The Duke – Olivia & Sonny

Reportage wedding photography in Wanstead

Olivia and Sonny have been on this blog before. So have several other faces in the following images. Five years ago, it was her sister Sophie’s wedding day – at St Paul’s Cathedral. A wedding that didn’t just lead to this wedding, but also this picture… But last week, the roles were reversed. Sophie was a bridesmaid, with her sisters, in support of Olivia’s wedding. A local affair for the couple, in Wanstead. The church and the pub – their local – just a stone’s throw from where they live in East London. It’s always interesting revisiting families – I am often booked by a sibling to capture a wedding, after photographing their sister or brother. I knew Olivia’s family were a close bunch, Sonny’s proved the same. A warm wedding with family and friends. Young children from the first wedding have got bigger. Then there are the new ones, like Arthur and Anaya. New scene-stealers!!

Coverage starts in Romford, at the family home – under blue skies. Then onto Christ Church in Wanstead. (There I met again my most loyal Instagram follower, Maggie. We last met at that wedding in 2012) No silly photography restrictions, like St Paul’s, at Christ Church though. A wedding – after 11 years together, Sonny and Olivia were finally Mr and Mrs. A few pics in the sunshine and then the short journey to The Duke pub. Their local. Drinks!

Wedding reception at The Duke pub

Speeches in the bar, then the meal, as it started to get dark outside. Evening guests started to appear – any cake cutting ditched – but a first dance to kick off the dancing. A lovely wedding, not fussy just relaxed, with good food and drink, with close family and friends. The fact the sun came out, the cherry on the top. How a wedding should be.

Here are just a few images from this day in Wanstead and The Duke pub… (I left here and drove to Herefordshire, for a wedding there the next day at Dewsall Court)