RSA HOUSE WEDDING

LONDON WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

HAYLEY + CHRIS

Hayley and Chris met in their first year at University. After forging a strong friendship they reunited when they started working in London, going from group meet ups to solo dates. They are a testament to the fact that being ‘friend zoned’ doest have to be permanent and that friendship is such an incredible foundation for love. Hayley and Chris prove this effortlessly.

I met Hayley and her bridesmaids at the Royal Lancaster hotel. The champagne was flowing and spirits were high. Hayley looked incredible in a timeless Mikado gown by Wed2B which she accessorised with the most exquisite embroidered veil which is certain to become a family heirloom. Hayley’s footwear was an important part of her look, switching between sequinned Charlotte Mills block heels and her new monogrammed nike kicks; a wedding gift from her future husband and the perfect dancing shoes for the wild party that was to follow.

Hayley and Chris’s wedding venue was RSA House. An incredible exclusive use venue in their heart of London’s West End. Georgian architecture at its fines; this stunning London townhouse fuses tradition with modernity. I love venues that allow you to host each part of your day in a separate room, creating a wonderful flow and a constant surprise for guests as they discover the next beautiful space.

Hayley and Chris said ‘I do’ in the Benjamin Franklin room. A stunning ceremony room with large windows that flood the room with natural light along with gorgeous period fireplaces. Their ceremony was beautiful, exactly what you would expect when two best friends tie the knot… a room brimming with emotion.

After the ceremony we headed out onto the front steps for their confetti shot. Hayley and Chris’s approach to confetti purchasing was perfect… if in doubt, BUY LOADS. The doorway at RSA house is imposing and framed by two Georgian pillars. It made the perfect backdrop to this must-have wedding shot along with any group shots.

Whilst the guests enjoyed champagne in yet another one of RSA House’s gorgeous rooms, I headed out with Hayley and Chris to Victoria Embankment and its surrounding gardens. The location of RSA House is ideal if you want some relaxed portraits on the River or in the pretty Embankment gardens. We also paid a visit to one of Hayley and Chris’s early dating spots; Gordon’s Wine Bar. It is always amazing to see how complete strangers react to newly weds. In this case an eruption of cheering and clapping. It is any wonder… they looked like total superstars.

Back at RSA House, dinner was held in The Great Room. An breathtaking room with a high glass domed ceiling and muralled walls. Almost as impressive as The Great Room itself, is the grand sweeping staircase that leads up to it, with it’s original mosaics, huge windows and panelled walls.

RSA house is the gift that keeps on giving. After dinner, we headed down to the Vaults, yet another fabulous space and a real contrast to the Georgian grandeur of the rest of the venue. The Vaults (as the name suggests) are underground, dark and windowless and absolutely the perfect location for the party. The exposed brickwork gives an industrial feel which feels so unexpected. I loved it. The flash came out… and so did the dance moves. The floor was packed and I had a hard time leaving! It is safe to say that there would have been some very sore heads (and feet) the next day.

Anyway, enjoy! I certainly did.