St.Bartholomew The Great Church Smithfield Wedding
Alice & Will tied the knot in St Bartholomew the Great church in Smithfield, and had their wedding reception in Spring Restaurant at Somerset House. St Bart’s in London’s Smithfield’s is one of my favourite ever churches – fact. I have had the great pleasure of photographing a number of weddings over the years in this splendid old church. When Alice and Will asked me to capture their wedding day, I leapt at the chance.
Somerset House Wedding Reception
Stylish London Wedding Reception Venues
I met Alice, along with her parents and bridesmaids, in the final stages of wedding prep at The Haberdashers. The Haberdshers is fab wedding location in its own right and, conveniently, bang opposite the church. Alice looked stunning, happy and relaxed as her mum buttoned her into her exquisite Philippa Lepley wedding dress. Once everyone was 100% ready, we gathered for a few family pictures outside. Meanwhile, over in The Quality Chop House near Exmouth Market, Will and the fellas were enjoying a meal before a short walk to the church.
Central London Church Wedding
The service at St Bartholomew the Great was romantic and atmospheric in that ancient church. The choir and solo trumpeter were exceptional and guests exited to confetti and celebrations. Bottles of home made slow gin kicked off the celebrations. An vintage London bus carried the guests to another of my fave London wedding reception venues, Somerset House. Alice and Will had hired the Somerset House Spring restaurant, so everyone was in for a foodie treat. Alice, Will and I hopped into a black cab and – just about – beat the bus to the reception – close call though!
Award Winning Documentary Wedding Photographer
After a quick and relaxed family group photography session, the bride and groom and I dodged the crowds for a stroll around Somerset House courtyard for some Mr. & Mrs. portraits. Champagne, canapes, dinner and speeches proceeded bang on schedule and before long Alice and Will took to the dance floor for their first dance, having clearly put in a bit of practice (impressive moves!) All the guests soon joined in as the band (all the way from Devon, no less) smashed out tune after tune.
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Second photographer: JOE TRAYLEN
Wedding venue: ST.BARTHOLOMEW CHURCH – Smithfield
Reception Venue: SOMERSET HOUSE SPRING RESTAURANT
Alice Dress: PHILIPPA LEPLEY
Bouquet and Buttonholes: @THEALLOTMENTFLORIST
Wedding Band: SALOON STAR
Videographer: Sebastien Rabas
St Bartholomew the Great Church Wedding Smithfield // Somerset House Wedding Reception
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John Sanders is a London-based wedding photographer with over 10 years of experience. He specialises in non-intrusive documentary photography that captures raw emotions, stories, and stunning locations across London and the South East.
