Tavistock Avenue Photography

Michelle and Andrew were married on 30th January 2010 at St George’s Hanover Square and held their wedding reception at Claridges.

Andrew with his brother and best man Michael before the ceremony.

Michelle and her father just after they arrived outside the church.

Michelle just after arriving at the end of the aisle to meet Andrew.

St George’s is a magnificent church, with a long and illustrious history. This is the view from the back of the church, right next to the organ.

Michelle and Andrew exchanging rings.

Michelle and Andrew walking down the aisle.

The room for the wedding breakfast at Claridges looked fantastic. Just before the guests entered for their meal Michelle walked round and said to the staff, ‘Everything looks wonderful and I’m so happy with what you’ve done!’

Before the speeches we found a couple of minutes to take a set of photos in one of Claridges beautiful art-deco corridors. Michelle and Andrew were illuminated by candles in storm lanterns.

Michelle kissing Andrew at the end of his speech.

Michael managed to produce a couple of first class visual aides during his best man’s speech. Some photos of Andrew from the family archive and a signed photo of Daniel Craig! Apparently, he is Michelle’s favourite actor.

Michelle and Andrew’s first dance…

…and dancing the night away…

To see highlights from Michelle and Andrew’s wedding, please click here

To see the full collection from Michelle and Andrew’s wedding, please click here

Nichola and Ed were married at Islington Town Hall on 29th December 2009.

They held their reception at Altitude, Millbank after driving through the city on old London buses.

Ed with his ushers and best man before the ceremony.

Nichola and her father waiting to go into the ceremony.

Nichol and Ed exchanging their wedding rings.

The ceremony was held in Islington is the council chamber which is a beautiful wood panelled room with red leather chairs.

Nichola walking to the buses that took us all to the wedding reception.

To all future brides reading this post – please note Nichola’s foresight in purchasing a white umbrella…

This has helped transform a wet and windy walk to the bus into an elegant, timeless moment. Just imagine this scene with a red and yellow golf umbrella bearing the logo of a well known investment bank…

Dean pouring bubbly on the bus for Nichola and Ed.

Special mention must got to James and Dean for their superb bar-tending efforts.

Most bar-keeps pour drinks with the benefit of a stable surface beneath their feet. However, as the bus rumbled through the rain streaked London streets, swinging from side to side, Dean and James negotiated the aisle and stairs, bottles in hand.

I’d like to think Reg Varney and Bob Grant from ‘On the Buses’ would have thoroughly approved!

Nichola during the drinks reception.

Ed during the drinks reception.

Altitude is on the 29th floor of Millbank tower. This is the view towards the London Eye.

Nichola, Ed and Nichola’s father during the speeches.

The space at Altitude has a simple, contemporary design. The flat screen TV near the bar was used during the speeches to show messages and photos, and also run slideshows of Ed and Nichola’s early days throughout the rest of the evening.

Nichola and Ed’s first dance.

Don’t try this at home!

To see highlights from Nichola and Ed’s wedding, please click here

To see the full collection from Nichola and Ed’s wedding, please click here

Liz and James were married at Hanbury Manor on December 19th 2009.

It was a snowy outside, but bright sunlight filled the rooms in the early part of the day.

Liz walking down the old stairway.

‘A big memory for me from the day,’ explained James later, ‘was turning around and seeing Liz walking up the aisle.’

Liz and James exchanging their vows during the ceremony. A special mention to James’ sister, who is sat in the background of this picture and smiled serenley throughout the ceremony!

Liz and James first kiss. Poles Hall is a great location for a wedding. Its a large room, but has a very intimate feel which meets the guests feel very involved in the emotion of the ceremony.

These are one of the family portraits that were taken in a room pre-prepared by the staff at Hanbury, with a roaring log fire nearby.

Liz and James decided to brave the cold and in a few short minutes we took some photos in the snow as the sun began to set.

James during his speach.

‘It came out about a million times better than I thought it would,’ said James. ‘ I was really worried, but I did some improvisation and it seemed to go down really well.’

Hanbury Manor at night.

Liz and James during their first dance.

‘I just loved every single minute,’ said Liz. ‘Its amazing having all your friends and family in the same room. Its just been the best day ever.’

Liz throwing her boquet – which ended up in James’ sisters hands!

To see highlights from Liz and James Wedding click here

To see the full collection from Liz and James Wedding click here

Lucy and Alex were married on December 18th 2009 at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London.

Alex and his best man and ushers.

Lucy waiting in the car before the ceremony.

The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College is a truly magnificent room.

I’m always surprised at the number of London’s who’ve never been there or even know it exists. It is an architectural jem that is worth a day of anyone’s time to visit.

Lucy and Alex exchanging their wedding rings.

Lucy and Alex signing the register.

Lucy and Alex kissing after walking down the aisle.

After walking down the aisle Lucy and Alex paused, held hands and looked towards me – which meant I was able to take this unexpected and impromtu portrait.

Lucy during the drinks reception.

Alex during the drinks reception.

A group photo of all the family and guests.

What isn’t eveident in this photo is that Tim, my assistant was stood on a chair, holding one of my lights over his head at full stretch.

Even on dark winters days, I try and use flash as little as possible, and Tim’s valliant exertions meant I was able to illuminate the guests – and the surrounds, with a soft, flattering light.

Lucy and Alex walked the length of the Painted Hall to join their guests for dinner.

Alex during his speach.

The top room in the Painted Hall during the speaches.

Alex and Lucy on the stairs leading to the Painted Hall.

Alex and Lucy’s first dance.

To see highlights from Lucy and Alex’s wedding please click here

Louisa and Adam were married on the 10th October 2009 at Hedingham Castle, Essex.

Louisa getting ready with her Mum

Louisa upstairs in the Georgian House at Hedingham

Louisa’s father, Simon, watches as Louisa walks down the stairs at Hedingham.

Louisa and Simon walking towards the castle in the bright sunlight of a beautiful autumn day.

Louisa reaching the end of the aisle

The ceremony from the minstrels gallery

Adam and Louisa exchanging vows

Adam and Louisa being applauded by their friends and family at the end of the ceremony. The photo of a bride and groom’s first kiss is of course a ’standard’ wedding photo. I also hope to capture the moment after the first kiss where the couple smile at each other for the first time as husband and wife.

After the ceremony, Adam, Louisa and I went to the room at the top of the castle. The light is always beautiful and in a few short moments we got a lovely set of portraits.

Walking down the stairs… a question often asked by wedding guests when they arrive at the castle is ‘where is the lift.’ Unfortunately, due to a shocking lack of foresight 800 years ago, one wasn’t built!

Louisa, Adam and all their wedding guests

Confetti on the bridge

Louisa during the drinks reception

Louisa and Adam with the Castle grounds in the background

Adam and Louisa entering the wedding breakfast

Simon and Louisa during the speeches

Pru, Louisa’s Mum, listening to the speeches

Louisa during Adam’s speech

Adam’s best man was a woman – Nathalie. Her speech started with a few tears of emotion: ‘That’s why they don’t ask chicks to do this job,’ she commented. Her speech was great fun and full of hand-made visual aides.

Louisa and Adam’s first dance

The full gallery of Louisa and Adam’s wedding photos is now online.

To see them click here.

The house at Hedingham, with the castle in the background

I’ve been one of Hedingham Castle’s recommended wedding photographers for the last few years and over time I’ve seen the castle, house, and grounds go through a lot of changes.

Over the last few months the grounds and marquee have been transformed – and I was so impressed on my last visit I thought I’d write this blog!

The view of the Castle from the driveway

The Castle was built around 1140, and sits in an open expanse of land at the top of a hill. It is all that remains of the original construction: hundreds of years ago it would have been surrounded by buildings and enclosed by a wall.

The house at the top of the drive

The grounds surrounding the house and castle are magnificent. Over the last few months they have undergone major changes with new plants being introduced, areas cleared, and ponds being dug.

There are so many vantage points and short walks – each one uncovering another hidden gem. If you have the opportunity to attend one of Hedingham Castle’s open days or events I would thoroughly recommend it.

The drawing room at Hedingham

This room, like many in the house, has benefited from lots of attention. The once threadbare furniture has been lovingly restored and re-upholstered. New curtains and wallpapers have replaced the old, and while the house has a wonderful feeling of history and times gone-by, it also feels new and cared for.

The marquee, set for a wedding

There have been small, but significant changes to the marquee as well – for example, the new carpet. It complements the table decorations and interior, and means everything feels warm even on the coldest winter evening.

The marquee from outside

The house at night

To see examples of photographs from weddings at Hedingham Castle, click here.

Charlotte and James were married on October 3rd 2009 at All Saints Church, Nazeing, Essex. Their wedding reception was held at The Manor of Groves, Hertfordshire.

Charlotte’s artistic talents were to be found in many of the details of the day. These are the beautiful hand-made orders of service.

The bridesmaids passed the time waiting for Charlotte to arrive by twirling in their dresses.

A pram with a view. This photo was taken from the back of the church with Charlotte and James at the far end of the aisle.

Charlotte and James walking down the aisle

Charlotte and James with their bridesmaids

The confetti outside the church

Now here is a good tip for any future brides – make sure you have more confetti than you think you’ll need. Once it starts getting passed around outside the church it soon dissapears.

Charlotte, her Mum and other relatives started collecting dried flower petals well in advance of the wedding. Hence the blizzard of confetti. There was even enough for a second round!

James and Charlotte waiting to go into their wedding breakfast

Charlotte’s Father, during his speech

One of the great fringe benefits of being a wedding photographer is being treated to some first-class after dinner speaking. And Charlotte and James wedding was no exception.

James nick name is Harry Potter, due to his striking resemblance to a certain trainee wizard. As he began his speech, and in an effort to add to the evening’s mirth, Charlotte popped on a pair of Potter-esque glasses to try and distract him.

Best man Rob, in full flow

I have to be honest that when it comes to best man’s speeches I consider myself something of an expert. I’ve heard over 200 of them and delivered one myself, so I have a fair idea of what’s good, and what’s bad. I also know the subjects to be avoided at all costs.

However, Rob broke one of the golden rules of being a best man which is:
under no circumstances whatsoever tell any story involving any events that might have allegedly happened in a Thai night-club

The fact that Rob broke this rule, in hilarious style, with an annecdote that would have amused the sternest Aunt – and made the groom look even more charming and adorable than before the story began, was a remarkable achievement.

Rob, I salute you!

Manor of Groves at night

The full gallery of Charlotte and James’ wedding photos is now online.

To see them click here.

Jen and Steve were married at The Sacred Heart Church, Petworth on 26th September 2009. They held their wedding reception at Ramster, Chiddingfold.

Jen and her bridesmaids got ready at The Crown Inn, Chiddingfold. This is Jen writing a card to Steve…

… and this is Steve with the card.

Jen and her father, Duane arriving at The Sacred Heart Church

Steve, and his best man and ushers waiting at the end of the aisle

Jen before exchanging vows

Jen and Steve exchanging vows. The service was conducted by Father Peter Newsam and it was obvious how much he was enjoying it. As he mentioned to the congregation, ‘Conducting wedding services is one of the best parts of my job!’

Steve showing off his new wedding ring

Jen and Steve walking down the aisle

Confetti outside the church

Jen and Steve outside Ramster with their wedding car

Ramster looked absolutely fantastic and Jen and Steve’s families had gone to a great deal of extra effort to make the cake and decorate the room.

Group photo

It’s been my privilege to photograph lots of my friends weddings in the USA – but this was the first ‘half American’ wedding I’ve photographed in the UK. Jen and her family are from upstate New York, while Steve and his family are from England.

There were lots of small touches that gave this very English day an American feel. Check out the group photo and notice how the bridesmaids have arranged themselves perfectly on the right-hand side of the picture. It’s been my experience that while Brits need arranging for wedding photos, Americans know exactly how and where to stand. It must be something in the water…

A stolen moment I just happen to glimpse and record – Steve twirling Jen as they wait to go into their wedding breakfast.

Andy the best man deserves top marks for his efforts. I saw him practicing his speech on more than one occasion and it was clear he’d put a great deal of time into it. Here he is during a trial run, amusing the shrubs in the driveway with his witty anecdotes.

Duane’s touching speech was full of American phrases.

At one stage he thanked Steve’s family and friends using the phrase, ‘Y’all.’ Brilliant!

Jen during Duane’s speech

Steve’s speech

Andy’s speech – practice did indeed make perfect.

Jen and Steve’s first dance

The full gallery of Jen and Steve’s wedding photos is now online.

To see them click here.

Katherine and Kevin were married at The Guildhall, Hadleigh, on September 19th 2009.

The Guidlhall in Hadleigh is surrounded by other historic buildings.

Before taking any portraits I often ask people to remove cameras, phones, wallets etc from their pockets so their suit jackets don’t have awkward bulges in them. This is what Kevin, best man Johnny and ushers Dan and Alex removed from theirs… four mobile phone, some car keys, 2 wedding rings and some bubbles…

A great idea for place names for an Autumnal wedding: the names were written onto leaves.

Katherine and her parents before the wedding ceremony

Katherine and Kevin during the wedding ceremony

Kevin and Katherine, being applauded by their guests after an emotional ceremony.

Signing the register

Katherine and Kevin walking down the aisle.

A group photo with all Katherine and Kevin’s guests. Spot the baby being lifted aloft right at the back!

The drinks reception in the Guildhall gardens.

Grandma putting some extra confetti down the back of Katherine’s dress.

Kevin chatting with guests.

Katherine chatting with guests.

OK, we’ve taken the sensible photos.. now lets have some fun!

Katherine and Kevin kissing outside the Guildhall.

Katherine kissing her father at the end of his speech.

Kevin’s speech.

Katherine giving the flower girls their gifts.

Johnny’s speech was the last of three excellent speeches: warm, sincere and full of feeling.

Katherine and Kevin leaving the Guildhall

The full gallery of Katherine and Kevin’s wedding photos are now online.

To see them click here.

Vicky and Matt were married on September 5th 2009 at Pendley Manor, Hertfordshire.

The grounds at Pendley Manor looked fantastic.

Vicky, her Dad and bridesmaids just before walking down the aisle.

Matt with best men Warren and Tom.

Vicky and Matt during the wedding ceremony.

Vicky and Matt walking down the aisle.

A group photo of all the guests at the wedding.

Vicky chatting with guests during the drinks reception.

Matt and Vicky during the receiving line

Vicky and her Dad during the speeches

Matt during his speech

Vicky and Matt outside Pendley Manor

The full gallery of Vicky and Matt’s wedding photos are now online.

To see them click here.