Just before Christmas I photographed the stunning, chic London wedding of Immy and Henry at Holy Trinity Church, Prince Consort Rd and the Millennium Gloucester Hotel.

Every wedding I photograph is unique and special, and I’m always so grateful to be part of such a joyous occasion. But this one, well, I was just so happy to see these two find each other and to share in such a fun, relaxed and elegant day – with a few twists along the way.

You can read all about their day below, with a smaller selection of my personal favourite wedding photographs, but also take a few minutes out of your day to watch their wedding slideshow highlights with loads more images of this gorgeous day.

Bride & Groom Prep

Always an early start when photographing a London wedding but great to be at the hotel nice and early to scope it out. In the first twist – which indicated what a lovely relaxed day it would be – I met Immy and Henry together in the foyer. The guys would be spending the first part of the morning together in their bridal suite, before Henry would go off to get changed separately – so no superstition here!!

Immy was doing her own makeup, with the help of her sister. Normally I’d say all eyes would be on the bride at this stage, but the girls were joined by a very recent addition to the family, Immy’s lovely new niece – it’s fair to say she got her fair share of attention as well, which was great to photograph!

Once Immy was having her hair done, Henry went off to get changed in his brother’s room, with Steve capturing the groom prep for me.

As soon as everyone was dressed, Henry made his way down into the Conservatory, to await Immy’s arrival for another twist on the classic UK wedding – a first look!

Once again, we had another first – which was also a luxury for me – as they guys were ready nice and early, and as a contingency plan for bad weather, we headed out into the mews streets around the hotel for some bride and groom pictures. Immy & Henry were great sports as it was a bit chilly, but great to spend some time getting these shots in the bag!

Ceremony

Once back at the hotel, it was time for a quick lunch before we headed over to Holy Trinity for the service. Once there, it was a case of buttonholes on, then capture Henry greeting his guests, and then await the arrival of the bride. I’m normally outside quite a few minutes before the bride – just in case – but this was some early arrival! Immy and the girls were then photobombed by guests still arriving – a really funny moment!

And then onto the ceremony, conducted by Liz, Immy’s Godmother. I love touches like this, as it’s just such a personal element to the whole day and so great to have a special person conduct their marriage.

After the ceremony, everyone made their way out and following a short walk, we captured group shots on the steps by the Royal Albert Hall – the rain focused everyone’s minds so we got it done quickly!

Whilst the guests then made their way back to the Millennium Gloucester, Immy and Henry stayed for a few quick portraits around the Albert Hall.

Reception

Once we’d finished with the portraits and the light was rapidly going, we jumped into a taxi for the short trip back to the Millennium Gloucester to join the reception in The Conservatory. The reception space looked fantastic as the evening was setting in, with purple uplighters picking out the huge palm trees. The Camino Sonoro jazz band kept everyone entertained for the drinks reception as everyone mingled (and once again Immy’s niece was also a main attraction, alongside the bride and groom), before we moved on to the speeches.

A group of Immy’s friends gave a really funny and touching joint speech, before we moved onto Henry’s brother, who was his best man. Speeches were short but sweet, always the best way to keep them!

After the speeches the guests were seated for the wedding breakfast, before it was time to cut the cake (the knife broke which was a really funny moment, and no reflection on the constitution of the cake!) and then onto the first dance. Once the guys had spent a few minutes on their own, they were joined on the dancefloor for some pretty energetic dancing by friends and family. an impromptu game of ‘surreptitiously peg the name tag on the friend’ developed, which was great fun to photograph as the dancing got more and more frenzied – led by the amazing DJ Anna Greenwood, who I can safely say was THE most energetic DJ I have EVER seen. As soon as the music started, she didn’t stop dancing through the whole party – I’m not sure how she does it!

All too soon it was time to pack up and head to the station for the journey back to Tunbridge Wells – a crazy long day, but one I enjoyed immensely and was just privileged to be involved with.

Congratulations to Immy and Henry, and wishing you such a lifetime of happiness together!

If you like Immy and Henry’s wedding photographs and want to see what I can do for your big day, do please get in touch and we can chat about your plans.

All photographs copyright David Burke Photography 2019