Cocoa Jones London wedding photographer.
Part 1
This is the wedding of Ania and Rich; my sister-in-law and now brother-in-law, at Chelsea Town Hall in London. It was an intimate family affair, (we were all missing my husband who is away working on a movie in Canada) as they’re planning to have a church ceremony next year. I was delighted when Ania and Rich asked me to be their wedding photographer, as I love photographing small, intimate weddings most of all.
Ania wore a beautiful pale gold dress designed in Poland, and stunning handmade gold jewellery that resembled Belgium lacework. Her flowers were from the amazing Wild at Heart, where I had my wedding bouquet from all those years ago. I love a touch of vintage fur; one of my favourite bridal accessories. She certainly looked like a 1950’s movie star and just oozed with glamour. Having known Ania since she was 7 years old, and Rich for a good 8 years, it struck me how grown up and sophisticated they are now (as well as both being incredibly clever). I think my husband and I must have passed the young & cool baton over to them at some point without noticing…! My kids were really excited when they realised they can now call Rich their ‘Uncle Rich’.
It didn’t matter one jot about the cold, wet February weather. Ania and Richard were glowing with love and happiness, which seemed to be contagious. We barely noticed that it was raining and the raindrops added a beautiful quality to the window shots. To me, the best photographs are both natural and informal looking, where the subjects look relaxed and beautifully lit. It’s far more touching to have a fun shot of a Dad lovingly holding an umbrella up for this daughter, the bride, than to have a stiffly posed picture of them standing side by side cheesing into the camera.
After an exciting ride in a taxi for my kids, and a vintage merc for the bride and groom, we arrived at Claridges for lunch. I fell in love with the 30’s glamour of Claridge’s decor, and loved looking at all the black & white photos of famous regulars such as Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor and Cary Grant. Along with the beautiful architecture and interiors we also really loved the food, especially the kids menu which included old school favs such as boiled eggs and soldiers and knickerbocker glories.
I have split the blog into 2 posts…part two, with more pictures at Claridges and after at Blakes Hotel is here.
