happy occasion. It had a little piece of everything and you could easily describe Farrah & Robert in exactly the same way. Working for them was a pleasure and hopefully this shows in the shots.
Click any thumbnail to enlarge...
Kristen & Jatin, Wedding photography at The St Pancras Renaissance
This a great story... I'd been in Berlin for a few days and while checking-in for the flight home my iPhone pings. It's an email from a girl called Kristen who wants me to shoot her wedding, but she doesn't have a date or a venue. Different.
After a few chats and meetings together with Kristen's fiancé, Jatin, it all came together as a wonderful day at The Renaissance Hotel St Pancras.
Terrific attention to detail, as always, from Georgina Bentley-Leek and her crew at the hotel ensured a flowing day full of great characters and fun. I'm so pleased to be an official supplier at the hotel, next shoot is Christmas week. Roll on December.
As usual, here is a snippet from the selection. Click any thumbnail to enlarge...
