SNAP HAPPY

SNAP HAPPY ▲ This one was taken at The Old Royal Naval College and proves that whatever the weather you can still have amazing photos. Couples braving the weather and a photographer willing to get a bit wet and amazing things can be created. Local pros share their favourite shots

JEFF OLIVER PHOTOGRAPHY https://jeffoliverphotography.com It was a very cold, wet day so we were making the most of this sheltered spot before heading to the reception. People were sheltering behind us and ooh’d and aah’d as the veil took flight while the bride and groom were oblivious to the magic being created above them.

▲ The steps at The Painted Hall are a favourite of mine. From the amazing backdrop and floral styling to the bride’s dramatic veil, this image is jaw droppingly beautiful. We love a long veil and this one will go down as the longest we’ve photographed. With a venue like this, you can certainly pull it off.

▲ This couple hired a steam train to travel to their venue. To prevent their outfits from being seen and from getting dirty, the groom donned a boiler suit and the bride hid her dress with a cloak and veil. While she was seated in the carriage, she paused and glanced out of the window. This photo captures a moment of reflection and the excitement and anticipation of what was about to come. ▲ The beaming pair in the back of the convertible, complete with picnic hamper, racing past encapsulates the energy and relaxed nature of their day. As an added bonus, the word ‘keep’ under the car acts as a charming metaphor. It’s an image to treasure, but also a sign that the newlyweds will endeavour for their love to remain as strong as it was that day.

After a few drinks, the groomsmen were playing around with some flares behind the bride and groom, which quickly evolved into running around in circles past the couple. I asked the bride and groom to stop, positioned the groomsmen behind them and requested that they hoist the flares up high and suddenly we had a backlight filled with a smokey hue and ethereal glow.

This is one or my all-time favourite photos! I was tucked away in the corner when I noticed a pigeon fly into the room. I got up from my table and positioned myself in front of the top table. I like to capture the unexpected and this photo’s done very well in various photo competitions.

PAUL GAPPER PHOTOGRAPHY https://paulgapper.com

▲ This is a standout image for me because it was one of my first same-sex weddings. They had their ceremony at Islington Town Hall and the reception in a local restaurant. The couple recommended me to some of their friends and I went on to photograph their wedding too.

▲ I’m sharing this for no other reason than I always wanted to shoot a wedding with an old routemaster bus and last summer I got my chance! CHRISTINE CONSTANTINE PHOTOGRAPHY www.christineconstantine.co.uk

There's something so incredibly heart-warming about this little bridesmaid’s expression as she gets to share a dance with the bride at the reception.

▲ I’ve always loved shots with a variety of emotions encapsulated in one image and here’s an example as we see the groom being escorted to see his bride for the first time on their wedding day, and prior to the ceremony, as is tradition in this Jewish wedding.

EDWIN MARCOW PHOTOGRAPHY www.edwinmarcow.com

▲ I always want to give my couples something amazing. We shot this image at midnight when all the guests had left and the bride was more relaxed. There’s actually a carpark behind the pond, so it goes to show, you can shoot iconic bride and groom portraits in the most ordinary locations and make it look special. ▲ This couple were amazing they had a love and appreciation for photography as an art form. What you can’t see behind me, are half a dozen tourists who shared our pod on the London Eye and were very accommodating.

The groom in this image was very shy. When we visited the venue, I saw this location and knew instantly the type of image I wanted to shoot. The problem was, we planned this shot as a sneak out between the main course and desert and the guests could watch on from their elevated position in the venue. It took a bit of convincing, but the groom finally agreed to it and we’re now good friends.