Mandarin Oriental Wedding Photography – Natalie and Colin’s day
Natalie and Colin’s wedding day was a joy to photograph. Their wedding day started at the uber stylish Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hyde Park. This luxury five-star hotel has recently undergone the most extensive restoration in its colourful 117-year history. And stands today as one of the most iconic luxury hotels in one of the most iconic cities in the World. The perfect place for Natalie and Colin to wake up on their wedding day. And a truly special place to get ready for a London wedding!
Wedding photography at Mandarin Oriental is always a joy to shoot as its super stylish interiors like crystal chandeliered ceilings, ornate plasterwork, sumptuous drapes and elegant furniture make an amazing backdrop in all of our images. The hotel’s rich history has seen it play host to some of society’s grandest weddings, so where better for Natalie and Colin to start their wedding day.
Once ready, I got a few gorgeous images of the two of them at Mandarin Oriental. Before, Natalie and Colin headed to Marylebone Town Hall for their wedding ceremony. An impressive Edwardian Grade II listed building, Marylebone Town Hall has a palatial feel that is perfect for a wedding. The sun was shining and we took it to be a sign because Natalie informed us that 5th June is a lucky day to get married in Chinese culture.
Natalie looked amazing in her jumpsuit wedding dress. It was such an original take on the traditional white wedding outfit and really suited her.
After the ceremony, we took Natalie and Colin for a walk around the streets nearby and captured some gorgeous images and films of them just walking, playing and chatting. The weather was just perfect with the low sun starting to set creating a really romantic and timeless feel.
Storytelling wedding photography at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel
The wedding reception was held at Ham Yard Hotel. Getting to shoot wedding photography at Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Ham Yard on the same day was a real treat.
As photographers, we get to go to beautiful London boutique hotels all the time but have to say that Ham Yard Hotel is one of our favourites. In fashionable Soho, Ham Yard is designed by award-winning British designer Kit Kemp. It has 91 individual designed bedrooms, suites and apartments, 13 independent stores, a restaurant and bar with outdoor dining, a drawing room, a library, a rooftop terrace, a spa and gym, a theatre, private event rooms and even a bowling alley!
Natalie and Colin had hired their stunning roof terrace for their reception which as it was outside allowed them to have 30 guests. Ham Yard’s large leafy roof top garden enjoys sweeping views over the London skyline. A lounge area is scattered with Whitman benches, upholstered seating and a stylish bar. Watched over by two ancient olive trees and surrounded by apple and pear fruit trees, the garden blooms all year round with seasonal flowers from poppies and lemon verbena to jasmine, creating a wild meadow. Raised beds made of railway sleepers and picket fencing form salad, herb and vegetable gardens, its produce served in the restaurant’s daily specials. During the summer months, strawberries, gooseberries, broccoli, kale and thyme can be found growing.
Creative and natural Mandarin Oriental wedding photography
Placed at the back of the garden sit two bee hives which are tended to by a dedicated beekeeper. With over 600 bees in residence, the honey is used by the bar staff on the cocktail menu.
The theme of Natalie and Colin’s wedding was gardens so it couldn’t have been more perfect. And the weather stayed fine allowing Natalie, Colin and their guests to really relax and enjoy this gorgeous environment.
Covid restrictions meant that family and friends from Hong Kong couldn’t attend the wedding so they created a special video to play to dedications from loved ones who were unable to attend. We know that it was important to Natalie and Colin that absent loved ones be included in the day. So, it was a sweet and personal tribute and of course, had everybody in tears.
After the celebrations, Natalie and Colin headed back to Mandarin Oriental Hotel for the night. The perfect place to close the story of their uber stylish and fun wedding day in London.
We absolutely loved capturing Natalie and Colin’s gorgeous wedding. A stylish and joyous day full of love and laughter. We’ll leave the last words to them. Here’s what Natalie and Colin had to say about us.
“Guys who are easy to get along with and make you feel relaxed in front of the camera. Never also a dull moment with them! Always excited to see the final products because they always exceed our expectations! Always there to capture the important moments since our engagement
Always amazed – beyond our expectations. I think we get better in modelling each time we take videos (thanks to your direction and advice!) The video will be timeless and they will always remind us of the covid wedding we had and how we made the most of it!
Relaxed, having fun, though conscious in trying to look natural for all the photos. ‘OMG amazing! The lighting looks great!’. There were some photos/poses that I thought would turn out weird but actually to my surprise, looked so amazing”
Comments
Knowing a little more intimately about the journey of this wedding I can say that this is just incredible, Ash this is such an exquisite gallery, I doth my hat.