Claridge’s Hotel, London Wedding

Sarah & Alistair’s Wonderful Winter Wedding

I’d really been looking forward to meeting Sarah and Alistair again for their wedding at Claridge’s Hotel in London. We first met a couple of months previously when they had a family session around their gardens. It was a great way to get to know the family as well as Sarah and Alistair. They are such a lovely couple, Sarah is so kind and thoughtful and Alistair is full of fun and very playful, when I arrived for the shoot he was wearing a curly wig. He was great at making the girls laugh, myself included!

St Georges Church in Hanover Square

This was my second wedding at Claridge’s and it’s becoming a firm favourite. I adore the classic art deco charm of the hotel, Sarah and Alistair also love the décor and explained that they chose the venue for its beautiful interior. After getting ready at Claridge’s the bride and groom headed – separately of course – to St Georges Church in Hanover Square for the ceremony. St Georges is a lovely old church and had been dressed with gorgeous floral displays, behind the altar is a stunning painting of the last supper.

As often happens with December weddings the light was fading quickly after the ceremony, there was just enough light for the confetti shots but subtle use of additional lighting was needed for the portraits outside the church.

Claridge’s Hotel London

It was then time to return to the elegance of Claridge’s where the rooms had been beautifully dressed with stunning floral arrangements by McQueens. The lobby and entrance were decorated for Christmas with beautiful warm golds and rich reds, it was a perfect backdrop for portraits although we needed a avoid a very large sparkly red train that was attracting a lot of attention! We managed to work around it though and then headed outside where I used some off-camera flash to light the couple. Winter weddings are wonderful but they do require some additional lighting skills.

The rest of the celebrations were full of fun with some brilliant entertainment. During the wedding breakfast and speeches, a mobile band called The Troubadours had everyone up dancing between the courses. The energy in the room was fantastic, the guests were standing on chairs, dancing, singing and waving their napkins in the air. Both Sarah’s daughters deserve a special mention for their speech, and I also have to say that I loved their green dresses!

Musical entertainment was also provided by the very talented Sax by C. Sharp who played the saxophone during the cocktail hour and on the dancefloor later in the evening. Chloe of Sail and Peg had done an amazing job of planning the event and with a fun and lively group of guests, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and uplifting celebration.

The Suppliers

Florist – McQueens / Band – Troubadours / Hair & Makeup – Elle & Tamara / Wedding Planning – Sail & Peg

Christmas Wedding at Claridge’s Hotel

If you are planning a wedding at Claridges hotel, please do get in touch for more information on wedding photography collections.

Thanks so much for James White for second shooting :)