Retro-style London city wedding at Hackney Town Hall
Who says ‘legal’ has to mean ‘drab’?!
Everyone’s got one or two ‘cool’ friends, haven’t they? You know those friends who just ooze style? For me, those friends are Elliot and Cassy. So when they asked me to photograph their London city wedding, I jumped at the chance. And not just because it was an incredible honour to be asked, but because they’re by far the coolest people I know, and I knew their wedding was going to be epic!
Like a lot of couples nowadays, Ell and Cassy split their wedding into two parts. The ‘legal’ part, and the ‘party’ part. And believe me, the party part was one hell of a party! But they’d also made sure to give the legal part a whole lotta love too. With super-cool retro styling, the best meal of my life, and a crazy party to finish the day, Elliot and Cassy proved once and for all that ‘legal’ does not have to mean ‘boring’.
If you’re looking for retro styling inspiration for your London city wedding, you’ve hit the motherload. Come take a look…
Retro styling inspiration for your London city wedding
We started the day getting ready together at Ell and Cassy’s place in Borough. And you know what? I think this whole “don’t see the bride before the wedding” thing is such a wasted opportunity. We all listened to music as Elliot danced around the kitchen, we had a few glasses of nice wine together. And enjoyed the experience of getting ready together as a little team. I know it’s not strictly traditional, but it was a pretty perfect start to the day.
Elliot’s vivid blue jacket and ankle-length white trousers were such an awesome look for a groom. He’s got a really distinctive, colourful style, so I always knew he was going to look amazing. Throw on those sunglasses and he was ready to rock!
And obviously, we have to talk about Cassy! With her retro figure-hugging tailored dress from Olivia Rose, glamorous hair and makeup and an absolutely fabulous hat, she was giving off some seriously cool Audrey Hepburn vibes! And why hold a bouquet when you can carry it in your vintage handbag?! Orchids, roses, dahlias and stachys byzantina spilled out of the handbag, adding splashes of pinks and purples to her achingly stylish look. Didn’t I tell these guys were cool?!
Time was creeping up on us. So after quickly throwing back the last of our wine, we jumped in a cab to Hackney Town Hall.
Hackney Town Hall - the best venue for a London city wedding?
When it comes to London city weddings, Marylebone and Chelsea get all the love. But in my opinion, Hackney Town Hall has them beat hands down. After an award-winning multi-million pound refurbishment, it’s still got that retro 1930’s style with a whole heap of luxury to go with it!
Natural light flooded through the art deco windows of the ceremony room as Elliot and Cassy said their vows. With only a handful of their nearest and dearest there to witness it, it really was the most intimate of ceremonies. Simple, emotional, and totally romantic. I honestly couldn’t have been happier for them.
Wedding photography in Hackney Town Hall
After they’d signed, kissed, and made it official, I snuck away with Cass and Ell for a little photo tour of Hackney Town Hall.
And let me tell you, as a wedding photographer, this place is an absolute dream! The light, the lines and the symmetry make for endless stunning backdrops for photos. And as a little bonus, the period pieces and art deco styling of the venue blended perfectly with their retro-chic outfits.
The guests were waiting for us (and more importantly, lunch was waiting!) So we headed outside into the sunshine to meet up with everyone else. There was a shower of confetti and cheers. And Ell and Cassy strutted down that confetti aisle like loved-up rockstars!
The best meal of my life in Hawksmoor Guildhall
Cassy and Elliot are both massive foodies, so they always knew their wedding day meal had to be on point. And oh my, it did not disappoint. No exaggeration, it was the best meal of my life.
They’d hired a private room in Hawksmoor Guildhall, and it was insanely good. There were ribs, scallops, lobsters, and all sorts of different steaks. And all the courses were served as sharing platters. So we were all digging in, laughing, drinking, chatting away. And basically just living our best carnivore lives!
Cass and Ell told me it was the part of the day they spent the most money on. But however much it cost, it was worth every penny! If nothing else, they got to treat all their favourite people to the best meal of their lives!
One of the best things about having a London city wedding
One of the great things about getting married in London is that you’re guaranteed some amazing wedding photos! Because as soon as you step outside, you’re in the middle of one of the most stylish cities in the world. And you can’t turn a corner without coming across some incredible architecture, or an iconic photo backdrop. So when it comes to your couple’s portraits, all you have to do is go exploring and let our beautiful city do the rest.
Hawksmoor Guildhall is right between Moorgate and St Paul’s. So when we left the restaurant, we had one of the most stylish parts of London to explore!
We walked together through the buzzing city, cars beeping us, people shouting their congratulations. It was such an amazing experience to be a part of. And while I do love the peace and quiet you get in the countryside, you simply can’t beat the atmosphere, energy, and romance of a London city wedding.
Drinks and dancing at Spit and Sawdust
Cass and Ell had their reception in their local pub in Borough, Spit and Sawdust. They’d hired out the entire first floor balcony for the night. So we were free to let loose and party as much as we wanted! And if you’re looking for a small reception venue in London, Spit and Sawdust is perfect. We had our own private bar, and a covered balcony filled with all sorts of lush plants. There was even a small dance floor we put to very good use!
And of course, Ell and Cass had styled the space in their own brand of effortless, retro cool. There was a mental bin Cassy had spray-painted flamingo pink, overflowing with all the same stunning flowers from her bouquet. And I loved the jaw-droppingly cool geometric cake! Such an original style for a wedding cake. And so perfectly suited to the retro styling of the day.
The party carried on well into the night, and the dance floor became our second home! Cassy’s Dad and Ell’s parents totally owned the dancefloor! If I’m honest I was half-cut by this point. But I kinda feel being a bit tipsy helped me capture the levels of crazy fun! It’s also one of those times I was really happy I shot video as well. Because you know Ell’s gonna love the video of his dad dancing with a plant pot!
Want me to capture your London city wedding?
As a wedding photographer, London city weddings are such a dream to be a part of. That incredibly intimate atmosphere you get when you’re surrounded by all your favourite people, swept up in the romance of it all, and fuelled by the infectious energy of the city.
Is it a ‘normal’ wedding? Maybe not. But if it’s the kind of wedding that feels right for you as a couple, it’s the one you should have. And if you’ll have me, I’d love to be the one to capture it for you.
If you love my work and would like for me to tell your story in photo and film, I’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch today and let’s have a chat and get to know each other.
