I have taken reportage wedding photography at Old Finsbury Town Hall before, right at the start of my career in fact. So I was delighted when Sara and Nick asked me to document their day, not only because it gave me the chance to return to such a stunning wedding venue and document the wedding of a wonderful couple, but also because Nick is both a friend and a wedding photographer himself. And a mighty fine wedding photographer he is too. It actually came up in the speeches that he owes this in part to Sara as before they met, Nick expressed his creativity as a writer. It was only when Sara mentioned that photography was her favourite form of art that Nick picked up the camera. Scuttle forward a few years and look at him now. I have worked with Nick in the past and although our styles are somewhat different, we share a similar ethos and photojournalistic approach. Being asked to photograph his wedding was both a compliment and an honour.

The day started at The Rookery Hotel in Clerkenwell where Sara’s bridal preparations took place. Being a makeup artist herself she had chosen to apply her own wedding makeup and this made a really interesting change for me. Once ready, Sara left The Rookery and walked the streets by Smithfields Market to hail herself a Licensed London Taxi to take her to her wedding ceremony. This humanist ceremony at The Round Chapel in Clapton, East London was one of the most relaxed and fun services I have attended, complete with a rendition of 80s classic ‘Islands in the Stream’. From there it was on to the reception for some more reportage wedding photography at Old Finsbury Town Hall. Following a short drinks reception, Sara and Nick went for a walk around the local streets by Old Finsbury Town Hall and they asked me to join them. This was a chance for them to spend some quiet alone time as husband and wife, but also proved a great opportunity for me to get some lovely relaxed photographs with Exmouth Market as the backdrop. It’s quite surreal watching a couple walking along the High Street in suit and wedding dress, but Sara and Nick didn’t bat an eyelid. They were ‘in the moment’ and loving every minute. Once back with their guests at Old Finsbury Town Hall cue speeches, tears, laughter, an incredible Indian wedding breakfast, live music and tap dancing, a broken smoke machine, a whole load of dancing and even more laughter. All in all a simply wonderful day. Congratulations Sara and Nick, you are perfect together.

“Thank you Steven for our wonderful, beautiful (pure reportage – not one single posed shot) photos – you gave us the best lasting memory ever”

As ever, here are some of my favourite photographs from the day. I say ‘some’, there are actually around 100 or so images here which is much more than I have ever blogged before. But this wasn’t your ordinary wedding for me.

If you are planning your wedding at Old Finsbury Town Hall just get in touch to discuss your photography.