Pump House Gallery Wedding Venue
I love photographing a city wedding. There is a certain excitement that comes with being in a melting pot of so much energy and vibrancy – and this wedding was no exception. Leann and Martin chose the contemporary visual arts space Pump House Gallery in Battersea Park for their city centre wedding.
The venue boasted stunning views over Battersea Park and provided some 200 acres of tranquil woodland as a backdrop. The Pump House Gallery offered a perfect blend of modern flair and peaceful romance for Leann and Martin to share their commitment to each other surrounded by their friends and family – all within easy reach of central London itself.
Battersea Park Wedding Photography
The day began by bumping into Martin on his way out of the park to go and get ready. It had been a busy morning for him, prepping the venue and making sure everything was perfect for their special day. The Pump House Gallery looked stunning. Spread over three levels which were decorated with memories of their time together, guest books for friends to share their stories and an instax camera complete with extra props to inspire their wedding guests to take silly pictures!
There is always a certain buzz and excitement as the guests arrive. Some of their friends had come from all over the country and it was great to feel the warmth as they reunited. This time – when everyone is greeting each other and excited for the wedding day ahead – offers the opportunity to take some great wedding photographs. Capturing the special moments when people meet a new baby for the first time, or Martin’s face as he spotted a dear friend in the crowd. I also got some brilliant photographs of their miniature Dachshund, Orson who looked dashing in a bow tie.
As the ceremony time approached I went to get Leann and her Dad with the wedding coordinator on a golf buggy. A unique experience driving through the grounds of Battersea park. Leann looked absolutely stunning, however, as we drove to the venue the veil slipped off Leann’s lap right as we drove over a puddle.
Testament to her calm demeanour, Leann was surprisingly relaxed; she ended up washing it with soap and water right before walking down the aisle! These are moments that make a wedding so utterly unique. A well-timed photograph capturing what could have been a disastrous event will now put a smile on everyone’s face as they remember it.
Leann and Martin’s wedding ceremony at Pump House Gallery was held in a marquee just outside the Pump House Gallery.
One of my favourite moments as a wedding photographer is capturing the groom’s face as his beloved bride walks towards him down the aisle. Martin’s face was so full of joy which turned to restrained emotion and then another huge smile as Leann got closer. Their city wedding ceremony was conducted by Martin’s cousin, Rory, and two others stepped up to read, which was delightful and lent a beautiful intimacy to proceedings.
In keeping with typical English weather, the heavens opened for a celebratory torrential downpour for ten short minutes before the sky thankfully returned to sunshine and fluffy white clouds. Once the sun was out, providing a gorgeous golden light we went for some group wedding photos and the famous confetti shot before heading into the marquee for the wedding breakfast. Their guests were such a jolly bunch and the air was filled with laughter. The stunning grounds provided a wonderful backdrop to their park wedding photographs and you can really feel the buoyancy of the day in these shots.
Their wedding feast was exquisite. A posh BBQ with salmon, chicken and ribs – they even gave everyone little plastic bibs to protect their fancy clothes! Everyone was happily munching away and the atmosphere was great. Martin revealed a few insights into their relationship during his speech which had the crowd giggling at Leann’s clumsiness and ability to get stuck in some compromising situations! It’s always an honour as a wedding photographer to get a snapshot into their lives, and hear stories about how they met.
Leann and Martin had a brilliant idea to offer a free bar. Their guests could help themselves, which meant that there was a lot of laughter and fun while their friends made their own cocktails as the evening went on. Their first dance was cheered on by their loved ones and I got some beautiful photographs of the two of them just gazing at each other, absolutely brimming with love.
This love spilled over into the evening as the sunset over Pump House Gallery and Battersea Park. Leann was hoisted into the air by the groom and his friends, everyone dancing the night away to the amazing DJ and saxophonist. It was a wonderful party and the guests were absolutely loving it, ties came off, top buttons undone and everyone just let loose in celebration of the love between these two.
Leann and Martin’s city park wedding was glorious. A stunning day for a wonderful couple. Blessed with some totally unique and standout moments that they’ll treasure forever.
I’d like to say a massive thank you to Leann & Martin for choosing me to photograph their wedding ?
Thank You
I’d also like to give a big shout out to everyone who was involved with making Leann & Martin’s day so awesome!
Hair & Make-Up: Roxanne Jade | Dress: Pronovias | Suits: Brook & Taverner | Catering: BBQ Dept