London Wedding Photographer | Exclusive Island Wedding on the Thames
LILY & JACK
A KILLER DRESS, THE CUTEST FLUFFY DOG, A PRIVATE FAMILY-OWNED ISLAND AND A PARTY TO BEAT ALL PARTIES… DID I MENTION THE CHROCODILES?
Lily and Jack’s elegant summer wedding on D’Oyly Carte Island felt like something from a movie. From a stylish morning in Fulham to champagne on the Thames and one of the wildest dancefloors I’ve photographed in London, the whole day was full of energy, emotion, colour, and incredible summer light.
A Colourful London Wedding on the Thames
Lily chose to get ready at her family home in Fulham, one of West London’s uber-stylish neighbourhoods. Filled with excitement and champagne flowing, it was a beautifully chilled few hours with close friends, family, and that gorgeous dog of theirs. Mornings are always where real atmosphere and emotion live on a wedding day, and they are one of my favourite parts to experience and photograph.
And across the city to the church
St James’ Church in Weybridge, Surrey, was the beautiful historic church that Lily and Jack chose for their English summer wedding. After a zip across London, we were greeted by buses filled with guests who had arrived under blue skies, ready for the celebrations to start.
A PRIVATE ISLAND WEDDING
The only way onto the island was via a gorgeous arched bridge, which, as you crossed it, offered the first glimpse of the house nestled in the trees.
Being part of the very first wedding at D’Oyly Carte felt incredibly special. Hidden away on its own private island on the Thames, in the Surrey countryside, the house has a rare mix of real exclusivity, history, and effortless style and charm that instantly makes it feel iconic.
SPEECHES ON THE LAWN
With sun-kissed drinks, surrounded by their favourite people, the speeches could only be topped by the most epic bouquet throw in the island’s rich history.
The cutest riverside tent for dinner
As the sun moved past the yard arm, the elegant white tent on the back lawn began to fill with guests. Long rows of tables create a beautifully social and relaxed atmosphere. The styling was elegant and simple, with soft flower arrangements, pink champagne and delicate fairy lights. The refined, minimalist table decoration suited the summer tent vibe and the island setting perfectly.
As the river became still
By the evening, the river outside had gone completely still, with only a few river cruisers buzzing by. The swallows were screeching on wing, and the sun crested the lazy willow trees lining the banks of the Thames. An amazing time for a quiet walk, a time to enjoy each other’s company and get ready for the evening festivities.
THE PARTY OF ALL PARTIES
With the sun past the horizon and the glitter ball tree shining, the stage at the end of the island burst into life. An incredible four-piece band slapped out loud funky soulful disco, and from the second the dance floor opened, it stayed absolutely cheek-to-cheek all night. Super wild dancing, plenty of drinks, and the sort of atmosphere that nobody wants to end.
Of course, a mad party next to a river is perfect to mix in a bit of skinny dipping, but the cameras were well away by that point.
Good times!
Looking for a London Wedding Photographer with a More Personal Approach?
Many London couples book me because they connect with the natural, colourful, and honest editorial feel of my work. Even with travel and a hotel included, couples are often surprised to find it comparable to booking a London-based photographer, while still getting a completely personal experience from start to finish. Click here to check out my PRICING COLLECTIONS
If you’re planning a stylish, relaxed and luxurious wedding and looking for an editorial/documentary wedding photographer in London who captures real atmosphere alongside beautifully natural portraits, you can find more on my ABOUT JAMES page.
LONDON
WEDDINGS
RISHAL & MARK – OLD MARYLEBONE TOWN HALL
On a beautiful Tuesday morning before their big weekend wedding in Yorkshire, Mark & Rishal had their formal nuptials in central London. From The Ned to Chelsea F.C.
CHARLOTTE & TIM – THE BANKING DISTRICT
After meeting them the year before at a gorgeous Yorkshire wedding, they invited me to London for their fabulous riverside celebration with amazing views of the Shard.
Ready to say “Hi”…
IF YOU’RE PLANNING A STYLISH LONDON WEDDING THAT FEELS RELAXED, EMOTIONAL, AND FULL OF PERSONALITY, I’D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR PLANS.
