As a London-based Documentary Wedding Photographer, there’s nothing more exciting than capturing a couple’s big day in such a dynamic and vibrant city. But for Sahana and Ferris, their December wedding on the Thames was certainly one for the books—thanks to the arrival of Storm Darragh. Despite the weather chaos, their wedding was nothing short of unforgettable, combining the grandeur of London with an intimate, cinematic documentary-style approach to photography.
This wedding was part one of Sahana and Ferris’ celebration, with part two set in India just the following week. The storm, which caused widespread disruption across the city, didn’t seem to faze the couple in the slightest. But it certainly threw some challenges my way, especially in terms of getting around.
I began the day at Sahana’s hotel, where she was getting ready with her parents and bridesmaids. With Storm Darragh in full force, it became a real struggle to catch a taxi, so I ended up hopping into the cab with Sahana and her dad. Even though we left with plenty of time, London’s notorious traffic meant it was a bit of a nail-biting arrival!
Meanwhile, my trusty second photographer was with the groom and his groomsmen at a nearby pub, capturing their preparations and, of course, calming any pre-wedding nerves with a quick pint.
The Venue: Winchester House, Putney
We eventually made our way to Winchester House, a stunning riverside venue nestled on the Thames in Putney. Steeped in history, this venue set the perfect backdrop for a wedding filled with elegance and charm. The main ceremony room, with its beautiful decor and perfect lighting, created a cinematic atmosphere that made every moment of the day feel like part of a movie.
The Ceremony and Canapés
The ceremony was intimate, emotional, and perfectly aligned with the relaxed yet elegant vibe of the day. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed canapés and drinks while mingling across the venue’s different rooms. There was always something interesting happening in every space, and I was there to document it all with a documentary photography style that captures real moments as they unfold.
Bride and Groom Portraits by the Thames
The rain briefly let up, so I seized the moment and asked Sahana and Ferris if they’d like to step outside for some portraits by the river. They were both more than up for it, and I’m so glad they agreed! The moody atmosphere by the Thames, paired with the cinematic style I bring to my work, created stunning, memorable shots that truly captured the spirit of the day.
But of course, just as we were finishing up, the sideways rain returned. We decided to take refuge indoors for the wedding breakfast and speeches.
Unique Speeches and First Dance
One of the most touching parts of the day was the speeches—rather than having the traditional format, everyone was invited to share a few words with the couple, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. It was an incredibly moving moment that I was honoured to capture in my documentary style, preserving the emotion and significance of every tear and laugh.
After the heartfelt speeches and a delicious wedding breakfast, it was time for the cake cutting and first dance. The energy on the dance floor was electric, and I was right there to capture every dynamic moment. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Winter Wedding
Despite the storm, this wedding remains one of my absolute favourites of 2024. The rain, the chaos, and the unexpected twists all came together to create the perfect atmosphere for documentary wedding photography. It was a day full of real moments, emotions, and love, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to close out the year.
If you’re planning a winter wedding in London, don’t let the weather worry you—it can add an unforgettable cinematic touch to your wedding photography. Here’s to more rainy London weddings in the future!
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