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Islington wedding couple outside Upper Street pub image

Another great Islington Town Hall Wedding Day

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

It’s a London wedding icon, we’ve photographed there many many times, but no matter how often we visit it’s always a very special occasion. We are talking about Islington Town Hall, it’s our favourite, closely followed by Old Marylebone Town Hall and Chelsea. Ok there’s a little piece of our heart in Stoke Newington and Finsbury too!

Islington wedding couple at Coopers Yard Upper Street image

Islington Town Hall wedding couple pose by blue wall

Anyway on to S and J’s intimate wedding, a total of ten people amid some of this years restrictions that David photographed by himself. This was the legal part of their wedding in the UK with very close family only, to be followed by a celebration a few days later in Sicily.

Bride and groom pose outside Islington Fire Station on wedding day

S is from America and now working in the UK while J was English born and bred. Naturally we got on like the proverbial ‘house on fire’. It’s myself David writing the piece, and it’s no waffling exaggeration to say I absolutely love meeting new people and getting the best images, moments and reactions I can for their wedding day.

Islington Town Hall council chamber wedding ceremony

Exchange of rings Islington Town Hall wedding ceremony

For our time together the sun shone, but brighter than that were these two as the stars of their own romantic show. There’s something very special about being a professional guest with such an intimate wedding, and it’s critical that a photographer mirrors the personality and outlooks of the people they work with. It’s essential to get truly natural and relaxed shots. I love that these too were open minded for some creativity too.

Couple kiss by stairs Islington Town Hall wedding

Wedding couple kiss by window Islington Town Hall

The ceremony itself was in the grandest of spaces at Islington Town Hall: the Council Chamber, and even though there were only a few of us the love and enthusiasm of this wedding party more than filled the room. Afterwards we had ten minutes or so to take advantage of some of the locations this fantastic building has to offer. As usual we were looked after by wonderful registrars, many of whom I know personally now!

Islington wedding couple embrace by blue wall

As a former longtime resident of Islington I was able to take these guys to some of my favourite little spots afterwards. I particularly enjoyed their champagne reception at Fredericks restaurant near Angel Tube. It’s a place I’ve visited many times myself over the years.

Islington wedding couple in front of glass wall image

After that it was into cabs for an afternoon tea celebration at famous Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair. A splendid end to a splendid day.

Islington wedding day couple on the street

I’m showcasing some of my personal Islington favourites here. I was able to give the couple 800 edited images of the day telling its story in full for them to treasure and share.

Islington wedding couple outside Upper Street pub image

Here’s link to some of our other blogged Islington weddings:

Screen on the Green Cinema Wedding Islington, Reception at The Juno Rooms

Last ever Islington Town Hall Wedding before lockdown

Islington Town Hall Wedding Photographers, reception at Dead Dolls House

Another lovely Islington Town Hall Wedding & Reception at The Albion

Islington Metal Works wedding day starting at Hampstead& St Stephen church

By David Green

 

Islington wedding couple laugh by blue wall Upper Street London

Last ever Islington Town Hall Wedding…before lockdown

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, London Wedding Photographer, London Wedding Photographers, Wedding VenuesOne Comment

This was a truly lovely and somewhat surreal wedding spent with Alex and Brett, for the very last wedding ceremony at Islington Town Hall before London’s end of March lockdown.

Islington Town Hall wedding couple by London street signs

It felt a privilege, and quite honestly inwardly a little sad for me, to document a special day which none of us knew from the registrars to general staff of the Town Hall, when any of us would be back.

Islington wedding couple back to back by brick wall central London

That didn’t dent the energy of myself or this really fantastic couple and their three guests. One photographer only (David) plus five people, that’s all we were legally allowed!

Bride and groom cross road after Islington wedding

No reception either, as the government at that time had already ordered the closing of venues.

Islington Fire Station wedding image with bride and groom

Anyway, I had a good sense of what Alex and Brett were looking for from our chats on the phone, and as a former resident of the borough and a very frequent wedding photographer at Islington Town Hall, I knew where to go and where the light would be in the surrounding area.

Upper Street wedding reception venue with bride and groom

Meeting firstly in front of that imposing Islington landmark we hit the ground running, with literally energy and laughter all the way.

Islington Town Hall wedding ceremony Mayors Parlour

We really love people and what we do and I think time and again it shows in the photography and the good-natured energy we bring to every wedding. Check out our Google reviews to read what previous couples think of us here: Google wedding reviews

Bride and groom hug Islington Town Hall Mayors Parlour

We spent just under thirty minutes on our pre-ceremony travels before returning to the Majors Parlour for the big event. Ahh how we love the Mayors Parlour. Why? Because that’s where we were married ourselves, so it’s always very special to return to that particular part of the Town Hall.

Wedding couple and marriage certificate Islington Town Hall

After a suitably touching and intimate ceremony and some quick shots in the nearby corridors, it was time for the world’s smallest confetti throw on the steps leading to Upper Street!

Wedding party walk down Islington Town Hall steps

I said my goodbyes as these crazy cats skipped away down the street and I rode off in the sunset.

Small wedding confetti throw Islington Town Hall

Islington we love you. Until next time…Adios.

Islington bride and groom hand in hand by blue wall image

Going to let our little bridesmaid have the final say 🙂

Bridesmaid with balloons at Islington Town Hall

By David Green

Islington wedding couple pose at Hoxley & Porter Upper Street

Islington Town Hall Wedding Photographers, reception at Dead Dolls House

By London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesOne Comment

There’s no denying that we are frequent Islington Town Hall wedding photographers, but there’s also happily no denying that every wedding, even if it is in the same venue, is equally as exhilarating and totally different too! That’s one of the lovely bonuses we get to experience as full time photographers.

Wedding dress hanging before Islington wedding day

Islington bride getting ready shot through circle image

Islington wedding bridesmaids laughing on stairs

I knew from our first meeting with Emily and Dave that it was a good fit, they were both fun loving open minded and relaxed. Not that you need to be to work with us, as we are well know for our ability to put people at ease on their big day. But it’s a nice bonus for us if you are.

Bridal makeup in Islington London

Islington wedding bride poses on metal stairs

David started the day in Holloway with Emily and her bridesmaids, putting the finishing touches on their prep and getting busy with the Prosecco.

Groom and bestman laugh before Islington Town Hall wedding

Joanna headed to Upper Street and across the road from Islington Town Hall to the Vineyard pub, a popular watering hole for many a groom and his entourage!

Bride arrives at Dead Dolls House for Islington Town Hall Wedding

First look at Islington Town Hall wedding ceremony

Islington Town Hall wedding ceremony

Though their are many spaces for a ceremony at Islington Town Hall this particular day it was the splendid main Council Chamber that would see Emily and Dave tie the knot.

Bride and groom laugh at the top of Islington Town Hall stairs

Emily arrived first at The Dead Dolls House across the road from the town hall which would later become their reception venue.

Wedding couple inside corridor Islington Town Hall

Having lived in Islington for many years I’ve seen different makeovers for this place, but I have to say hand on heart this is by far the best version yet. Staff are great and there’s certainly nothing “dead” about this place!

Wedding couple laugh on stairs at Islington Town Hall

One of our favourite parts of working at Islington’s famous town hall is the registrar’s there. They are always upbeat and enthusiastic and absolutely no wedding day hitch ruffles their feathers.

Confetti throw at Islington Town Hall wedding

As we expected, a fun and laughter filled wedding ceremony for E and D was followed by a little time around the marble interiors of the town hall and then a good old confetti throw in brilliant bright sunshine outside.

Islington wedding couple kiss by The Dead Dolls House venue

Islington wedding couple laugh in Dead Dolls House London

For ten years we have been photographing at Islington Town Hall, and some of those days of course it has rained, but so far wonderfully it has NEVER rained when the confetti was being thrown. Yes before, and yes just after, but never during. Long may that continue.

Islington wedding couple crossing Upper Street London

Islington wedding couple pose on Upper Street

Anyway we had one of those very warm summer days of 2018 so the wedding party crossed the road to quench the thirst at the Dead Doll’s House and nibble on some delicious canapés.

Islington wedding couple sit and laugh on London steps image

Bride and groom by blue door Islington wedding

After a while myself (David) took the stars of the show around Upper Street and the surrounding area for some couple shots. I know every inch of this neighbourhood, but it’s forever fresh and changing and we had a really fun time. It took about twenty-five minutes which I think is about right to keep the energy level up and not eat in to the bride and groom’s socialising during the day.

Islington wedding couple by sunlit wall north London

Islington Town Hall wedding couple outside a shop image

Although our Galleries are full of these type of images, a great deal of day is spent doing documentary coverage of people and moments as they unfold in a naturalistic way.

Islington wedding couple hold hands near Upper Street Islington

So if you would like to see a full days photography which is on average about 1000 images just ask and we will be very happy to send a download link.

Islington wedding brides pose in front of blue wall London

Hard working staff at the Dead Doll’s House served up a great wedding breakfast followed by speeches and cake cutting and the inevitable but essential boogying the night away.

Islington wedding brides pose in front of London clothes shop

The wedding breakfast itself was served on long tables on the ground floor, with the drinks reception and speeches happening in the second floor Ballroom. Live music was courtesy of “Indie Killers” with dancing and partying downstairs, while the first floor Drawing Room became a chill out space and a good location for a Photo Booth.

Islington wedding first dance at Dead Dolls House London

A brilliant day all round with a great couple and their friends and family. We wish them both all the very best for the future.

By David Green.

Here’s a couple among many Islington Town Hall weddings to check out on the blog:

Another lovely Islington Town Hall Wedding & Reception at The Albion

Another great Islington Town Hall Wedding, then on to Hoxley & Porter and The Albion

Islington Town Hall Wedding & Peasant Pub Clerkenwell Reception

Just to finish up, I like to say hello and sometimes photograph the people behind the scenes of a couple’s wedding day. These guys in the photo below are the hard working and talented chefs behind the great food at the Dead Dolls House. Thanks guys!

Wedding chefs in kitchen at Dead Dolls House London

UPDATE: Two weeks later we have received this lovely review from Emily and Dave posted on Google:

“We booked Big Day Weddings (David and Joanna) for our wedding in August this year. From the moment we met them we knew we had a good match, having met other photographers who didn’t seem interested in us at all just where we were getting married and if the pictures would win them awards!! With David and Joanna, they put us both at ease and we got on like a house on fire. Their packages were also really good and it was no nonsense, they listened to what we were after and shared there ideas; they were really knowledgeable about the area we got married and knew all the places to go to get some really amazing shots. On the day they worked their socks off and it shows as the pictures are out of this world and better than anything we could have wished for or imagined. They had a great rapport with us and our guests so managed to get the best out of us all- even me the camera shy bride but by the end of the day I felt like a professional!! Thank you again David and Joanna and I can promise you, you won’t be disappointed if you book these guys Emily and David Thompson Xxx”

So great to get this kind of feedback 🙂

 

Couple hold hands by old wall for Islington Town Hall wedding photographers

Another lovely Islington Town Hall Wedding & Reception at The Albion

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, Wedding VenuesOne Comment

There was a lot of love in the air at this Islington Town Hall Wedding day. It was small and intimate, fun filled and loving and was covered by just myself David as the entire wedding party was just ten people. Carmen and Andy decided to invite their closest family and friends, and to make it an early 10am ceremony so they could enjoy a private lunch at one of my favourite north London gastro pubs The Albion on Thornhill Road Islington.

Couple hug in ornage doorway after Islington Town Hall wedding day

I got their early and was met by a guitar and flute player the couple had booked to play at their wedding ceremony. It was a lovely image for me to witness them practicing walking up and down the corridors in the town hall beforehand. Music was good too!

Small wedding ceremony at Islington Town Hall London

Carmen arrived first in a traditional London back cab so had to hide a for a while as Andy came next with his parents. The ceremony was emotional, and the couple had written their own vows to each other for a more personal feel.

Islington wedding couple by blue door Upper Street

After a traditional confetti thrown on the steps in front of the town hall the wedding party walked along Upper Street a nice winding route to The Albion. I used this time to photograph the couple in various spots along the way including Hoxley & Porter.

Couple kiss in corridor at their Islington Town Hall wedding

Islington has a lot of memories for me as I lived there for many years, ran a business on Essex Road, and two of my children were born there. Almost every street has a story attached, but I enjoy creating new moments and memories for brides and grooms in a photographic sense, and that also means I see familiar places a fresh each time.

Couple hold lamp post after Islington Town Hall Wedding image

The Albion itself is a great Georgian pub, in fact I like it so much that when I’m in the area I try and pop in. It has a fantastic walled beer garden at the back which is great for both eating and drinking, and I feel like I’m somewhere in southern Italy sat out there at times.

Islington wedding couple outside Hoxley & Porter Upper Street

Carmen and Andy had booked out the beautiful private dining room upstairs for lunch. Food and service was excellent of course, and I documented their speeches and cake cutting before waving them au revoir.

Wedding couple kiss in garden of Albion Pub Islington

Weddng couple kiss outside The Albion pub IslingtonBy David Green

Wedding couple inside Islington Town Hall

Bride enters ceremony room at Islington Town Hall weddingOther recent Islington weddings can be seen here:

Another great Islington Town Hall Wedding, then on to Hoxley & Porter and The Albion

Islington Town Hall Wedding & Peasant Pub Clerkenwell Reception

Islington Metal Works wedding day starting at Hampstead St Stephen’s church

Islington Town Hall Wedding

Wedding cake upstairs at The Albion reception

Wedding couple by sign in The Albion pub Islington

wedding couple kiss in London Islington doorway

Another great Islington Town Hall Wedding, then on to Hoxley & Porter and The Albion

By London Wedding Photographer, Wedding Venues3 Comments

Sometimes but not always for a smaller and more intimate wedding just one of us will photograph the special day. Usually that’s myself, David, while Joanna has a day off! I really enjoyed working with and photographing the thirteen people involved in this great Islington Town Hall wedding.

Faded wedding photo at the entrance of Hoxley and Porter

Francesca and Stuart the bride and groom had communicated with me only via email, which happens occasionally, as we usually try and meet people face to face at some point before the big day. However it’s not always possible, and it’s certainly not a necessity.

Groomsmen chat on the steps of Islington town hall
Couple with balloons on Upper Street crossing at Islington Town Hall wedding

Photo of exchanging of wedding rings at Islington Town Hall

What that meant was the first photographs I would take would be the first time I had seen either of these good people. The minute I saw Stu walking towards the Town Hall with his groomsmen, with a broad grin on his face when I waved to him, I knew we would all get on well. It was the same feeling I had when I saw Francesca arrive in her London wedding taxi.

Bride and groom hold wedding balloons Londons Islington borough

Unusually for a wedding at Islington Town Hall we all had to access the building from an entrance on a side street. That day (it was a Tuesday) Kate Middleton the Princess of Cambridge was also visiting the building at the same time for a charity engagement. Although I tried to walk through the front entrance and question Kate on why she didn’t book us for the Royal wedding, security and MI5 agents were having non of it! We all imagined and hoped for a scenario where Kate would mistakenly walk through the wrong door into the wedding ceremony, then we could either politely chuck her out, or invite her for an impromptu snap with the couple.

Final kiss at Islington wedding ceremony

As this was a celebration for Francesca and Stu with closest friends and family, the wedding ceremony itself was held in the Lord Mayors Parlour, one of my favourite wood panelled rooms in Islington. It felt a privilege to document such a love filled and intimate ceremony. Afterwards everyone made sure the couple were absolutely showered in confetti, I know, I was picking it out of Stu’s hair hours later! By this time though, both Elvis and Kate Middleton had left the building…

image of wedding party throwing confetti atIslington Town Hall

We all walked together the short distance to their first reception venue the atmospheric Hoxley and Porter on Upper Street. Now as I remember this place used to be called the Grand Union Bar when I lived nearby, and with it’s bowed out front window it is a very recognisable part of Upper Street’s history.

Wedding_couple_holding_balloons_outside_Hoxley_and_Porter_in_Islington

It’s undergone a fantastic transformation for Hoxley and Porter into a kind of Orient Express look and ambience, very well done I must say, with fantastically friendly and attentive staff. While the wedding party enjoyed bubbly and nibbles I snuck away with Francesca and Stu for some couple shots around the immediate area of Upper Street.

Bride from Islington wedding at Hoxley and Porter

As you can see from some of these shots these guys really loved their balloons, which were also used to designate their special area in Hoxley and Porter. I risked life and limb, as I always do, to get a shot from the middle of the road of them crossing the street near the appropriately named Cross Street. I have quite a few plaster cast art pieces bought from a supplier who is sadly no longer there I noticed as I scanned around for familiar haunts. Not that I would go shopping in the middle of a wedding day!

Couple smile on stairs inside for Islington Town Hall wedding photographer

After Hoxley and Porter we all caught cabs to the nearby Albion on Thornhill Road, another gem in Islington from the Georgian era. As it was now dark the Albion was beautifully lit as a venue for their atmospheric second reception. The couple had their wedding cake on display and their evening wedding table ready for the feast and speeches to follow. All I saw was laughter, smiles, love and affection all day long from everyone there, and oh yes…balloons.

couple chat by tree and autumn leaves after their Islington wedding

I’ve put a couple of extra images at the end here for two reasons. The first, I love the fact in this particular image below that both bride and groom were both overcome with emotion at the same time, and they simultaneously reached for the hankies.

Bride and groom cry at Islington wedding ceremony

The second is for mirrorless camera lovers, as I decided to quickly experiment with a new toy the Fuji XT1 interchangeable lens camera. I put a prime lens on the 35mm 1.4 as this can literally see in the dark and gives a nice shallow depth of field at an aperture of 1.4. I brought two other main cameras – Canon’s, but it was nice to whip out the Fuji every now and then as it’s small, silent and therefore very discreet.

wedding couple hug and kiss at Islington town hall

newlyweds turn round for photo on Islington footpath

photo of Islington wedding bouquet on autumn leaves

Wedding lights and candles by mirror photo

You can read about another Islington wedding at the town hall just four days earlier here: Islington Town Hall Wedding Peasant Pub Clerkenwell Reception

And another from earlier in the year featured on our blog here: Islington Town Hall Wedding

To find out more about the Hoxley and Porter experience you can check out their website here: Hoxley & Porter

By David Green