Here’s a small selection of images from the stunning wedding of Matilda & Tom.

As I’m still so far behind on my blogging, it didn’t seem right to blog this beautiful December wedding in the height of summer, so it’s quite apt that in this week, which sees Matilda & Tom’s first wedding anniversary (Congratulations to you both!), it hits the blog. If you’re looking for wedding photography in London or beyond, do please get in touch to discuss your requirements!

Matilda and Tom were married at the stunning St Clement Danes Church on The Strand, London, followed by a reception at The Garrick Private Members Club.

Transport in London always being a bit more variable, and with Matilda and the girls getting ready at The Garrick, Tom having a meal with his groomsmen, and the guests walking between the church and the Garrick, I was assisted on the day by Neil Mclennan and Tash Lowther – a fantastic team effort!

Neil started his day with the boys, photographing them enjoying their Ushers Lunch, whilst I started the day at The Garrick, joining Matilda in the final stages of bridal preparation once she was dressed in her stunning couture bridal gown – ‘Warm and Tender’ by the amazing Stewart Parvin.

Once I’d photographed the finishing touches being applied, Tash and myself made our way over to St Clement Danes, to join up with Neil.

As the church is open to the public until 3pm, the ceremony was quite late for an early December day – early evening darkness would be setting in when we were coming out of the ceremony – but the early twilight certainly showed off this beautiful church in all it’s glory, looking especially festive and atmospheric inside.

Once the guests had arrived, Neil and I awaited the mother of the bride, bridesmaids and bride’s arrival outside (luckily, a mild dry day!) while Tash continued photographing inside and then made her way up onto the three sided balcony (which gave a fantastic viewpoint for the ceremony). After photographing the wedding party’s stylish arrival, I took up my position at the front of the church with Tom, nervously awaiting Matilda’s entrance.

All eyes were then focused on Matilda and that dress, as she was proudly walked down the aisle by her father, to begin the ceremony. The stunning setting, atmospheric lighting and amazing dress made for some fantastic photographs as Matilda and Tom were married. The Trumpeter also added to the sense of occasion! After the ceremony, Matilda and Tom exited for confetti outside the church, before they made their way to The Garrick.

This is where the team and planning came into it’s own, as Tash and I jumped into a taxi to hot-foot it over to The Garrick (almost a case of ‘follow that car!’), whilst Neil documented the guests on the short walk (led by a piper) through Covent Garden to The Garrick.

Part of the planning ensured that whilst the guests walked over, I photographed the group shots with the bride and groom and close family before the guests arrived. Once everyone was at The Garrick, drinks and canapes were served on the landing. While the guests enjoyed the lavish surroundings, we concentrated on candid photography and then capturing the details in the three dining rooms prior to the wedding breakfast.

The speeches took place on the amazing staircase, with guests watching on from above and below, before the wedding breakfast was served.

After the wedding breakfast, guests made their way back upstairs to prepare themselves for the first dance. I’d been let in on a little secret (something I always ask my couples to tell me, so I can plan accordingly) – Matilda’s mother is Australian, so in a nod to ancestry the first dance was ‘Waltzing Matilda’ – bride and groom being led to the dancefloor through the crowds by a Didgeridoo player! As soon as the first dance was finished, the guests joined Matilda and Tom dancing to some fantastic entertainment, including a saxophonist who joined in with the crowd!

This is just a taster of Matilda and Tom’s wedding day – venue rules mean there are a lot of amazing photographs I can’t show you unfortunately, but I’m sure you’ll agree, what I can show you gives you a true taste of the atmosphere of their amazing wedding day!

Congratulations to Matilda and Tom on their wedding, and their first wedding anniversary!

All wedding photography copyright David Burke Photography 2016