Wedding Photography at St. Jude on the Hill, Hill Garden Pergola and London Marriott Hotel, Regents Park

A stunning multicultural wedding in North West London.
Jon was a groomsmen at a previous wedding I had photographed and it was lovely to be chosen to preserve the memories of his wedding to the beautiful Ros.

St Jude on the Hill Church in Hampstead Garden Suburb was designed by Edwin Lutyens with the interior decorated with murals by Walter Starmer and it is simply awe inspiring. The bride and Groom photos were taken at the grand and very quirky Hill Garden Pergola, followed by reception at The London Marriott Regents Park.

One thing that isn't spoken about much is logistics for the photographer on a wedding day. So I thought this would be a good example to show some of what goes on behind the scenes. I left home around 9.00am as photography started at a family home close to the church at 10am. Parking was difficult but I always arrive early just in case there are any problems. 

Ros and Jon had asked me to help carry out a tradition for them. The bouquet was to be delivered from the groom's house to the bride. The Groom was getting ready at his parent's house about a 25 minute drive away in London traffic. So after I had taken some photos of the bridal party getting ready I travelled to see the Groom (with a Groomsmen as a passenger). I also had the bouquet with me as it was made by the Bride's sister at the first house. On arrival, the Groomsmen handed it to the groom. I took a few photos whilst I was there of Jon and hid family. We then travelled back to see the bride (again through London traffic and found another parking space) and then the Groomsman handed the bouquet to the bride.

A few more photos were taken here and then it was time to get ready for the ceremony.  Although the church was a short walk away, I had all my gear, plus ladder to carry, plus I needed to make a quick get away from the church to arrive at the next venue. 

I always attend church rehearsals ( even if I have worked at that church before) so that the couple can see where I will be and to make sure there are no surprises on the day.  I know through which door the bride will enter, where the photographer is allowed to stand, where the car will be parked, where confetti could be thrown, best spot for group photos and any moments that are going to happen that are not normally included in a ceremony. At Ros and Jon's wedding after the vows there was the giving of rings and Thali.

The couple left the church in a vintage Rolls Royce and were dropped at a gate near to the Hill Garden pergola whilst the chauffer found somewhere to park. I needed to load my gear into the car at the church so left well after the couple and travel to a carpark a few minutes walk away.  Permission and a fee had to be paid to take photos at the Pergola. all forms had been filled in around a month before. We were given a time slot of 20 mins. After pictures had been taken, the chauffer had returned to the locked gate to collect the couple. They kindly gave me a lift back to the car park. I wear a lot of gear on a harness and a belt which I removed and then loaded my gear into the car. I then drove to The London Marriott through rush hour traffic. The rolls Rolls could pull right up to the entrance and then leave. I needed to park in the carpark. I contacted the hotel previously and spoke to the wedding co-ordinator to leave my car registration so that it didn't get towed away.  After a wonderful evening I drove out of London and back to leafy Hertfordshire arriving home around midnight. So the day was over. Now several days of editing began. Jon and Ros also wanted an album, which was lovely. something to easily pick up and look at for many years to come.

It was a stressful day logistically but copeing with that and still taking photos that will be treasured for ever is part of why couples choose a professional wedding photographer.