2025: Weddings, Proposals & Private Celebrations

If 2025 had a theme, it was "Authenticity." From the tearful joy of a surprise proposal in Bloomsbury to the raucous laughter of a pub garden wedding in Surrey, this year was defined by unscripted, genuine emotion.

As a London Wedding and Private Event Photographer, I strive to capture this energy without interrupting the flow. My approach is defined by a careful balance—knowing exactly when to step back to let a moment unfold, and when to step forward to ensure those essential family portraits are captured efficiently and beautifully.

Below, I’ve curated two specific highlights from the year that perfectly illustrate this balance: a cinematic proposal at UCL and a relaxed, sun-drenched wedding in Surrey.

London Proposal Photography: Akrit & Larisha at UCL

For Akrit and Larisha, University College London (UCL) wasn't just a university; it was where their story began. Akrit chose to bring Larisha back to the very place they met to ask the big question. My role was to capture this "full circle" moment, turning their personal nostalgia into a cinematic memory—preserved in both vibrant colour and timeless black and white photos.

The Couple Photoshoot

Following the "Yes," we utilised the stunning architecture of the campus for the engagement portraits. We started at The Portico Building, where the columns provided a dramatic, frame-within-a-frame composition, giving the intimate moment a sense of timeless scale.

We then moved inside to The Flaxman Gallery to capture the moody, romantic lighting under the famous domed ceiling. The central statue of St. Michael Overcoming Satan offered a powerful, artistic backdrop that elevated the images from standard proposal shots to fine art portraits.

To contrast the formal architecture, we embraced the Bloomsbury Vibe with a stroll through the surrounding streets and the exterior of the British Museum. This allowed us to capture candid, "just engaged" energy against the backdrop of classic London brickwork and bustling city life.

Fun Fact: UCL - A Hollywood Favourite

If the backdrop looks familiar, it is because UCL is a favourite filming location for Christopher Nolan! The Flaxman Gallery features in Inception (it’s the library where Cobb meets Ariadne). The Portico appears in Batman Begins and The Mummy Returns (often standing in for the British Museum or a grand library). Shooting at such a cinematic location makes the experience feel even more like a scene from a film.

Intimate Wedding Photography: Immy & Chris 

There is no greater compliment for a photographer than being invited back by the same family. Having photographed Immy’s mother’s birthday years ago, walking into this wedding felt less like a job and more like a happy reunion. This existing connection allowed me to blend into the background immediately, capturing interactions that were genuine, warm, and unguarded from the very start.

The Ceremony: Artington House, Guildford

For the vows at the Register Office, the goal was discretion. While I utilised longer lenses to capture candid emotions from afar, I also moved closer when necessary to frame the intimacy of the exchange. By moving quietly and deliberately, I ensured the sanctity of the moment remained uninterrupted, preserving the atmosphere of the setting.

The Celebration: The Duke of Wellington, East Horsley

Following the ceremony, we moved to the beautifully decorated outdoor garden at The Duke of Wellington. Here, I shifted focus to the guests, looking for the "micro-stories" in the crowd—families reuniting, children playing, and the spontaneous laughter during speeches—creating a vibrant gallery of the people who matter most.

The Portrait Timeline: Efficiency Meets Flow

We utilised the drinks reception to capture the formal images without breaking the flow of the party. Working from a pre-planned list, we executed a smooth timeline:

• The Couple & Children: We stole a few quiet moments in the pub gardens to capture intimate portraits of Immy and Chris, alongside joyful shots with their children. We focused on a mix of styles—capturing both romantic, quiet moments and fun, high-energy interactions to reflect the true spirit of the day.

• Family Groups: We then covered the classic extended family group shots efficiently to honour tradition.

By keeping this session light and organised, we ensured Immy and Chris could return to laughing with their guests quickly, allowing me to continue documenting the natural energy of the celebration leading up to speeches and lunch.

A sun-drenched garden, happy tears, and a pint in hand—Immy and Chris proved that the best weddings are the ones where you can kick back, relax, and just enjoy the party!

London Private Parties & Events

The variety of London’s social calendar never ceases to amaze me. This year, my commissions swung from the dramatic suspense of a theatrical Murder Mystery Dinner Party to the electric energy of a kid’s birthday at Queens Park Rangers (QPR) Football Club. Regardless of the venue, the goal remains the same: to capture the joy of the room without interrupting the flow of the party.

A Note on Discretion: As a Private Event Photographer, I understand that true luxury often requires privacy. While I love sharing my work, I prioritise client confidentiality above all else. For this reason, you won’t see galleries from these specific events here. Many of the year's most beautiful moments—from high-profile birthdays to intimate family gatherings—remain private, viewed only by the clients.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Photos

Looking back at the galleries from 2025, I am reminded that while cake gets eaten and flowers eventually fade, the images are what remain. Being invited into a family’s most intimate moments—whether it’s a nervous proposal or a joyful wedding celebration—is a privilege I never take for granted.

My goal for every client isn't just to deliver files; it is to create future family heirlooms. I want you to look at these photos in twenty years and not just see what you looked like, but remember exactly how you felt.

Ready for 2026? As the calendar turns, I am already looking forward to the stories waiting to be told next year. Whether you are planning a grand celebration in London or an intimate gathering in the countryside, I would love to be the one to capture it.

Let’s Chat!