The Ned and Union Chapel Islington – Cool London Wedding Photography

Where to start with this super fun and cool London wedding at The Ned and Union Chapel Islington?! When I first met Amanda and Duncan over a Skype call and I heard all about their plans for their cool London wedding as well as chatting about our cats, I knew this one was going to be a corker!

We started off the day at one of London’s exclusive hotels to have opened recently, The Ned. It’s elegant surroundings was where Amanda and Duncan had their first look which was super cute. Then we headed on to Union Chapel Islington (as we zig-zagged through cyclists taking part in RideLondon with Amanda running to hail a cab in her stunning dress without even breaking a sweat) for the I do’s accompanied by a glorious ladies choir headed up by the brides mum which was wonderful.

This was followed by a reception on The Elizabethan paddle steamer boat on the river Thames with London as our glorious backdrop whilst ending the night with some dancing at Southwark Brewing Company… and all of this was topped off with a cheesy raclette courtesy of Le Rac Shack.

Literally an incredible day from start to finish! Read on for more on what Amanda and Duncan got up to and make sure you grab a cuppa to check out these gorgeous preview images 🙂

The Ned

This beautifully renovated building which used to be a Midland Bank is perfect for elegant and luxury weddings in the heart of the City of London. And it was just the perfect place filled with lots of old world charm for Amanda and Duncan and their bridal party to get ready in on Saturday.  This historic building designed by Sir Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens almost a century ago, has been carefully restored. The rooms retain many original period features, including beautiful walnut panelling and vintage palm leaf chandeliers to die for (which I’m currently lusting after), as well as lovely large windows to allow for plenty of natural light which is great for photography.

Amanda and Duncan decided to have a “First Look” of each other before heading off to get married hand in hand. So cute! I really love this idea, so much so that me and my hubby did the same at our New York wedding last year (which I promise I will blog about soon). If you’re not a traditionalist like me, it’s such a nice way to see each other for the first time in all of your finery, to feel that overwhelming emotion and love for each other in private and then not feel nervous about heading off to get married afterwards. Perfect right?!

Classic Styling

 I love the sartorial (ooh check me out ha, I’ve always wanted to use that word) choices Amanda and Duncan made. They looked absolutely incredible. Amanda wore a stunning Jenny Packham beaded number that had a 1930’s vibe and Duncan was totally rocking his 3 piece suit. Big thanks to Carla Francesca who did Amanda’s makeup. The gorgeous flowers were by the talented The Allotment Florist.

I Do’s at Union Chapel and Boating on the River Thames

Amanda and Duncan’s service at Union Chapel was personal and heartfelt. It was incredible to hear the voices of the amazing ladies choir on arrival and they did such a wonderful job. So so good. This venue regularly holds music events so the acoustics sound incredible. After the nuptials and the longest confetti line in the world ha we jumped in a cab and headed over to Tower Bridge for a few quick portraits before boarding the Elizabethan, our home for the next 6 hours on the River Thames! Although this was blinking great, I wasn’t quite expecting to feel as sea sick as I did so thank you SO much to the lovely guest who gave me a sickness tablet!

Cheesy Dancing!

The night was topped off nicely as we headed over to Southwark Brewing Company for our fabulous DJ Terminata Bex aka DJ TBX who had that dance floor rocking and had me busting out my moves too! Honestly a massive shout to Bex, she was awesome, and female (which in all the years I’ve been shooting weddings she’s the first female DJ I’ve worked with).. come on girls! Last but not least I got introduced to the cheesy world of Raclette… oh my days how have I not had one of these before?! I’ve been having cheesy dreams ever since… ha honest!

Congratulations again Amanda and Duncan, it was incredible! Thank you for having me. Enjoy your previews. x

The Ned and Union Chapel Islington – Cool London wedding photography by Ayesha Photography.

Are you having your own cool and stylish London wedding and have to have me at your wedding? I’d love to hear all about you and your plans. Come on over and say hello 🙂