One of the great things about being a documentary wedding photographer is the diverse range of venues I find myself working at. From Georgian mansions to garden marquees, every wedding is unique and every venue an opportunity. Whilst some of my favourite ceremonies have taken place in registry offices and licensed venues, there is something special about a church wedding. Is it the traditional in me? Perhaps, although my own wedding took place in a house on the beach, so perhaps not.

When Hannah and Richard asked me to take their wedding photography at St Etheldreda’s and then afterwards at The Crypt underneath, I knew this was going to be a great wedding. Whilst some photographers run a mile (or reach for their flashgun) when faced with dark churches and candle lit receptions, I thrive on these conditions. I am all about ‘available light’ and so I use the light sources present on the day to translate the true mood and ambience of the day into pictures.

After a short visit to photograph Hannah getting ready at The Royal Society of Medicine, I made my way to meet Richard and his guests at St Etheldreda’s church in Holborn to photograph the last minute preparations and choir rehearsals. St Etheldreda’s has a wonderful balcony overlooking the main hall, on which Hannah and Richard had placed the musicians and singer. I was still able to squeeze up there and use this vantage point to get a couple of overhead shots of all the guests in church. Following the beautiful ceremony everyone made their way outside for champagne. Guests laughed, chatted and blew bubbles from mini champagne bottles.

Then it was down to The Crypt for the afternoon and evening reception. The Crypt is dark. Very dark. I was working close to the extremes of my equipment at several points of the reception but using the wonderful lighting coming from the alcoves, various spotlights and the candles all around I was able to create pictures that are a real reflection of the day itself.

 If you are planning a wedding at St Etheldreda’s and The Crypt just get in touch to talk about your photography.