Photographing a London Micro Wedding at my dream London Town Hall.
When I received the enquiry from Leslie for their Hackney Town Hall wedding in February 2024, my heart sang. Hackney Town Hall was on my bucket list to photograph a wedding at. Being the daughter of an architect and a graphic designer myself, you can't help but just admire the art deco detail of this incredible building. Being an intimate wedding meant I could have more fun with the couple and fewer guests and explore more of the town hall to find all the best spots to photograph their wedding.
Planning the Perfect Day
After our initial chat, I shared a Pinterest board with Leslie to help devise the kind of photos she wanted for her day. She wanted it all to feel very natural, but at the same time, she had a vision inspired by Wes Anderson. This combination of natural, candid photos with artistic flair was a dream to work with.
The Journey Begins
I met them in the morning in North London, where we got a Black cab that drove from their home to the registry office. Leslie didn't want any getting-ready photos, but we agreed to capture some moments with Tony in the cab. I am a massive fan of London Black Taxis on wedding days—they are so spacious, and the drivers are some of the best.
Arrival at Hackney Town Hall
When we reached Hackney Town Hall, we were greeted by Leslie's siblings, who had all flown over from America, especially to watch their sister get married. Initially, Leslie didn't want any guests, but her siblings wanted the chance to see her on this special day and enjoy a great time in London together. While Leslie and Tony had their initial interview, I stayed back with the siblings, took photos, and enjoyed exploring the town hall, as we were the only people there.
The Ceremony
Leslie, who wore a beautiful green dress by Nancy and Mac and shoes by Esska, was walked down the aisle by her sister while Tony and the other guests looked on. The intimate setting allowed me to capture genuine emotions and interactions without disrupting the ceremony. I always chat with the registrars beforehand to know where I can move around. I also ask them which side they move to after the vowels, to make sure I don't bump into them but also to remind them discreetly that they need to ideally be out of shot.
Post-Ceremony Celebrations
After the ceremony, we went out on the steps of Hackney Town Hall, where their dog Pixie was waiting for them, ready to join in the group photos. We arranged the group photos beforehand so I could easily coordinate and have these done swiftly and smoothly, allowing everyone to start celebrating at the pub.
A Scenic Walk
As we waved the guests off, Leslie, Tony, and I took a scenic walk to the pub, using this opportunity to get some photos of them together along with their dog Pixie. I try to keep a distance from couples so it doesn't feel like a fashion shoot and they can just enjoy the newlywed feeling and have probably the only time they will get together as a couple. We stopped by exciting places, and if there was a quiet, pretty street or an interesting shopfront, we would get a few photos here and there.
Final Moments
When we eventually got to the pub, it was time for me to say goodbye, but not before I managed to sneak in a few last pictures of them having a drink together before meeting their guests, who were ready and waiting for their arrival.
Photographing Leslie and Tony's intimate Hackney Town Hall wedding was a dream come true. The combination of natural, candid moments with the stunning backdrop of this iconic London venue made for an unforgettable experience.
