An Asylum Chapel Wedding

Tom & Leanne had the most gorgeous Scottish themed wedding at the Asylum Chapel in South London. A stunning venue with the most beautiful light, the perfect wedding venue for this modern, quirky couple!

The Chapel was built in 1827, not a mental heath hospital as you’d imagine, but basically to house pub landlords who’d gone into retirement. There is no wonder that it is a popular Wedding venue amongst modern London couples.

Although the building was bombed in the Second World War. Fortunately the beautiful stained glass windows stayed in tact, pair these with stone and marble memorials and walls either bare, blown up or rich in colour and texture and I was in wedding venue HEAVEN. Keep scrolling to see them eh ;)

Much to my utter delight, when I arrived on location that morning to photograph the bridal prep, Leanne had chosen another chapel to get ready in. A beautiful 3 floor converted chapel apartment with streams of perfect ambient light, homely touches and space for the ladies to spread out and get ready in style. The most beautiful venue for the bridal party to get ready in.

Leanne, her Mum, sister and bridesmaids had a yummy spread of brunch treats laid out, fantastic music playing and were generally having a relaxed, fun morning getting ready. The lovely team from Jascar Beauty were already there working their magic, a dynamite-duo experts in hair and make-up.

I always adore photographing all the little details of a wedding day, and with tones of royal blue, crisp greens and thistle purple, I enjoyed documenting these so much! Leanne chose beautiful yet simple white heeled sandals that matched her breath-taking lace dress. Elegant corsages coupled the groomsmen’s kilts with the bridesmaid’s dresses spectacularly, AND with the Asylum Chapel itself!

One piece of minutiae that I adored was her safety pin-come-brooch to cover “something old, blue and new”, which was pinned into the lining of her dress. I love these little details and I think this was a fabulous idea. There’s little pendants for luck and love too!

Once the morning inched into a very warm afternoon, and Leanne was ready, she came upstairs to meet her parents. Her dad teared up while her mom grinned from ear to ear; it was such a special scene. I took the chance to snap Leanne as she had a moment of nervous giggles and jittery excitement thinking about the day ahead.

It was time to get to The Chapel!! And there is no better way to cruise the summery streets of London on the happiest day of your life, than in a classic beetle! The service from Beetle Bugs, a family run business was first class! They’ll even match their chauffeur's tie to your wedding colours!

Meanwhile, at the Asylum Chapel, Tom, his groomsmen and guests were awaiting Leanne’s arrival with twittering excitement and awe at the stunning venue. With a simple arrangement of wooden chairs, adorned with blue, green and purple blooms matching the stunning bouquets perfectly, true artistry by John Alan Flowers helping The Chapel look elegant, warm and welcoming.

Leanne arrives and they had the most beautiful, funny and loving ceremony. The setting of this gorgeous building match this couple’s awesome vibe thoroughly and I am overjoyed that I was there to capture all of the best moments.

Honestly, sometimes these moments make me tear up and I channel that emosh straight into the art of storytelling with my camera.

Now comes my truly favourite part - whisking the bridal party, and the newlywed couple away from their guests for a quiet moment to take in the dizzying fact that THEY’RE MARRIED! An opportune time for me to get some heart-stirring portraits.

I genuinely had such a fantastic day, I love my job furiously and much of that is getting to photograph happy couples on their well-planned wedding day.

In closing, I have one last image of Tom and Leanne taking in the setting sun in the golden hour on their amazing day.