Nigerian Wedding at the Victoria Park Plaza – I see a lot of couples opting to venture a little bit out of the city for a country wedding in green surroundings so, as a London wedding photographer, it’s always a joy when I’m asked to shoot a wedding right in the heart of the capital. Naomi and Yemi opted for the Park Plaza Victoria to hold their wedding reception following their official wedding the day before. As I had worked a Nigerian wedding before, I was familiar with what a large celebration they are, so it made perfect sense for the couple to choose this venue.
I had provided Park Plaza Victoria wedding photography previously, so I was aware at how large the two ballrooms (the Victoria Suite and the Beatrice Suite) really were. They provide the ideal setting for large celebrations such as this, although there are also terrace apartments available for smaller crowds, too. Another reason why I figured this venue would be perfect for Naomi and Yemi was because of the neutral design throughout the hotel. This is actually one of the venue’s biggest selling points. Whereas many London wedding venues are steeped in tradition, reflected in the design, the Park Plaza Victoria has very modern, neutral decor, which allows brides and grooms to decorate as they see fit. In the case of Naomi and Yemi, they kept it simple, bringing a dash of colour in with the fantastic Nigerian dress of their guests.
Being familiar with the venue, I was well prepared for the photography challenges I’d face here. The ballrooms are located quite near to the bottom of the building, so natural light is somewhat sparse. However, this actually suits me! Take a look at my portfolio, and you’ll see my signature shot is one of high drama, so I always welcome the opportunity to use my flash to create spectacular pictures. I was, however, also able to take some more natural shots out on the terrace. In the distance, many iconic London landmarks can be seen, such as the London Eye, Big Ben, and the River Thames. For couples looking for a central London wedding venue with amazing views, the Park Plaza Victoria is well worth a look.
