Greg was the second of the Case family brothers to get married and I’d been lucky enough to cover his older brother Nick’s wedding to Catherine the year before (here’s the blog post of their Islington Town Hall & Artisan of Clerkenwell wedding if you want a peek). Greg and his gorgeous partner Lauren, were starting their stylish city wedding at Islington Town Hall and it was great seeing so many familiar faces there again. Greg arrived as guests were gathering pre-ceremony on the steps of the town hall, and button holes were being pinned. And it wasn’t too long before Lauren arrived with her posse of bridesmaids, nervous excitement bubbling away, ready to start the day.
The Wedding Ceremony at Islington Town Hall
Like many brides, Lauren was a bit nervous about being the centre of attention, something she wasn’t used to. But with the support of her gorgeous bridesmaids and Dad as she walked in looking stunning in her sequinned elegant long dress, her nerves soon dissipated as Greg took her hand and kissed her. Touchingly, both mum’s gave readings and older brother Nick was tasked with being the ring bearer whilst Lauren & Greg made their pledges and commitments to each other. It wasn’t long before they were married and the chamber and gallery, both full with guests who cheered the happy, beaming couple. Then out they all slowly headed to prepare with confetti, as Greg, Lauren and I headed back into the corridors of the town hall for a few photos. I shoot a handful of weddings at this town hall every year and always love its familiar arches and spaces. Back outside into the lovely autumn sunshine, Greg & Lauren stepped into a shower of confetti from guests lining the steps all the way down, with enthusiastic whoops of cheers and congratulations from everyone.
Quiet City Streets
Whilst their guests were whisked off onto red buses for a short tour of London they’d arranged as a treat (as many of them weren’t locals), we headed off into the city. Their reception venue, Hawksmoor Guildhall, was one of their favourite eateries and a great space to celebrate in. As final preparations were underway at the Guildhall, we spent a little time together walking around some of the city streets which was very much part of the attraction of this venue for them both. It was a lifetime ago for me when I worked in the city, commuting daily – familiar with the narrow London streets, the feel of being part of the buzz, finding shortcuts and alleyways from one place to another, being fascinated with the ever changing architecture all around. But today all was quiet as we wandered the deserted city streets enjoying the moments we had together, away from the crowds. It’s something I do with all my couples at their weddings, finding some time and space in the day’s events to just be. And breathe.
Celebrations at Hawksmoor Guildhall
It wasn’t long before the buses and guests arrived and the celebrations could begin at the Guildhall. The bar was packed and waiters squeezed through gaps to serve canapés and champagne as guests mingled. The call to dinner was made and speeches started as they often do before dinner to eradicate nerves so dinner can be heartily enjoyed. A great crowd full of big families and good friends with lots of cheer, some of the best ingredients for a good wedding. Lauren & Greg were a super lovely couple, quiet and thoughtful, appreciative of my low key and observational approach to photographing weddings. If you’re looking for a photographer for your wedding who won’t take over, won’t get all bossy on you and your guests and won’t make the day a photo shoot – get in touch. You could be just the kind of couple I love working with! Lauren & Greg – I wish you both a lifetime of happiness xx
“Mona is an incredibly talented photographer and I can’t recommend her highly enough. Our wedding photos were better than I ever could’ve imagined – they capture the joy of the day perfectly, and looking through them brings everything flooding back. Mona is incredibly easy to work with and made us feel very relaxed. Many of our guests said that they didn’t even realise she was there! As a result we have many beautiful, natural shots of our loved ones and photos which capture moments we otherwise would have missed. When planning our wedding I read that photography is the thing that you will never regret investing in, and our experience with Mona has confirmed this to be 100% true! ” Lauren & Greg
