I really love a London pub wedding - and not just because the food is always fab! All the pub weddings I've shot across London have been in venues with such a lot of character that they make great backdrops for photos, and they're usually blessed with some outdoor space, which can be all too rare with urban wedding venues. For Anna and Darren's big day at the beginning of September, I got to check out one not that far from me - the lovely Duke's Head, by the river in Putney. (And if you're wondering, yes, I did very much enjoy my dinner of a caesar salad and chips while looking out over the Thames)!
The bride and bridesmaids looked relaxed and chic in their personalised pyjama sets while getting ready, and the shorts and short-sleeved shirts were much-needed on a sticky, hot summer's day (though, mercifully, it was no longer 41°c - I shot a wedding that day and am still surprised I didn't keel over). Matching loungewear or dressing gowns are a great way to add some style to your wedding preparations - and far look better in photos than my pre-wedding outfit of checked pyjama bottoms and a Little Mermaid sweatshirt (and huge dark circles from being up half the night icing the wedding cake).
The wedding ceremony took place in the appropriately-named Grand Chamber at Wandsworth Town Hall which I love shooting in as there is so much room for taking photos - I always stand on the raised bit at the front and then you can easily sidestep either way to get a variety of angles without disturbing anyone or being too disruptive. Following the ceremony, the bride and groom and their gorgeous little girl emerged out into the sun through a large confetti tunnel of cheering guests.
Wandsworth Town Hall's art deco surroundings are great for photographs, both inside and out. Every time I work there I make sure we have time to take some photos on the huge staircase, and I love shooting through the decorative bannisters for a slightly different shot. The registry office's vast courtyard is also ideal for a confetti tunnel and group photographs, and as you don't exit onto the street like at some other town halls, you don't get disturbed and/or stared at by passing pedestrians.
After Wandsworth Town Hall, the wedding party travelled a short way down the road to The Duke's Head in Putney on a classic white Routemaster bus, the easiest (and most stylish!) way to get around London if your ceremony and reception are in different locations. The Duke's Head is situated right by the embankment with amazing views of the River Thames in the Coxswain Riverside Restaurant - a large section of the pub available for private hire and with space for up to eighty people seated. With all the windows thrown open to let the much-needed breeze in, and the flattering shade of green of the walls (which also tied in with the wedding theme), the restaurant was perfect for a relaxed wedding reception.
The colours the bride and groom chose for their wedding were sage, neutral pinks, and gold; a lovely soft summery palette perfect for the time of year. They were keen on giving the wedding a bit of a bohemian twist, which Anna's loose, wavy hair suited well. The most important aspect of the day to them was that everyone was happy and created some amazing memories, and their top wedding planning tip is to give yourselves lots of time to plan - and while things may go wrong, there is always a solution.
The amazing suppliers who helped Anna and Darren's perfect day come together are:
Venues: Wandsworth Town Hall and The Duke's Head, Putney
Florist: Floresence
Cake: Buttercream and Daisies
Hair and makeup: Bae MUA
DJ - EarCandy
Wedding dress: Wed2Be
Wedding shoes: ASOS
Wedding suits: Next
Bridesmaids dresses: ASOS
Photographer: Queen Bea Photography
If you're planning your own relaxed London wedding and are looking for a photographer, I'd love to hear from you! Hit the button below to contact me and tell me all about your plans.