London Wedding Photographer at Valentines Mansion, London | Didier & Tony
You know the kind of love that is so pure, and sincere - your heart aches with slight jealousy, and you yearn for a love as strong as this? That’s how I felt at Didier and Tony’s vow renewal.
As I got off the tube at Gants Hill and made the short walk over to Valentines Mansion, I couldn’t help but marvel at the gardens which surrounded the venue. Conveniently, it also happened to be one of the warmest Saturday’s to date and naturally, I am not one to complain about good weather. Blue skies and camera equipment and plenty of coffee in tow - this London wedding photographer was ready!
Valentines Mansion was built in 1696- set in an 18th-century formal garden, the views are second to none! There are frequent tours for anyone wishing to visit this stunning mansion in-person - which I would highly recommend.
The year is 1994 - the year Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos. Didier and Tony met the same year- it was love at first sight and from then on, the rest is history. Commemorating 25 years of being together, what better way is there to celebrate than by renewing your wedding vows?
As usual with all weddings I photograph, meticulous planning had been made prior to the day to minimise time spent making any decisions, especially to do with photography. I had pretty much every ounce of information I needed to photograph Didier and Tony’s vow renewal - an intimate wedding in London. Hey, if you’re spending money on your special day, believe me when I say I want you to enjoy it, and not spend the entire day co-ordinating how and when to have the family formals!
I’ll be honest - moments before the vow renewal ceremony, Didier and I were very emotional. It all started when Didier showed me the wedding cake he had lovingingly baked - fulfilling Tony’s special request for a cherry and almond cake. Adorned with carefully placed macarons, it truly was a mini masterpiece. As a photographer in London, I’ve seen many cakes - this has got to be my favourite.
The ceremony was beautiful (spoiler alert!). An intimate wedding in London, surrounded by 30 of their closest friends and family. I could feel the love and the energy, first hand. After the ceremony, we mooched around the gardens - after all, I was clearly the newest location scouting expert in town, having walked through the gardens up to Valentines Mansion. After barely any deliberation, we chose a rather secluded yet breathtaking part of the gardens for Didier and Tony’s official wedding photos. A peaceful spot, right in tune with nature. It was truly perfect. This London wedding photographer here was rejoicing. I was beside myself with happiness!
Everything about Didier and Tony’s intimate wedding in London was stunning - from the food, to the ceremony and the weather, there is not anything I would’ve changed.
“From first contact to receiving the link to the photos, Emily couldn’t have been a more friendly caring professional person. She was genuinely interested in us and our wedding and asked many questions in order to have a feel of who we were and what we were looking for. On the day Emily got everyone in the mood for great formal group photos and most of all her candids shots during both the ceremony and reception captured beautiful emotional and fun moments. We love all the many images received (a greater number than expected) and the first feedback from guests show that people are delighted with them. Would 100% recommend Emily for any event”
Thanks so much for having me guys 💘