Chris and Vic tied the knot in one of London’s most romantic wedding venues, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. From Romeo and Juliet to Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, love is central to the bard’s work, so what better place to celebrate a marriage than against this dramatic backdrop!
The day began with Vic and her bridesmaids getting themselves ready at the Bermondsey Square Hotel, in a room with a large balcony, where Vic could grab some fresh air under blue skies and sunshine before her big day began in earnest. Her dress was a full length satin gown from Angelica Bridal in Angel. I loved the unique Day of the Dead style skull she had sewn into her bouquet. The groom and his attendants were wearing similar such skulls in the place of traditional floral buttonholes.
Late morning Vic was picked up in a black London cab and taken to wedding venue. As the bride’s high red heels stepped through the rose petals to meet the groom’s converse boots, with the song Steal My Heart by Augustana accompanying them, it became clear this was to be no ordinary wedding. There were tears instantly and it was such a deliciously emotive moment, we couldn’t help but get caught up in it.
Following a ceremony that included a couple of readings and a musical duet, family and friends congratulated the newlyweds and enjoyed a few drinks. I took some relaxed reportage-style photos of everyone, before persuading Chris and Vic to follow me out onto the streets of the Southbank below for some bride and groom portraits.
If you’re planning a wedding in London, but you’re worried about how your photos will look, let me reassure you that even in the heart of the city, it’s possible to find a bit of green space. We took some great pictures in amongst the trees nearby, before hitting the bricks for more of an urban vibe. The theatre has some great angles and, being one of the most famous arts and entertainment centres in London, the Southbank has a lot going for it. You could easily opt for the National Theatre, London Eye, Oxo Tower or Jubilee Gardens as your backdrop as well.
A picture of the happy couple on the Millennium Footbridge is also always a welcome addition to any wedding photo album. Although it was built only a couple of decades ago, it’s already recognised around the world as an iconic London landmark. I don’t know if this is because it was the first new bridge to be built in the English capital for 100 years, because it has been designed to align with top London skyline feature, St Paul’s Cathedral, or because it’s been featured in many films and music videos. Whatever the case, I find that nothing beats a shot of the bride and groom in amongst the crowd here. The bridge holds over 2000 people and even the grumpiest passers-by can’t resist smiling at a couple on their wedding day!
Back at the venue, we are greeted by simple, but elegantly dressed tables, with bunting made from skulls and hearts, rather than the traditional fabric triangles. There were some truly beautiful speeches, a raucous game of Mr and Mrs, as well as a few balcony shots I was pleased with; looking upwards from the street.
Passionate about music, as well as one another, the couple decided that songs would play a large part in their wedding. They were very happy with their choice of wedding band; Captain Caveman who played live versions of Chris and Vic’s rock and indie playlist all night, with the groom leading the dancing. In Shakespeare’s time a trumpeter would perch on the roof to hurry latecomers to their seats, just as the performance was about to start. Chris and Vic however, needed no such fanfare. The guests were ready to hit the dance floor as soon as the skull cake was cut!
We did manage a few more couple portraits outside as the sun went down. Looking out over St Paul’s, bathed in the spectacular colours of the evening sky, you can’t help but feel the romance of the moment and the beauty of London. I’d like to wish Chris and Vic all the very best. If you’re planning a London wedding and you’d like to have an informal chat about the sort of wedding photography you want, please get in touch.
