Wedding Photographer at The Tower Hotel St. Katherines Docks
The Tower Hotel. St. Katherines Way. London. E1W 1LD
Emily and Ben started and ended their wedding day in St. Katherines Dock Marina near Tower Bridge in East London. The stylish couple stayed at The Tower Hotel and hired the fabulous (and huge!!) Dickens Inn for their wedding reception. The wedding ceremony was in one of my new favourite wedding venues, The Abney Park Chapel in Stoke Newington.
St. Katherine Docks Mariner Wedding Photographer
I met up with Emily as she in the final stages of wedding hair and make up. Her father arrived for a ‘first look’ at his wonderful daughter in her wedding dress. Emotions ran high, it was a privilege to be able to discretely document this beautiful moment. Ben met his ushers in the reception of the The Tower Hotel. We nipped outside for a few pictures of the fellas in their black tie. Black Tie is becoming ever more popular instead of morning suits, personally I’m a fan – who doesn’t want to go full Clooney on their wedding day!
Abney Park Chapel Wedding in Stoke Newington
It was a pleasure to return to Abney Park Chapel. I live in Stoke Newington, my wife and I regularly walk the dog in Abney Park, its peaceful and utterly stunning, particularly now in Autumn. The park is heavily wooded with winding paths running haphazardly though. Its a real London gem. [I suggest you go visit and afterwards grab a pint of Guinness at The Ald Shillelagh, my fave Irish Pub.] Ben and Emily used to live in Hackney and fell for Abney Park before it was recently refurbed by Hackney Venues. When they heard the dilapidated chapel was now a chic wedding venue they immediately booked it and commissioned me to capture their wedding pictures.
Wedding Portraits in Abney Chapel in Stoke Newington
The ceremony went in a flash and before long it was confetti and portraits time. My approach to wedding portraiture is very low key. I prefer a couple to have a little stroll while I capture natural moments. Often I will spot a particularly gorgeous patch of light and we may stop for a moment for me to grab a more static image. Generally it’s a relaxing portraiture session and absolutely nothing to worry about in the lead up the big day. I also work fast, I’m good at what I do and always keep to a 15 minute max. I don’t like to keep a couple away from their own party for long.
Tower Bridge Wedding Photographer
The Dickens Inn hosted the wedding reception. This famous London pub is a whopper, spread over three floors with balconies all around. The building has alpine chalet vibes. The venue is a timber framed 18th Century barn, I loved it. This was my first visit to The Dickens Inn. The staff and food were excellent. There’s something very special about a central London wedding, particularly when the wedding reception venue over looks Tower Bridge! The bride and groom with their bridesmaids and groomsmen wanted some fun group pictures infront of the The Dickens Inn. There happened to be a full scale and sea worthy Spanish Galleon moored in St. Katherines Dock Mariner, as back drops go it wasn’t too shabby.
Tower Bridge Wedding Reception Photographer
Before long I was floating about the party. Ben and Emily had had some custom board games built, Guess Who? and Connect Four. The faces of all their guests were included into the games, a lovely touch.
London Thames Wedding Reception Venues
As guests took their seats for dinner and speeches Ben and Emily surprised everyone with an epic entrance to dinner; formation dance moves, daft sunglasses = fun times!
The Dickens Inn Wedding Photographer
Marble Quay, St Katharine’s Way, London, E1W 1UH
Who doesnt love sparklers at a wedding. After dinner all the guests made their way outside where sparklers and lighters were waiting. I have photographed many sparkler tunnels over the years and have a ton of experience in organising (often slightly tipsy) wedding guests.
Award Winning North London Documentary Wedding Photographer
I have plenty of availability for next year, many key summer dates are still open. If you are planning a London Town Hall Wedding then I’d love to hear from you. Check out My Journal if you’re in need of a little wedding inspiration. I photograph weddings all over London. Here are a couple of Thames River Venues that I love and would very much enjoy a return visit; Kew Gardens and Somerset House. Drop me a line through my contact form to Check my Availability and introduce yourself.
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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.
