Such is the crazily-thorough nature of the information recorded by modern cameras, I can tell you that the first shot on Valli and Ian’s wedding commission was captured at 4.31pm - and the last at 7.58pm.
Within that time they were married in the Old Town Hall in Chelsea’s King’s Road, we took a turn about Hyde Park near the Serpentine Gallery, and then headed to The Dorchester for drinks.
I was the photographic equivalent of a duckling: calm on the surface, but paddling for my life underneath!
These guys knew their own minds and had been very clear: they simply wanted relaxed photography around the main part of the day. Come the wedding breakfast, I should scarper. Amusingly (and he’ll forgive me for revealing this), Ian’s main request was that I kept my distance!
Joking aside, it’s more and more part of the brief these days: couples want to enjoy themselves on their wedding day and trust me to capture the mood. From my perspective, it works perfectly.
Shooting a small wedding party is always enjoyable, but it was a real thrill be spend some time in the top floor penthouse suite at The Dorchester. You can’t help but wonder, if the walls could speak, what they would reveal. Ghosts of films stars and world leaders seem to watch over you as you move through the lavish reception rooms. There is the most wonderful old-London atmosphere at this, one of the most iconic of the capital’s hotels.
Perhaps it’s my background as a photographer in motorsport for many years, but working against the clock and producing something of so much value to couples is a real buzz. Photography, by definition, is the careful balance of time and light. And never was this a more appropriate description for the few pleasing hours I spent that day in the company of some great people...
Below are just a few personal highlights from the wider selection…
