My most recent commission took me back to the sumptuous surroundings of the Hotel Café Royal on elegant Regent Street, in the heart of London. I’d come to photograph Helen and Eric who’d chosen the five star luxury hotel as their wedding venue. Anyone who’s been to the Hotel Café Royal for tea will appreciate just what a beautiful setting it is, but only a privileged few will have been fortunate enough to see the splendour of the Pompadour Ball Room on the second floor. Decorated in the lavish, Louis XVl style, wedding venues simply don’t get more stunning than this – talk about the wow factor!
I photographed a wedding at the Hotel Café Royal only last year, so I was familiar with where everything was and I knew where to position myself for some of the best shots. As usual, I arrived early on the day, together with my able assistant Barry Stingmore; we were well prepared and looking forward to the big occasion. There was a palpable buzz of excitement in the air as we took some informal and posed shots of the bridal party getting ready, before I made my way down to the Pompadour Ball Room, where the family and invited guests had gathered for the wedding ceremony. Here too, the room was alive with that special sense of anticipation that is unique to weddings, heightened of course by the beautiful location.
As you can see, I took photographs at every stage of the ceremony which included a brief and charming Chinese tea ceremony after the vows had been exchanged, and before the newly married bride and groom made their way back down the aisle. The wedding day itself had been planned with great care and attention to every last detail by Helen and Eric, and it certainly paid off, as everyone clearly enjoyed a relaxed and happy occasion.
The bride looked stunning in her day dress, by Atelier Pronovias, and her evening dress, by Temperley. The beautiful display of flowers were by Jamie Aston Flowers. Helen’s stunning hair was done by SHOW Dry, Notting Hill.
I’m grateful to Helen and Eric for asking me to photograph their wedding, and it was a thrill to be part of what was a fab and joyous day all round.
