Sometimes it really pays to get married in a big city because if/when your best man forgets the speaker you can just get him to nip off to cash convertors and buy a new one! Boom. Love a city wedding! And of course this one didn’t disappoint. It had a bit of everything… love, laughter, drama, style, a lot of green (clearly everyone got the memo), kids going loco after attacking the sweetie table, dancing Grannies, an old routemaster which was so late you could be forgiven for thinking it had driven from the 1950s. Argh! Traffic! It had beauty, soul and pure unadulterated heart. It wasn’t about the details or over-priced extras, it was about two lovers committing to each other in front of those they love. And don’t forget the good food and good times!

Carmel was just the most gorgeous bride - grace personified and boy did she own that outfit. Massive big-ups have to go to lovely mum, Bernadette, for making said outfit. It was unique and perfect and she did an incredible job. What a stunning tribute for a mother to gift to her daughter on her wedding day! And Carmel rocked it! She looked soooo beautiful and what a gorgeous lady on the inside. I have never known a more relaxed bride, even when the odd little issue popped up as they always do, she just shrugged and smiled and carried on. Missing Notice of Marriage? Not a problem! Late bus? Not a problem! I just loved her attitude.

And then her handsome groom Tim, who I have shot many times at his friends weddings (lovely to see so many clients & friends again by the way) and now it was his wedding day! Those Scanlon gene’s though, honestly! Good looks, style, talent and it’s not every day the groom knocks out a flawless rendition of Love Ballard Song by L.T.D. Oh to be sung to, Carmel you’re a lucky lady. And Tim, you’re a lucky man. What a gorgeous pair you are. From Liverpool to East London, it’s a match!

So let me rewind a little… the day started in a flat in East London with the usual hair and make-up, a tweak here and there, an excitable jumping cat who was particularly taken with my camera bag, big-time dressing up, flower prep by Zara and Luke, shots, fizz and lots of lovely family and friends. Everyone was funny and sweet and I was instantly welcomed into the fold of excitement. Then a quick taxi to Hackney Town Hall - what a venue! I loved its grandeur and art deco touches and the light too - a stunning place to say 'I do'.

Now being a cry baby myself, I love a few tears at a wedding (I hunt them down to be fair) and this time it was the groom who caved first, and then the bride, and then a few more went into the mix. The moment that Tim saw Carmel was beautiful and priceless and it was hard to not become overwhelmed by emotion. There was only one way it was heading… yup, a big old blub. Tim’s son, Buddy, did an excellent job as ring bearer and I don’t think I’ve seen a happier kid watching his Dad get married… the smile on Buddy’s face lit up the room!

After the ceremony there was milling about with photos and greetings, and then the rains came but it didn’t dampen the spirits because when you have warming shots of something lethal but lovely, it’s genuinely all good! When the bus finally arrived, off we popped to the U7 club for the most delicious Caribbean buffet … the levels of yumminess on my plate were ridiculous. I honestly don’t think I took a breath or looked up from my plate once. I loved how relaxed it was…everyone just grabbed food and sat down wherever and enjoyed their meal. Once it was done, the tables were cleared and the real party began.

The speeches were heartfelt and funny, and you couldn’t help but be moved by the words of love, encouragement and congratulations for these two. Everyone danced and a few dared the karaoke (even I was warbling at the bar after I clocked off) and at one point Candy by Cameo came on and a mass of bodies sprang up for a bit of synchronised dancing. Nice! If I hadn’t been working, I would’ve been in there with the best of them.

So to finish my musings, Tim and Carmel, my heartfelt congrats to you both…I think with the love and joy you have for each other and with the amazing family and friends that surround you, you have won the life lottery. Keep it fun, keep it joyful and above all else keep dancing.

Thank you for allowing me to be a tiny part of your journey together - it was such a pleasure shooting your wedding and I only hope I’ve done you proud.

My love and best wishes to you both,

Loukie xx

P.S. I want to give a little mention to Cairo. Whilst all the other kids were going loco on the sweetie bar and playing games, he was taking pictures all day (and quite possibly doing a better job than me). He had a flash, lenses, a kit bag and he was about 10 years old! Please keep it up, you’re the future of wedding photography and I thought you were amazing!

P.P.S. Sorry I asked you not to use the speedlight during the first dance, I felt bad, but in such close proximity other flashes will trigger mine and can sometimes overexpose my images. Just a tip ;-)

The Fab Suppliers:

The Venues: Hackney Town Hall and U7 Club
The Dress: Mama Bernadette
The Suit: Asos
Hair and Make-up: Carmel & Alex
The Caterers: Caribbean Cook Pot
The Cake: Cosco
The Flowers: Zara and Luke