Every now and then I get to photograph a wedding that feels less like a single event and more like a whole story unfolding across the city. Amy and Jon’s day was exactly that, and it showed me again how some of the best weddings are the ones that don’t follow the usual script.
We began at Amy’s flat in Hackney, where the morning had that gentle calm before everything kicked off - and boy did it kick off…I could tell from the short walk to Hackney Town Hall with Amy’s crew that there was gonna be an amazing energy to the day.
The ceremony itself was heartfelt and emotional. Amy’s best friend was the celebrant, which was a lovely personal touch, and Jon’s words in particular had everyone reaching for the tissues as he spoke about how much he’d missed Amy during their long-distance, transatlantic relationship.
From there, the day burst out into the city. Two vintage buses were waiting outside, and soon both were packed with guests laughing and (many) bottles of Prosecco popping. About halfway through the journey Amy and Jon suddenly bolted off their bus and leapt onto the other. The cheer that erupted when they stepped inside was unforgettable - a completely spontaneous, film-worthy moment that set the tone for the rest of the day.
Their reception took us to The Magazine at The Serpentine, and it was there I could clearly see how the guests had embraced the “Upstage the Bride” dress code with relish - sequins, feathers, bold colours, extravagant gowns - I definitely felt a bit under-dressed!
At 10.30pm, it was time for the next chapter, as everyone spilled out into the night, trading the vintage buses for the underground. There was something wonderfully surreal about seeing a trail of wedding guests in extravagant outfits descending onto the Tube - and it gave me my next film-worthy moment: Amy and Jon sharing a kiss on the Tottenham Court Road escalators. By the time we emerged in Soho for the after party, it felt like the wedding had woven itself right through London - a real wedding adventure.
Wedding Suppliers
Ceremony: Hackney Town Hall
Reception: The Magazine
Dress: Helsi
Suit: Todd Synder
Florist: Yan Skates
Hair: Dani Ferrarezi
MUA: Dalla Vecchia
DJ: Soltuura
