The Phene London Wedding Photography

Intimate London wedding in historic Chelsea

Michael and Gerard pipped for a small and intimate wedding with an old London vibe.  They set their wedding day in historic Chelsea, kicking off with a ceremony at Chelsea Old Town Hall.  This is a stunning Grade II listed building dating back to late Victorian times.

Everyone gathered outside, greeting the grooms as they arrived, excitedly catching up with one another before entering the building.  The Chelsea Old Town Hall interiors were gorgeous; high ceilings, feature arches and large globe pendant lights – giving a beautiful art deco wedding feel.

To the delight of their guests, Michael and Gerrard walked down the aisle together.  They held hands and looked into one other’s eyes as they made their vows.

After the wedding ceremony, the guests waited outside, fully prepared.  They launched a confetti cannon straight at the newlyweds, which made for some fantastic wedding confetti shots!

Chelsea wedding style for this urban wedding

The old London style of this wedding was carried through to the outfits, with guests in dapper suits, fascinators, and polka dots.  Gerard took a glug from his beautiful copper hip flask.  Then he and Michael led an informal procession of friends and family along cobbled streets to The Phene London.  This is when I captured some of their favourite photos.  Michael says:

‘Our favourite photo is one that Mike took of us all walking down the road in our finery, no posing, everyone in conversation or contemplation.’

Couple’s shots for West London wedding

Next I led Gerard and Michael away from friends and family for a short walk around the city to capture couple’s shots in celebration of their London marriage.

Michael explains:

‘After the ceremony, the three of us went for a walk to get some more photos, and that hour will always be one of our favourite memories of the day. Sharing jokes, running across an empty Albert Bridge and talking about how people’s reaction to a gay, married couple had changed over the years. It was a moment that neither of us realised we needed but one that made the whole day.’

The Phene London wedding photography in Chelsea

The Phene pub was a perfect haven for this intimate wedding reception.  It has a history dating back to 1853.  The pub and its street are named after Samuel Phene, a Victorian philanthropist who built this refuge for local workers.  It provided a relaxed and luxurious setting for Michael and Gerard’s wedding celebration and was only a 5 minute walk from Chelsea Old Town Hall.

The beauty of a small wedding and an intimate wedding meal

The guests settled in for drinks and canapes in the sun.  The courtyard is nestled between tall Chelsea townhouses, and framed by stunning flowers that climb the pub walls and surround the pub garden.

Later everyone gathered for their wedding breakfast inside The Club Room.  Here they enjoyed dinner and speeches at a table, by candlelight.

There is a real beauty in the intimacy of a small wedding with the very closest loved ones.  I think the wedding pictures really convey the magic of the day.

If you would like to chat about The Phene London wedding photography, or in fact wedding photography anywhere(!), contact me here.