Neil and Antanas' Civil Ceremony at Town Hall Hotel, London

There is never a greater pleasure than photographing a friend's wedding - it gives such an intimate access into the day that as a guest you don't have.  I was so flattered that Neil and Antanas chose me to be their photographer at their very intimate ceremony and meal at the gorgeous Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green.  I've both stayed and worked there before so I knew what a fantastic location it would be; a mixture of Edwardian grandeur, art deco and contemporary. Having flown in early that morning from a wedding in Scotland I joined the boys getting ready in their suite.  I am usually with the girls for the preparation shots before a wedding so it was a delightful change and full of laughter and absolutely no dramas.

The ceremony took place in the simple panelled Majors Room followed by champagne in the ante chamber and then cocktails in the bar.  They had use of the rather dramatic council chamber for the meal - probably the most unusual reception venue I've seen.

It was a gorgeous day and I took them outside for a few shots around the building.  They were perfect models and so full of joy and happiness to be together which I think comes through in the pictures.

Sadly I couldn't join them as they headed off to Ibiza the following day as I had to head back up to Scotland but by all accounts they  had the most incredible after party.

Teva & Neil's Engagement Shoot (in my garden)

Since moving into my gorgeous garden flat near Chalk Farm earlier in the summer I've been musing about how I can shoot in it.  It's quite little but has a wonderful range of textures and backdrops and light sources. Teva and Neil, who live in Brisbane, Australia but are getting married at Southend Barns in Chichester in February came round today for a cup of tea and to chat about their wedding details and as the sun was streaming in through the French windows I decided this would be the perfect opportunity to try the flat out as a location.

It was the first time I had met either of them but they were so warm and friendly from the moment they came in, and so affectionate with each other I knew they would be a delight to photograph.  Such natural smiles and ease in front of the camera.