We always look forward to a wedding at the Goring Hotel as we have photographed there many times, sometimes several times a year, and have always had a fantastic experience.
Many people know this iconic hotel for the fact that the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton has long been an admirer, and in fact chose to spend the evening there before her Royal wedding to Prince William. We have documented weddings at the Goring before and after this famous event, but were sadly not available on the day!
Take a quick look at google maps and you can see the description of the hotel says: “high-end hotel with royal warrant.” Every corner of The Goring exudes class, we have never seen such a well run and spotless yet cosy environment. The staff are super friendly and professional, and many have worked there a long time, and it shows in a good way.
Have a read of a previous wedding post here: Goring Hotel Wedding Photographer and here’s another when we tested a new camera from Fuji at the Hotel: Fuji X100 for your London wedding, and wedding? Yes at the Goring Hotel
For this lovely day we were contacted by Hong Kong couple Yickyin and Leo who fell in love with the venue when they saw it. Both now live and work in London, and planned a very intimate ceremony and reception at the hotel which is perfectly suited to such an approach.
As there would only be twelve or so people there, we decided that to be discreet but still get our Big Day Weddings style and approach the special day could be photographed by David alone.
We got to know the couple at their engagement shoot with us on a very windy and overcast day at Alexandra Palace, blogged previously here: Engagement Shoot at London’s Alexandra Palace in Muswell Hill There is one of my favourite shots from that day immediately below.
Coverage started with the wedding couple arriving together in a customised Mini Cooper, very English. For the short time we had available before the ceremony we took the chance to take some couple shots around the hotel and just outside, with one eye on the impending rain clouds.
The wedding ceremony itself held downstairs in the hotel was intimate, emotional and moving, even for this veteran of ten years. Afterwards I captured some formal family shots the couple wanted, and then general reportage of the drinks and canapés time with some extra guests too who came for the wedding breakfast.
After tossing her bouquet Yickyin sat down with Leo and some family speeches began and a few more tears were shed. Tears of joy I should add! All in all a lovely wedding with a great couple at one of favourite London venues.
By David Green
We are often photographing in Belgravia, here’s another recent example of a big day in the same area: Caledonian Club Wedding in London’s Belgravia
Be sure to check out our galleries on the website too, with many weddings showcased in and around greater London and the home counties.