A London Wedding: Windy but Wonderful

What a joy it was to return to photograph Mark and Dal’s London wedding following their intimate elopement in Santorini. This second celebration was a vibrant fusion – a perfect blend of Dal’s Eritrean roots and Mark’s New Orleans charm. 

Held in the heart of London, the day may have been marked with typical British weather – a bit on the windy side – but this only added an element of fun and spontaneity to the celebration. 

Behind the Scenes of the London Wedding

The day began with Mark and Dal each surrounded by their closest friends, the bustle of excitement palpable as they prepared for the ceremony. Mark, flanked by his groomsmen, was every bit the suave New Orleans gentleman, while Dal, radiant amidst her bridesmaids, was a vision of Eritrean elegance.

Dal looked absolutely stunning in her dress from David’s Bridal UK. The gown, a delicate balance of modern elegance and traditional beauty, could not have been more perfect. It accentuated her grace while adding a dash of sparkle to the London setting. 

As she stepped onto the aisle, there was a collective gasp from everyone present. She was a radiant bride, leaving everyone, especially Mark, in awe of her breathtaking beauty.

Cultural Fusion

The ceremony hall was awash with a vibrant display of Eritrean culture, notably evident in the traditional attire worn by Dal’s family. The Habesha Kemis, a customary dress worn by all the women, adorned with intricate and colorful embroidery, was a visual feast. The men were equally resplendent in their traditional Eritrean suits – long, layered, white tunics.

The rich array of textures, colors, and patterns was a testament to the depth of Eritrean heritage and added an unmissable layer of authenticity and warmth to the ceremony. It was a lovely sight to behold, and through my lens, the colors and textures provided a vivid backdrop to Mark and Dal’s wedding celebrations.

United in Marriage

As the ceremony unfolded beneath the white rose arch from Rose’s Floral Designs, the emotion in the room was tangible. It was the moment Mark and Dal’s families had been waiting for – a moment they missed during the couple’s intimate elopement in Santorini. Eyes glistened with unshed tears while smiles stretched across faces, reflecting a profound joy that was shared by all. The families watched in awe, their expressions oscillating between laughter and tears, as they witnessed Mark and Dal pledging their lives to each other. 

Every heartfelt vow and every shared glance between the couple was a cherished memory, a poignant reminder of the love that had brought them all together in this beautiful fusion of cultures. The happiness in the room was electrifying, weaving its magic through the couple and their loved ones and leaving an indelible mark on everyone’s hearts. This was not just a wedding – it was a celebration of love, culture, and the union of two families.

Celebrating Love Amidst the London Breeze

After capturing some heartwarming family portraits, it was time for Dal and Mark’s couple photoshoot. The wind became an unexpected guest, playfully interacting with us which resulted in some truly unique photographs. We captured the magic despite, or should I say, in sync with the weather!

I often work with difficult weather, it’s something we have to learn to adapt to as photographers – take a look at my portfolio for other examples of my work!

Mark held Dal close, his eyes speaking volumes of his love for her. Dal, radiant in her precious white wedding dress, mirrored Mark’s affection with equal fervor.

They found comfort and warmth in each other, standing strong amidst the London breeze. The way Dal’s veil flowed and fluttered in the day’s wind added a whimsical touch to the photographs. Each click of my camera captured not just a moment, but a story of love that transcended boundaries and fused cultures. This was more than just a photoshoot; it was an intimate portrayal of their journey, set against the charming backdrop of London.

From Eritrean Customs to Mardi Gras

As the couple’s photoshoot wrapped up, the reception festivities kicked into high gear. To celebrate Mark’s New Orleans background, the room suddenly transformed into a mini Mardi Gras. The air was filled with twirling colorful parasols and the lively sounds of jazz.

Midway through the reception, Dal and Mark made a surprise entrance, now clad in traditional Eritrean attire. The cheers of approval from their guests echoed around the room as they gracefully performed Eritrean customs. This beautiful showcase of Dal’s heritage was a powerful symbol of the day’s theme—unity in diversity.

The reception was a heartwarming display of two families embracing each other’s cultures in an evening filled with laughter, dance, and heartfelt toasts, creating memories to last forever.

A Successful London Wedding 

The London wind may have made an uninvited appearance, but it only served to add another layer of unique charm to their extraordinary day. Congratulations Dal and Mark!

If you’d like to see me work at one of your events, please don’t hesitate to contact me here!