St. Ethelreda’s Church Wedding in London
Ellie & Jonny’s St Ethelreda’s RC Church and Harrild & Sons London Wedding
In a past life, when I used to work for charities I spent a brief time at Mencap in 2018. I was part of a small team, but we all got on really well. I had a great manager and I also met Ellie. We stayed in touch after I left (usually due to her and her partners appreciation of my dog, Pesto). So as you can imagine I was thrilled when Ellie got in touch about her upcoming wedding.
At the heart of Ellie & Jonny’s day was fun. Ellie wasn’t fussed about bridal prep in the morning, instead asking me to focus on lots of beautiful candids of her, her wedding party and guests captured full of laughter and joy. So, I instead spent some time with the groomsmen as they arrived into London, enjoying a brisk walk in the uncharacteristic March sunshine from Blackfriars to the St. Elthelreda’s Church in Farringdon.
For Ellie & her bridal party, my day started outside the Airbnb where they started getting ready a short walk from the church. While the cliché goes that the bride will be fashionably late - it was in fact guests arriving late that meant an impromptu morning visit to the pub opposite the flat was in order and by extension - tequila shots. Start as you mean to go on.
A short walk to St Ethelreda’s Church and inside we found the sun shining through the ornate stained glass windows, giving beautiful colours. Emotions were high, which you could clearly tell on the faces of Ellie, Jonny and their guests. Though, that didn’t stop the laughter.
A wonderful ceremony, with both Ellie & Jonny looking as though they’d just won the lottery. Shaky voices during vows, met with big laughs between two best friends.
A triumphant walk back down the aisle together and some quiet moments, before they were joined outside by their friends and family. Some brief family photos in the March sunshine - followed by the procession to the reception.
Ellie & Jonny said this was a really important part of the day - they wanted the feeling of excitement, movement, the dynamism of London. The couple with all their guests. In lieu of a car - friends made Jonny a “just married” sign to wear on the walk.
Once we reached the reception at Harrild & Sons in Farringdon, we were greeted by bespoke cloth signage (cleverly held up on an Ikea clothes rack) by Faye Quinn Designs. Inside the bar had been set up for dinner, with personal touches and designs including beer mats and stationery. But for now, it was time for confetti and drinks.
After a couple of drinks, Ellie and Jonny had a few family photos. While limited on space, we were creative with what we had - utilising the fact that I knew Farringdon is quiet at the weekend and the big road crossing right outside Harrild & Sons (sorry to the very patient traffic who kept having to wait at the traffic lights!)
Jonny, Ellie & I nipped away for some couples portraits. They’d said it was important they weren’t away from their family and friends for long - so I had done some reconnaissance around the area a few days before to make the most of every minute we had. Because of the uncharacteristic March sunshine, I suggested we pop to St. Pauls Cathedral which was a short walk away - and we were all pleased I did.
The sun was hitting the steps and the porch of the Cathedral perfectly and it wasn’t too busy. The photos speak for themselves. Also if you ever need a spare pair of hands to get a bit of movement in a brides veil - ask a member of the public, they never say no!
When we returned, we had a couple entrance to dinner with plenty of fun and energy followed by excellent, thoughtful speeches.
After dinner, guests were taken downstairs to a cosy bar for cocktail hour, with personalised cocktails chosen by the couple. A moodier atmosphere and lighting was a subtle to hint to everyone that party time was starting. Some more speeches followed by shots and the evening was well and truly underway.
Eventually everyone was back upstairs for the arrival of evening guests, the first dance and a jam packed dance floor. Everything you could ask for.
Suppliers:
Church: St. Elthelreda’s Church, London
Reception Venue: Harrild & Sons
Photographer: Max Turner Weddings
Flowers: Jonny’s Mum and Aunt
Stationery and Signage: Faye Quinn Designs
Hair: Ellie’s friend Georgia (who doesn’t do hair apparently)
Make up artist: Ella Abergel
Dress: Sophia Tolli from Ava May Bridal
Bridesmaids dresses: Six Stories, Asos, Maid to Measure
Suits: Next