Today’s blog is a beautiful romantic winter wedding inspired by our recent cold wintry weather.

It was early on Sunday morning that we all had a big surprise.  As we looked out of the window through bleary eyes we were greeted by a white snowy scene. Our garden, the neighbour’s roof tops and entire street were all covered in snow.  Our sons were delighted and we spent a freezing but fun day playing in the snow.

The big thaw has already set in but it got us thinking of a beautiful romantic winter wedding we shot seven years ago in November 2010.  With candle light, berry bouquets and warming Polish vodka shots there were lots of seasonal touches.

It was one of our first weddings we shot together and it was certainly our first London wedding.  Our style of work and techniques have altered somewhat. We even use different equipment now and not just updated lenses and cameras but actually completely different makes of cameras too.  But, even though this wedding was shot 7 years ago, looking back through the images our passion for storytelling, capturing natural moments and emotions, is apparent.

Michael & Lucy wanted an intimate wedding.  It was important that they had a traditional religious ceremony followed by a happy celebration with all their family and close friends.  It was also important to include the groom’s Polish heritage.

The couple were fantastically relaxed.  The groomsmen were on hand to light the many candles and the bride and her bridesmaid sister arrived in a taxi.

Being in the centre of London the taxi was not pre booked but hailed in the usual London style.  Imagine the disbelief when the first cab to stop was a bright pink vehicle displaying an advert for none other than the Polish National Tourist Office.  Encouraging visitors to visit Poland – ‘a winter wonderland on your doorstep -Polska’. It certainly seemed like a sign.

The wedding ceremony took place in the beautiful historic St Etheldreda Church, the oldest Roman Catholic church in England.  The church is located in Holborn, right in the heart of the city and not far from the jewellers of Hatton Gardens.  Yet the church is nestled on a secluded cobble-stone square. It seems worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city life.  It is a true hidden gem.

The interior of the church is stunning with huge awe inspiring stained glass windows. The church was lit almost entirely by candle light.  Glowing and flickering flames created the most intimate and romantic atmosphere (if a little testing and challenging for us and our photography!).

The Roman Catholic Church boasts a professional choir.  The singers are all positioned high on a mezzanine above the congregation.

A cold November wedding meant we took most of the group shots in the warm shelter of the church positioning the family members on steps.  We were also able to get a picture of all the guests at the entrance to the church.  There is a small step down onto a paved area which lent itself perfectly to a group picture. We were able to stand on the pavement above and look down on the group. No one was hidden from view (you’d be amazed how often a shy guest or two try to hide!).

The wedding breakfast took place just a short walk away at The Bleeding Heart Restaurant.  A highly regarded restaurant set in a traditional historic building. Located below ground level with deep red walls and atmospheric lighting it was the perfect ambience for a beautiful romantic winter wedding.  It has been voted the most romantic restaurant in London by The Times newspaper. We can definitely see why.

As already mentioned Michael is Polish and so it was essential that a bottle of vodka was placed at the centre of each table.  It certainly warmed the guests and it was a great party starter too.  The vodka was probably also to blame for starting the ‘balancing a spoon on your nose’ competition!

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