“Thank you for helping to make our wedding so fabulous. You were great at just slotting in and managing our friends!! Several of our friends commented on how fab you were. Secondly, thank you for the amazing pictures. You really captured the feel of the day. We will be recommending you to all!” – Emily & Gavin
Documentary wedding photography
Emily & Gavin’s Stoke Newington Town Hall wedding back in August was one of most enjoyable I’ve ever shot, and not just because I was back on my old ‘Stokey’ stomping ground.
I could tell as soon as I spoke to Emily that she understood what documentary wedding photography was all about. She and Gavin wanted beautiful pictures of their day, but they also wanted interesting and authentic pictures. And it seemed that all of their friends and family were of a similar mind.
The best documentary wedding photography comes not from me being on the sidelines with a telephoto lens – that’s not the definition of unobtrusive wedding photography. Rather, the best pictures happen when I’m with a couple and their guests – essentially blending in as a guest. That way I can be both observer and photographer from close up, resulting in the most personal kind of storytelling…and it was a beautiful story to tell.
There are few places in North London that have retained their village-like feel better than Stoke Newington Church Street with its mix of modern and retro shops and cafés. So it was fitting then that Emily and Gavin were sporting more than a hint of 1950s fashion, especially Emily in her Dior-inspired dress and fascinator.
Stoke Newington Town Hall wedding
After spending time with Emily while she and her family were getting ready, it was off to the cosy, wood-panelled Rose & Crown to meet up with Gavin and friends before the dash across the road to the beautifully restored art-deco Stoke Newington Town Hall for the ceremony – such a glamorous building to get married in!
Maybe it was because Emily and Gavin live just a stone’s throw from the Town Hall that made the walk with them over to the very laid back Londesborough pub for the reception and wedding breakfast so poignant and relaxed. It also made for some lovely shots. In fact, the whole day was a joy and filled with humour, chilled-out style and great music.
If you’re looking for a documentary wedding photographer to tell the story of your Stoke Newington Town Hall wedding, or any other location, I’d love you to get in touch.
