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Big Day Weddings

David and Joanna Green are Time Out recommended, award winning fulltime London wedding photographers. Mum and dad to four wonderful children and three family dogs. Lovers of all things photographic and wedding related. Covering Greater London and destination weddings in the UK and Europe.

London Wedding couple pose with stop go signs Charing Cross

Great St Barts Wedding Day plus Sherlock Holmes Pub!

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

Wedding couple watch as birds fly past London Eye

Bride and groom dance together St Dunstan in the East London

I’ve had the pleasure of documenting a Great St Barts Wedding Day several times now, and every time it has been memorable and atmospheric.

When I got a message asking me if I was available on this lovely couple’s wedding date I was delighted to be able to say YES!

K & T are a couple with great memories of London. Although the met in their native Japan, they felt it would be maximum romance to have their wedding ceremony in world famous St Bartholomew The Great. Or as Londoners affectionately call it: Great St Barts.

Great St Barts Wedding Ceremony

Outside of Great St Barts on a wedding day

Bride and groom arrival down aisle Great St Barts

Wedding ceremony black & white Great St Barts

Exchange of rings Great St Barts Wedding London

St Bartholomew the Great to give the church its full name is one of London’s oldest and most famous. It is London’s oldest parish church at 900 years old and was founded in 1123. Incredible! Many will also know it for its use in the well-known Richard Curtiss romantic comedy “Four Weddings and a Funeral” starring Hugh Grant. It’s pretty dark inside, but I feel that really adds to the atmosphere and magic.
K and T were having a micro wedding with just myself (David) as photographer, their Japanese wedding planner Kazuko, and MUA Michiko.

Great St Barts Wedding Ceremony wide shot

Great St Barts Wedding Ceremony shot

First kiss Great St Barts wedding ceremony

After their St Barts wedding ceremony Kazuko and Michiko were on duty for throwing confetti outside.
The wedding planner and myself had planned a route we felt K and T would both enjoy, and create the best memories for them. We had a traditional London black cab to take us around, and first stop was St Paul’s Cathedral.

Japanese Wedding couple hold hands Great St Barts

Confetti throw Great St Barts Wedding London

Bride and groom outside Great St Bartholomews London

St Paul’s Cathedral

Now at least once a year I photograph an actual wedding at St Paul’s itself. When that happens I can go anywhere around it without security intervention. However, when the wedding being captured is somewhere else nearby you have to be very discreet or you get moved away! Needless to say, I have inside knowledge, so we managed to get what we needed 😊

Japanese Bride and groom together St Pauls Cathedral behind them

Bride and groom in front of old gates St Pauls London

Wide shot bride and groom by gate St Pauls London

Bridal party going up steps to St Pauls Cathedral

Wedding couple walk up steps of St Pauls Cathedral

Bride and groom face each other St Pauls Cathedral

On then to one of my favourite spots close by: St Dunstan in the East. St Dunstan was originally built around 1100 and survived, only just, the Great Fire of London in 1666. Sadly the Second World War German Blitz of 1941 badly damaged it, and it was decided not to rebuild it. On the positive side of things it was kept as a beautiful ruin and small park space, right in the heart of old London.

St Dunstan in the East

Japanese bride with makeup artist London

Bride and groom in arch St Dunstan in the East

Japanese wedding couple face camera St Pauls Cathedral

Wedding pose at St Dunstan in the East London

Bride and groom dance at St Dunstan in the East London

Up next was Butler’s Wharf for some backdrop views of Tower Bridge and The Thames.

I should say too we had the best of times as a group, with lots of laughter thrown into the wedding memories mix. Very important I feel for the couple’s overall experience of their Great St Barts Wedding Day, or any other big day for that matter!

Tower Bridge & Butlers Wharf

Bride and groom by Thames looking at Tower Bridge

Bride and groom together by Tower Bridge London

Bride and groom walk together by Tower Bridge

Bride and groom laugh by Houses of Parliament wedding

A quick dash though the inevitable traffic and we are near the iconic landmark know as The London Eye. I’ve done both wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions on this gigantic Ferris Wheel. Naturally the views are spectacular when you’re on it.

London Eye

Once again if a couple wasn’t involved with the Eye you have to be mindful of local security. What I loved while we were there was the amount of pigeons flying by. I took plenty of shots hoping for appealing flight formations and I wasn’t disappointed!

Japanese wedding couple head to head by London Eye

After this we stopped briefly further down The Thames across from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. I know from previous experience with Japanese wedding couples that they absolutely love this view!

K and T wanted to end our time at the atmospheric traditional London pub The Sherlock Holmes in Charing Cross. The plan was to toast each other and us with champagne there.

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

Bride and groom watching Parliament and Big Ben

Once we arrived I saw there were roadworks around the pub, and two guys with signs to stop and start the traffic. I asked if I could borrow the signs for 30 seconds for a memorable shot for our couple. I’m pleased to report they liked my sense of humour and lent us their ‘Stop’ and ‘Go’ signs.

Sherlock Holmes Pub

London Wedding couple pose with stop go signs Charing Cross

All in all an interesting, quirky and very memorable Great St Barts Wedding Day.

Wedding Toast at Sherlock Holmes Pub Charing Cross

The love birds at London Eye black and white

Great St Barts Wedding Day Links:

For more images from Central London and Japanese Weddings take a look at the Four Galleries here:

Wedding Galleries

Here’s a few recent central London Weddings:

Chelsea Weddings

Islington Weddings

Fitzrovia Weddings

Here’s Great St Barts official website for a more detailed history and “What’s On” details:

Great St Barts

By David Green LSWPP

Bride and groom toast each other after Pembroke Lodge Wedding

Pembroke Lodge Wedding, with a beautiful outdoor ceremony

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographers, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

I always love to capture a Pembroke Lodge Wedding day, be it summer spring autumn or winter. Over time this lovely building and its grounds in Richmond Park has become one of my most frequent photography destinations. I’m featuring a few of my personal favourites, from the 1500 edited images I gave to the fantastic couple.

Pembroke Lodge Wedding Photographer bride and groom with umbrella 1

This fab day for A and J who both work in Specialist Care was based on our Elegance package. That means two photographers, myself David and Joanna (or sometimes Rory). Joanna covered A’s and bridesmaids prep at the nearby Richmond Hill Hotel, while I spent time with J and the boys around Pembroke Lodge itself.

Groomsmen laughing in gardens of Pembroke Lodge Richmond Bride by hanging wedding dress Richmond Hotel

In many previous visits for Pembroke Lodge weddings the ceremonies have usually been indoors. That’s either in the dedicated Belvedere suite for larger celebrations, or the Russell Suite a gorgeous Georgian room in the main building for medium sized weddings. It’s worth mentioning about Pembroke Lodge that it has over one thousand five star reviews on Hitched. I thought I had a lot, but 1000 plus is unbelievably good! I can see why though, great staff, beautiful buildings and grounds, and right in the heart of Richmond Park.

Bride in aisle outdoor ceremony Pembroke Lodge WeddingBride smiling during Pembroke Lodge Wedding Ceremony outdoorExchange of rings Pembroke Lodge Wedding Ceremony outdoors

This day was made even more special as the wedding ceremony was outdoors at the back of the Lodge. The spot has beautiful views across the Thames and this part of London. I had to squint a lot for this as it was a relentlessly sunny day, no complaints though! It was so sunny we even used an umbrella at times for shade:-)

Pembroke Lodge Wedding bubble shower with bride and groomWedding recessional with bubbles Pembroke Lodge

CEREMONY

Great ceremony with some pretty entertaining registrars I’ve worked with before. Then there was a bubble blowing recessional, and on to the drinks reception overlooking the Thames from our high vantage point. I  used this time to naturally capture as many guests as possible, and also fit in some couple and group shots too. I work fast and efficiently with a smile, because I’m very aware that couple need to spend precious time with friends and family as well.

Large group shot at Pembroke Lodge RichmondHappy Bridal party outside Pembroke Lodge image

After the wedding breakfast in the turned around Belvedere suite, it was time for speeches, cake cutting and the first dance. A great Pembroke Lodge wedding day was rounded off by an excellent grungy covers band. That certainly kept the dance floor full and motivated!

Bride and groom kiss in the gardens Pembroke Lodge Wedding dayBride and groom together in grounds of Pembroke Lodge

RECEPTION

Bride and groom sat together at sunset after Pembroke Lodge Wedding

To read more about what Pembroke Lodge has to say for itself and what it provides you can click their link here: Pembroke Lodge Official Site

Cake cutting at Pembroke Lodge Wedding Reception Richmond

Here’s another Pembroke Lodge Wedding from the blog, this time indoors in the Russell Suite: Pembroke Lodge Weddings – London Wedding Photographers

First Dance Pembroke Lodge Wedding ReceptionBride and groom toast each other after Pembroke Lodge Wedding

By David Green

Bride and groom laughing together by VW Camper Van

Cambridge Wedding Day, VW Beetle Themed at The Graduate Hotel

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographers, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

I travel a lot for weddings particularly around the south of England, and I always look forward to a Cambridge wedding day.

The drive into the centre is interesting, historic and picturesque, so much so that I have to remind myself sometimes that I’m actually driving and to pay attention to the roads! This lovely but rainy day did actually have a driving theme, because the wedding couple Alex and Jack travelled the world together in their VW Camper van, and it was definitely one of the stars of their special day. Very romantic.

Cambridge Wedding first look at The Graduate Hotel

Bride and groom in front of VW Camper Van

The last two years I’ve captured 50 wedding each year (my absolute limit by the way!) For that reason I don’t blog and post as frequently as perhaps I should. It also means I don’t write about every single wedding and opinion I have (lol). I also make some of these posts quite short text and image wise. If anyone would like to see this particular Cambridge Wedding day or any other for that matter, just let me know and I will send you links.

Bridesmaids messing around by River Thames wedding

Ok, onwards and upwards. My coverage started at the lovely Graduate by Hilton Hotel situated right in the historic heart of Cambridge and backing on to the river. Very nice! It was certainly a day of two halves, firstly very wet, second nice and dry. That meant Alex arrived in the rain, but as you can see as she enters the wedding ceremony room and has her first sight of Jack and all their friends and family waiting, could not dampen in the least the joy of the moment.

Such a funny and heart warming ceremony followed. The drinks reception was mainly inside, but we did get a lucky break in the rain to do some couple and family shots with the river in the background.

Bride by DNA sculpture Cambridge wedding

After that, and a short drive away, it was time for a marquee reception in the Cambridgeshire countryside. I did some VW Campervan couple and family shots, confetti throw between the trees, and general reportage. An interesting, individual, and super wedding day, in and around Cambridge.

Bride and groom laughing together by VW Camper Van

Confetti throw VW camper Cambridge wedding

Here’s a link to The Graduate by Hilton in Cambridge: The Graduate

You can see more VW themed weddings in the onsite One to Four Galleries here: GALLERIES

By David Green

Fitzrovia London wedding couple in front of colourful doors

Fitzrovia Chapel Wedding Photographer, reception Carousel Charlotte St

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

Exterior of Charlotte Street Hotel London

I really appreciate being a regular Fitzrovia Chapel Wedding Photographer, for many reasons. Firstly, it’s a breathtakingly beautiful space to work in. I literally have to stop myself from drinking it all in and getting distracted by the details, the colours (lots of gold!) and the workmanship, it’s is all top notch. It’s such a memorable and romantic place to spend one of the biggest days of a couple’s life.

WEDDING PREPARATION

Fitzrovia Chapel wedding photographer prep shotGroomsmen together on Charlotte Street Fitzrovia wedding morning

Though I’ve sang the praises of the chapel’s beauty and majesty, I do know from my previous visits (and also studying what others have attempted), you need to have great technique and confidence to get the best results from this unique space. Just saying… 🙂

Bridal Makeup Charlotte Street Hotel FitzroviaWedding dress hanging at Charlotte Street Hotel London

Back to the wedding, I was delighted to be booked by Z and T based on my previous work there. What a pair of lovely really interesting people too!

Along with the usual Zoom meetings we got to understand each other better through one of my complimentary engagements shoots. We did this in the grounds of Kenwood House Hampstead, and we were able to create some great images the couple were very happy with.

Fitzrovia Chapel external view image

The shots I’m showing here are a small selection of my own personal favourites. I delivered a full 1580 edited images to the couple. So let me know if you’d like to see them too 🙂

This particular big day started with documenting Z’s preparations at the very smart Charlotte Street Hotel. I snuck in and out a few times to capture T’s time at The Wellington pub just across the road too. All good exercise! Afterwards I jogged to Fitzrovia Chapel a few streets away to capture guest arrivals, more preparations, details etc. Then back outside for Z’s arrival with bridesmaids by traditional London black cabs.

Fitzrovia Chapel external view image 2Groom wedding prep at Fitzrovia Chapel LondonGroom waits eyes closed Fitzrovia Chapel wedding ceremonyFitzrovia Pre ceremony collageGroom waits eyes open Fitzrovia Chapel wedding ceremony

A lovely heart felt ceremony followed, and I was pleased to see Alison as one of the registrars on duty. I’ve worked with her many times in central London. She incidentally performed the ceremony for Paul McCartneys’ most recent wedding. His second at Old Marylebone Town Hall!

Brides arrival by taxi at Fitzrovia Chapel wedding

THE CEREMONY

Bridal Party walk across road to Fitzrovia ChapelGroom laughing pre ceremony inside Fitzrovia Chapel LondonGroom waits with wedding congregation at Fitzrovia Chapel Bride arrives down aisle Fitzrovia Chapel wedding ceremonyExchange of vows Fitzrovia Chapel wedding ceremonyBride and groom smiling during Fitzrovia Chapel wedding ceremonyBridesmaids smiling during Fitzrovia Chapel wedding ceremonyFitzrovia Chapel wedding ceremony wide shot Exchange of rings Fitzrovia Chapel wedding ceremonyFirst Kiss Fitzrovia Chapel Wedding ceremony imageFitzrovia Chapel Wedding ceremony recessionalFitzrovia Chapel Wedding ceremony recessional black and white

DRINKS RECEPTION

Wedding party applause outside Fitzrovia Chapel central London Fitzrovia Chapel wedding reception from aboveGroomsmen together outside Fitzrovia ChapelWedding party outside Fitzrovia Chapel

After the ceremony was a drinks reception inside the chapel, which I duly documented along with some group and couple shots outside.

Later on I took the couple on a short but winding walk to good spots for shots I knew. Finally we ended back at Charlotte Street for their entrance into their reception venue: Carousel.

Fitzrovia Drinks Reception collageBride and groom pose inside Fitzrovia Chapel near altarBride and groom stood inside Fitzrovia Chapel after weddingBride and groom stood inside Fitzrovia Chapel after wedding closer

EXTRA COUPLE SHOTS

Wedding couple in front of corrugated wall in FitzroviaBride and groom look at each other in Fitzrovia LondonWedding walking shot through Fitzrovia central LondonBride and groom walk past Fitzrovia Chapel after weddingBride and groom in front of Fitzrovia iron doorsWedding couple kiss in the middle of Fitzrovia central London Bride and groom sit outside Fitzrovia Bakery imageLondon wedding couple outside Fitzrovia BakeryBride and groom walk down Charlotte Street LondonFitzrovia London wedding couple in front of colourful doorsBride and groom kiss in front of colourful London doorsFitzrovia wedding couple by Victorian lamp postBride and groom between front doors in Fitzrovia London

CAROUSEL RECEPTION CHARLOTTE STREET

Bride and groom outside Charlotte Street HotelCarousel Wedding Reception Collage

I recommend Carousel as a potential wedding reception venue, with good ambience, good food and super helpful staff.

After the wedding breakfast we had some very entertaining, and also moving speeches. After those came cake cut and first dance.

I stayed plenty of time afterwards, to make sure I gave the party photographic justice!

Carousel Reception speeches collageCarousel Reception Cake cutting and first dance collageFirst-dance-Carousel-Charlotte-Street-wedding-reception

FITZROVIA CHAPEL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER REVIEW

Here’s Z & T’s Google review:

Google review for Fitzrovia Chapel Wedding PhotographerReview text reads:

“We couldn’t have been happier with David, who was creative, professional, charming, and easy to work with throughout. He was a lovely presence both on the day and in the lead up to the wedding. Going in, we had some clear ideas about the style of photographs we wanted, and he was able to meet the brief perfectly. At the same time he was full of ideas and creativity, happy to guide us to a beautiful location near the venue for some posed couple shots after the ceremony at the Fitzrovia Chapel.

During the reception at Carousel he was able to respond to whatever was happening to produce documentary-style pictures. The end results were simply wonderful – we couldn’t believe he’d been able to cover so much ground, and capture so many of the moments of the day, and make all of us look so good. He really did catch something of the essence of our wedding, and we will treasure our photographs always.”

 

Take a look at another of my Fitzrovia Wedding Photographer posts on the blog here: Fitzrovia Chapel Wedding Westminster & reception at The Ivy London

Here’s Fitzrovia Chapel’s official website: Fitzrovia Chapel

By David Green

Big Day Weddings Cartegena Spain

Did you know we shoot Weddings in Spain too? :-)

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographers, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

If you didn’t already know, we shoot Weddings in Spain too. We live most of the year in London, but we have a second home and base we work from near Cartegena in Mercia. That’s the beautiful port city itself, full of Roman ruins and other delights in the photo above by the way. It’s one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, and a really stunning place to host a wedding ceremony and reception. If we are not already over there, then we can get to it directly at short notice if needs be.

This is one of our Spanish Wedding Directory links below:

We cover Cartegena and the entire Mercia region, plus Alicante and surrounds too. Packages are based on the ones listed on the site here: WEDDING PACKAGES

Here’s David practicing his Spanish scarecrow impression:

David Green Spanish Wedding Photographer