Anna & Gareth chose the quintessentially timeless and chic venue of Claridges Hotel, London to celebrate their wedding just after Christmas, with their friends and family from around the world. Planned with the help of both her mother and planner Sarah, Anna’s wedding was an elegant black tie affair. To make the most of the winter light, we did their portraits in the afternoon, and just about managed to get those balloons through the revolving doors without them popping (ok, one of two may have been lost!). Anna & Gareth surprised each other before the ceremony with thoughtfully chosen gifts, after which they did a private first look on the stairs of the hotel. Anna & Gareth have such a strong and loving bond, and it was an honour to bear witness to this, and to be able to document their day in the heartfelt, emotional and glamorous style that suited their celebrations.

Anna loved my black and white work so I gave a special focus to this. Most of these images are documentary based so it’s all about using my intuition and sensitivity to feel the right moment to take a picture… that decisive moment if you like…. this is something that can’t be taught, and it’s about the combination of having an innate sense of composition and balance and connecting to the emotion on the day, being really present and trusting your instinct as a photographer.

I have been a wedding photographer at Claridges a number of times now, but I always try to being something different to each wedding, and to make the images truly personal to each client. I listen to what’s important to my clients, think about how to translate their personalities with my style, and approach each wedding as a unique brief.

A vibrant and joyful ceremony was hosted by Jack, their good family friend and Anna’s father and his friends gave a wonderful speech and performance of one of Anna’s favourite songs…you can actually see the tears of joy in Anna’s eyes….This was followed by a series of amazing bands, covering everything from big band to modern classics, and rounded off with hot chocolate and marshmallows to send the guests on their way into the cold winter night.

Anna & Gareth, it was a joy to be a part of your wedding, and to hear your story, and to meet your families. Congratulations to you both on the birth of Lucas Theo! Over the moon for you that you are already blessed with a beautiful healthy start to your family, and wishing you the best for a long and happy future together.

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Claridges;  Brides Dress by Marchesa; Hair & Make Up: Antonia at Elle au Naturel; Florist: Rob Van Helden Floral Design; Cake: The Little Venice Cake Company; Bands: AJ Dean and The Bluejays; Lance Ellington and The Rare Collective,
Daniel Peace and The Rare Collective.