Lord’s Cricket Ground in St Johns Wood has to be one of our favourite venues, and a truly special and memorable place to host a wedding day. As a theatre of sport it is now over two hundred years old, and it will probably be entertaining crowds and cricket fans in another two hundred years too!
Fiona and Andy chose it as Andy is a massive cricket fan, and Fiona was open minded to a venue with a difference to celebrate their marriage.
The day started with documenting bride and groom’s preparations in Chelsea with Fiona getting ready at a close family friend, while Andy and his groomsmen enjoyed pre ceremony drinks around the corner at Chelsea Farmers Market.
Rain had threatened and duly poured down for Fiona’s departure by vintage car, but as so often in England it didn’t last too long, and rain certainly wasn’t going to stop play this day of all days.
The couple decided on a church service at the very grand St Luke’s Church in Sydney Road. It was designed in 1819 and is apparently one of the earliest gothic revival churches in London. It’s certainly a beautiful place for a wedding ceremony.
After confetti and some family photos two vintage red routemaster buses took the entire wedding party to Lords Cricket Ground for the reception. Pimms and snacks were enjoyed by all onboard.
Rain once again played a small part as everyone arrived meaning the drinks reception started in the famous Lords Long Room instead of outside, but after a little while Plan A was resumed and we were all allowed to take the fun upstairs to the Pavilion roof terrace which has great views over the grass of Lords itself. It’s here where I took the deliberate silhouette shot among others.
I used this time to shoot a mix of reportage photography of guests and all the fun and emotion on display, and then a little while away with the newly weds to get those all important ‘couple’ shots. I had a great time with the bridal party and the couple’s friends and family.
I had previously signed disclaimers with the management of Lords in case I fell off the ten foot ladder we arranged I would stand on to take the shot in the Long Room of the entire wedding party! Needless to say I’ve lived to tell the tale.
The wedding breakfast was held in one half of the dedicated function room called The Thomas Lord Suite, and the dancing and partying till late was held in the other.
Once again a fantastic day in Chelsea and Lord’s Cricket Ground, and as I like to say to couple’s when we plan ahead for their big day and I mentioned here: “Rain never stops play.”
By David Green
