Institute of Contemporary Arts Wedding | Emily and Edd

Jun 12

JESUS PEIRO DRESS FOR MONOCHROME CHIC LONDON WEDDING

Contemporary wedding photography at Institute of Contemporary Arts, London — Contemporary wedding at Institute of Contemporary Arts, London.

When an architect and interior designer come to plan their wedding, you know it’s going to be a little bit chic! Emily and Edd’s elegant, contemporary taste was mirrored in their chosen venues and details. Starting at Hackney Town Hall and Apartments with its impressive history of the once council chambers as a ceremony space, chequered flooring and wood panelling, followed by the minimalist sweeping arches and grand columns of the Institute of Contemporary Arts, this was a day truly fitting of a couple who know a thing or two about how to set a scene.
Make sure to continue that scroll to see their day across digital and 35mm Film at the bottom!

GETTING READY

Emily prepared for the day, with her lovely mum and best friends at her side. Light filled the room, peppered with excited conversation and a glass of bubbles.

Emily chose a natural make-up, with a subtle glow and fluttery lashes, complimenting her sweet freckles and sparkling eyes.

Her gown of choice came from Jesus Peiro, Emily actually chose separate pieces to create the wedding dress of her dreams. With a A-line skirt with pockets and a thigh split, a delicate v-neck and buttons at the back of the bodice, Emily was a picture of a modern bride. Paired her dress with silver ruffled platforms from LK Bennett, the cutest beaded bag I have ever seen, and a super soft cardigan from the dress designer for the evening.

Emily’s dad popped into see her before the ceremony, a moment that is always one of my favourites to photograph. It can be such a great opportunity to have some special photos together before the rest of the festivities get going.

Edd chose a dark blue suit, paired with vintage cufflinks and watch, he looked like a Hollywood star from back in the day!

FIRST LOOK

Fast becoming a favourite for my couples is a first look. Perfect for quelling your nerves before the ceremony, and a perfect opportunity to have a precious few moments together before the day gets busy. Emily and Edd wanted to take a few minutes of calm, knowing that seeing each other would be the most authentic and special way to start the day together.

I highly recommend you plan to get ready a little earlier if you are looking to fit this into your day, also consider any travel time if you need to get to the same venue.

Choosing to have a second photographer can also be a massive benefit when having a first look, it means I can focus on one angle of you, and my second photographer can focus on the other, meaning both of your emotions are captured.

We found a quiet hallway for Emily to enter and tap Edd on the shoulder to see her for the first time. You can see later, it made seeing each other at the end of the aisle no less emotional or special.

WEDDING CEREMONY AT TOWN HALL HOTEL, HACKNEY

A moment I love to be present for, is the little slither of time before the ceremony, when you are waiting to make your entrance. Emily and Edd’s nieces were flower girls, and loved spinning around in their dresses, making for some adorable photos while they waited with Emily and the bridesmaids.

The Town Hall Hotel in Hackney is such a unique space for a ceremony, featuring the horseshoe shape of the old council chambers and large windows, it gives a really intimate experience for guests as the couple can see you better too. Often guests can only really see the back of your heads during the ceremony while you are the front, however with this type of set-up, they can see your faces and be more of a part of it with you.

A truly touching moment was when Edd saw Emily walking down the aisle, overcome with emotion for the second time, seeing his one and only, this time to make their vows.

A MOMENT FOR THE CONFETTI

Just going to leave this here, no comment necessary, because they are so GLORIOUS.

RELAXED AND AUTHENTIC WEDDING PORTRAITS

After the ceremony, Emily and Edd took a moment together with a glass of champagne. Sometimes a photographer’s greatest skill is knowing when to be present, and when not to be. After a few minutes alone, I quietly joined them as they chatted and sipped their bubbly. When I could see they had relaxed a little more, I gently asked Emily to swish her skirt, for them to have a little cheers.

When the couple were ready, we had a little walk outside the Town Hall Hotel as their guests boarded the big red bus, giving them a few minutes to be themselves and get some air. At the Institute of Contemporary Arts, we made the most of those columns and the balcony over looking the Mall for some more relaxed and authentic couple photos. You will never see anything forced or posey with your couple photos, it really is about you two just having some space to be yourselves and soak in the atmopshere.

WEDDING RECEPTION AT INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ARTS

Nestled along The Mall in Central London, you will find the most beautiful building that houses the Institute of Contemporary Arts. With a neutral colour space and sweeping ceilings, arches and columns, Emily and Edd chose to lean into the minimal architecture for their reception details. With black chairs, and pops of contemporary spring florals, the space looked completely and utterly city chic.

FROM DAY TO NIGHT

Following speeches, more cocktails flowed, and the reception was transformed into a party with a glittering disco ball! As the lights of central London glowed outside, the dance-floor was swiftly filled after their first dance, the night swallowed the day, and the party was soon in full swing.

TESTIMONIAL

We couldn't recommend Katie enough.
We really wanted photos that captured the day, rather than lots of formal group shots and wow did she deliver!
She captured so many beautiful photographs of family and friends, as well as very elegant shots of me and my husband.

It's very clear, Katie is super experienced and knows exactly what she is doing.
In addition to her superb photography skills, she is warm, calm and relaxed.

I was nervous the morning of my wedding and she knew exactly what to say and do to calm those nerves! We were also concerned about feeling very awkward in front of the camera but Katie immediately made us feel comfortable.
Thanks so much Katie!

35mm FILM AS STANDARD IN ALL MY PACKAGES

Did you know 35mm analogue film now comes as standard in all my full day packages? Yup.
1-2 rolls is included for you as standard, so you can get those completely unique vintage vibes. Perfect for those of you who love looking through your grandparents and parents old albums, or if you like an editorial twist to your photos.