Every wedding tells a story. Some are grand, lavish affairs, while others are more intimate. Vic and Nic’s civil wedding at the Chelsea Old Town Hall in London was a blend of both: the soft elegance of an intimate gathering with family and friends, paired with chic details that felt like they were straight out of the pages of a fashion magazine.
As an editorial wedding photographer, I wanted to tell their story, capturing the authenticity, the depth of their love, and their sense of elegance and style.
Starting the day at Birley Bakery
Vic and Nic started the wedding day at the lovely Birley Bakery, one of their favourite spots, for coffee and pastries. The early morning light streamed through the windows, creating the perfect setting for a relaxed pre-wedding breakfast.
Capturing a couple in their element — the simplicity of shared laughter and conversation — is a big part of my approach. These moments matter just as much as the ceremony, offering a glimpse into the couple’s dynamic and the joy they bring each other.
Candid photos are the essence of editorial wedding photography, and watching them relax and savour their pastries allowed me to catch those authentic, unscripted moments – a loving smile, a hand reaching for a cup – the small details that create a narrative full of emotion and depth.
Aston Martin DB5 – An iconic, elegant, timeless ride
The next chapter of the day was one for the books. Stepping out of the bakery, an Aston Martin DB5 (Nic’s favourite) was waiting for them to cruise around London for our photoshoot. An absolute icon of British design, the DB5 added a touch of timeless elegance to the morning. Vic and Nic looked effortlessly chic as they stepped into the car, and I made sure to capture a series of editorial-style photos, blending classic automotive beauty with the couple’s fashionable, modern romance.
Choosing wedding flowers at The Flower Stand Chelsea
We made our way to The Flower Stand Chelsea, where the bride and groom to be chose the flowers for Vic’s bouquet together. There’s something so special about seeing a couple choose the wedding flowers for that morning together. It adds such a bespoke touch – an intimacy to the story in that moment – creating something uniquely hers.
The atmosphere at The Flower Stand was magical. The sun-soaked street, filled with vibrant blooms and soft fragrances, burst to life. They enjoyed an intimate moment together choosing their flowers giving me the opportunity to capture some beautiful candid portraits.
Belgravia: timeless couple’s portraits in London
From Chelsea, we (responsibly) sped over to Belgravia in the DB5, one of my favourite parts of London for couple’s portraits. The streets, lined with classic white Georgian and Victorian townhouses and historic garden squares provided the perfect backdrop to capture amazing photos of the couple.
The timeless architecture and luxurious lifestyle in Belgravia provide an elegant setting that is perfect for editorial wedding photography.
Wandering through these picturesque streets allowed for a documentary wedding photography approach, capturing these two love birds in a relaxed, authentic way. Around every corner in London, there's a different vibe, adding layers to the wedding story.
These portraits weren’t just about creating beautiful photos—they were about capturing the soul of the day, Vic and Nic’s love, and their connection with the city they call home.
Pre-wedding coffee at The Peninsula Boutique & Café
Before heading to the ceremony, we made a quick stop at The Peninsula Boutique & Café. It was the perfect moment for the couple to take a breath and enjoy a quiet moment together. As a photographer, I love these in-between moments – when the pace slows down and the couple can truly be present with each other.
The Peninsula’s refined atmosphere provided a luxurious, yet cosy setting. Here, I captured some more lifestyle-style images and fun portraits, emphasizing the beauty of everyday moments woven into the larger narrative of their wedding day.
London wedding at Chelsea Old Town Hall
We arrived at Chelsea Old Town Hall, a stunning Victorian building nestled in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, where the civil ceremony was held. This venue, on King’s Road, is steps away from Sloane Square and South Kensington and has a charm all its own with its iconic steps and grand interiors.
The ceremony itself was intimate, filled with laughter, tears and all of the feels. The biggest surprise came when Vic saw her dad and stepmom, who had secretly flown in from Toronto, sitting amongst their guests. The look of surprise and joy on her face when she saw her father was a moment I’ll never forget – and I’m so grateful I was there to capture that real, unplanned moment.
Group photos and champagne at The Ivy
After the ceremony, we gathered for group photos outside the Chelsea Old Town Hall. The steps of the town hall are an iconic backdrop for London weddings, and they’re a perfect setting for family portraits and candid moments with friends
From there, we took a short walk to The Ivy, where the champagne was flowing freely 🍾
Capturing Vic and Nic as they toasted to their new chapter was a beautiful moment, full of laughter and joy. Editorial photography isn’t just about stylish, magazine-worthy images; it’s about documenting the essence of the celebration authentically.
Intimate and elegant reception at The Phene
The reception at The Phene was a relaxed, intimate lunch in the pub garden, with good food and fine wine – exactly Vic and Nic’s vibe and a reflection of their shared love for the finer things in life.
As a photographer, the reception is where I can focus on capturing candid interactions – guests enjoying each other’s company and laughter filling the air. There was a genuine warmth in the celebration as friends and family celebrated the couple's new chapter in life together.
Karaoke: The perfect end to the day
This couple loves a good party and of course, no wedding day is complete without a bit of fun to end it all. The bride and groom and their guests went to the karaoke bar where they had first met – the perfect way to let loose and celebrate. And the photos from this part of the evening were full of rockstar energy.
A story worth telling
Vic and Nic’s London civil wedding was the perfect blend of personal moments and timeless elegance, with London’s iconic locations adding to the narrative. Capturing their day was about more than just taking pictures—it was about telling their story in a way that’s authentic, emotive, and beautifully stylish. This is what I love most about editorial wedding photography: it’s a celebration of both the couple’s love and their style, creating images that will stand the test of time.
If you’re planning a luxury London wedding and want your story told through timeless, editorial photography, then get in touch and let’s create something extraordinary together.