A tropical neon warehouse rave wedding. Did that get your attention?!
Lu & Brian planned a day that incorporated everything they love: good food, good music, good times. Celebrated with 280 of the people who have joined them on life’s journey together, and held in the city they call home – London. Despite the almost 300 person guest list, this day felt surprisingly intimate. A few photos here to whet your whistle, then dive into the post to read & see more
St Martin-in-the-Fields Ceremony & Thames River Cruise
Lu was introduced to my work by her brother’s school friend, Paz, who I worked with in Soho in the late 90’s. Her email to me read “Brian and I are both very laid back and are looking for a blend of traditional and super chilled! His family business has been next to the church for the past 30+ years, and we were granted the opportunity to marry there. The reception will follow with a festival vibe and a music programme provided by our network of friends that we have met over the years through the UK Soul, Funk and house scene. Our intention is to remove the formality of a traditional wedding breakfast and have the day full of fun, laughter and lots of dancing; its a day to not only celebrate our love, but the love of our friends and family which help us all get through life! The candid, dynamic, and natural storytelling of your work sings to our hearts! Its unobtrusive but captures the emotion of its subjects in moments of honesty. We want to have photos from the day which convey the true narrative of joy, happiness and togetherness, which we feel your work would do.”
Needless to say, I wanted to be involved in this day and documenting their story.
The wedding was planned for mid-September so that the heat of the summer had passed. Ironically, their wedding would fall in the middle of a 2023 heatwave, with temperatures well over 30 degrees and high humidity. The ‘tropical’ part of the brief was definitely ticked off. The huge St Martin-in-the-Fields church is light and airy and was beautifully cool for their ceremony. After the formalities were done, it was on to the Tube and a pit stop at the pub before a boat cruise with music and speeches, and arrival at Trinity Buoy Wharf to continue the party.
The rest of the day passed on a tropical haze of lilting music, street food, laughter, and compèring by the incomparable Crayola the Queen, sequins shimmering in the sunshine. There was a Lion Dance on the terrace at sunset, a nod to Lu’s heritage, and a party til the small hours. The most joyous and heart filled celebration for two really beautiful souls.
If you’re planning a massive wedding with a boat cruise down the Thames, drag queens, bingo, DJs, food trucks, or any kind of wedding, and you like my unobtrusive and humorous style, then please get in touch.
Tropical Neon Warehouse Rave Wedding at Trinity Buoy Wharf
Second photographer – Stephen Bunn. See his photos here. // Videographer – Lee at Shutterbox // Planner – Harriet at Wedding Arrangers // MUA – Julie Wong & The Bridal Stylists // Day Dress – Solace // Evening Dress – Stella McCartney // Veil – Sahar Millinery // Suits – Mark Powell Bespoke // Flowers – Filth Florists // Food trucks – Makan Malaysia – The Frying Squad – Oyster Buoys – Eden Caterers – Nonna’s Gelato // Props – My Colour is Gold // Cake- Le Choux // Dragon Dance – Dragon Style UK // DJs – friends of the couple, see the full list here
See some more colourful, music-focused weddings here
Yoghurt Rooms Wedding // Hackney Wedding // Rustic Outdoor wedding
Want more London venue inspo? Head this way…
