Here’s the first part of Lydia and Charles’s absolutely stunning wedding! Hope you enjoy! If you’d like to discuss your wedding photography requirements, please contact me
Lydia and Charles were married at St Margaret’s Church Westminster, followed by a drinks reception in the Cholmondley suite in the House of Lords opposite. A black-tie evening reception followed later at the Intercontinental Hotel on Park Lane (which will follow in the second post – one post just wouldn’t do this wedding the justice it deserves!)
I started the day bright, and very early, meeting up with the rest of the team at Tunbridge Wells station – Craig Prentis, who second shot the wedding with me, and Anneka Ireland, Lydia and Charles’s videographer.
Once in London, Anneka and I made our way to bridal preparation to join up with Lydia, all the girls, and Lydia’s lovely parents! Fiona had laid on masses of food, and, as this was going to be a long, long day, Anneka and I may have had the odd Danish Pastry and coffee!
After shooting the details, we documented Lydia’s makeup being expertly applied by the amazing Paula Requena using Charlotte Tilbury cosmetics – loved the fact that all the products looked so stylish and matching in that fantastic cooper colour!
Lydia and Fiona were soon joined by top London hairdresser Hugh Green to put the finishing touches to their hair. Hugh would also play a big part in a styling change for later in the evening – to be featured in part 2!
Soon it was time for Lydia to be dressed in her stunning Stewart Parvin wedding dress – a bespoke version of “Falling Away With You” designed by Stewart for Lydia. The dress featured a high collar and full length sleeve, made in a beautiful French Chantilly Fonteyn lace, over crepe, finished off with a Cathedral-length a mantilla veil.
While Anneka and I made our way over to the church, Craig had started the day with Charles for his Groomsmans breakfast at The Wolseley. Once breakfast was finished, Craig and the guys wandered through London on their way to St Margaret’s.
Anneka, Craig and I then documented guest arrivals at this impressive location!
We then made our way to the road to await the arrival of the bridesmaids and bride – along with a large crowd of eager onlookers! Quite a few times we were quizzed by American tourists about which royal was getting married – very funny!
Once Lydia was ready, it was time for her entrance into the service. A suitably impressive marriage ceremony followed, complete with trumpeter, choir and numerous rousing hymns!
After the ceremony, Lydia and Charles lead the bridal party on the short walk across to the next amazing location – the House of Lords!
As the bridal party were allowed through on fast-track security, we took advantage of our head start over the other guests by photographing the group shots in the Westminster Hall. Once completed, we all made our way through this impressive building to join the guests in the Cholmondley suite for drinks and canapes.
Once everyone was replete, it was time for the speeches – extremely funny and touching, but also very, very poignant. Quite a few tissues needed in places, but very touching tributes.
We then took Lydia and Charles for some bride and groom portraits back up in the Westminster Hall and St Stephen’s Hall.
While we were finishing off the portraits, the guests had made their way outside and lined up for confetti! Just prior to getting into the car, we had an impromptu bouquet toss, before Lydia and Charles made their exit and headed off to the Intercontinental for a short interlude, and then into the second part of their wedding day!
Come back soon for part 2!
Suppliers:
Videography: Anneka Ireland
Make up: Paula Requena
Dress: Stewart Parvin
All images copyright David Burke Photography 2017