I have to give Charles and Emma massive credit for their composure on the day. Any plan that takes in a ceremony near Tower Hill and a reception all the way west in Kew was always going to be tricky for timings. But throw in the arrival of Princess Charlotte (chaos in Paddington), and an accident on Lambeth Bridge and well, frankly, I bow down to the calmness of this pair.
This was a fantastic occasion. After a lovely hour spent with the bridal party at the stunning Rookery hotel, I dashed across to the spectacular St Olaves church to shoot some detail ahead of the boys’ arrival.
This church has a truly fantastic heritage. It is said that flames from London’s Great Fire of 1666 came with 100 meters of the building before the wind changed direction. London diarist Samuel Pepys - who lived in the Parish - was baptized here, and the building has seen plague and survived German WW2 bombs. Atmosphere oozes from every pore.
The awful traffic that day meant the poor bride was delayed a full 45 minutes. Yet when Emma did finally arrive it was with good grace and a sense of humour. After all, it couldn’t start without her.
With the ceremony over and guests safely aboard Routemaster busses, I travelled with the couple to Kew Gardens in the wedding car so we could hit the ground running with some personal shots before the guests arrived for drinks at the beautiful Nash Conservatory.
After drinks, a few family pictures and a trip around the grounds on the Kew ‘Explorer’, it was time to head to the Orangery for a breathtaking wedding breakfast spread. The guests were met with gorgeous detail - as well-judged for the space as I think I’ve ever seen. It was a photographer’s playground.
Shooting a wedding is always a privilege because of the trust couples place in you. I thank Charles and Emma greatly for asking me to be involved. It was my absolute pleasure to meet so many great people and, I hope, I captured their day in way that does their obvious preparation justice.
Below is a small selection from the wider set. Click any thumbnail to enlarge...
