Alice and Richard

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Have you ever walked along Putney embankment?

It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to be. The stretch from Putney to Chiswick is so special, not only for the heartfelt, peaceful walks along the tow paths, but watching and joining in all the sports and rowing on the river through all the seasons, being a part of what feels like a hidden community, it’s just magical.

So, when the wedding-bound duo, Alice and Richard called me so say they wanted to have a riverside wedding in Putney and would I be available talk to them about wedding photography, I could barely contain my excitement!

We met in one of my favourite locations, The Daily Grind, on lower Richmond roads stretch of wonderful eateries and hangouts where you can often find the Ox-bridge crews fuelling up over the weekends, to look through my printed album options and see my photography style and way I work through the day, as well as talk through what their dream photography package looks like.

One of the most important aspects they wanted to brig to their day, was to source local businesses’ and focus on the talent that was on their doorstep which, as an island girl, resonated massively with me, word of mouth and local suppliers has been the backbone of my upbringing.

It was so special to be able to work closely with Alice and Richard, planning through their wedding photography, meeting up for coffees to talk through new ideas and any developments they had in mind. Over the next few months, we discussed and worked on a photography package that worked for them, including an engagement shoot that we used to explore poses, locations and how we can get the most out of their photography on the day.

The Putney Pantry soon became a home from home, where we sampled all the fabulous cakes and met their wedding caterer Issa Cissokho, who is the master mind and owner.

It was such a wonderful journey on the lead up to the wedding, then we blinked, and the special day was only three days away!!

The running list was in place the images we wanted to get all written down, it was time to make sure my super agile assistant, Tom Roberts and talented second shooter, Leana Keen, were all on the same page and ready for action.

It was important to Alice and Richard to have quality time with their friends and family as once they had their reception at the Putney Pantry, they would be moving to Thames rowing club so time keeping was paramount.

The morning of the day, the butterflies fluttering, I popped over to the locations to say hello to the team and get any setting up photos etc. The church had been transformed by Putney’s own florist, Louise Taylor and it looked magical. I took a few detailed shots and captured the intimate moments as Richard’s musicians were going over the final tweaks.

Richard is an exceptionally talented musician and teacher and had composed a special piece for the ceremony. It was breath taking and such a tender moment in the day.

I left Leana safely in the care of Richard, or it may be the other way around… and went over to say hello to Alice. She looked radiant! With her beautiful bridesmaids fluttering around the open plan kitchen, sunlight cascading in as if the weather had been ordered, getting hair, make-up and bubbles ready, it was a hive of love and positivity.

We took some time to photograph the details of the ladies getting ready, and then it was time for me to leave for her arrival at church.

There they were, Richard, the outward picture of calm confidence, and groomsmen in full support and efficiency of their duties. The white, ribbon adorned, London taxi cab pulled into the church court yard and Alice stepped out, a picture of angelic perfection and a smile from ear to ear. It was time.

There was a hushed excitement in the church that preceded one of the most beautifully tailor-made ceremonies I have been blessed to be a part of. With personally composed pieces by Richard and kind words from loved ones, they were now Mr and Mrs Quesnel.

With group photographs and a champagne reception, we had a confetti celebration in the garden beside the river and then snuck away from some quiet couple shots as we walked up to the reception venue at Thames Rowing Club.

I have a few favourite wedding locations on the Putney embankment, and Thames Rowing Club is one of them. With is full length wooden balcony that stretches the length of the club, you can watch the colours of the river change and the lights over Putney bridge come alive, as the sun sets.

The decorations were perfect for the theme and the location, with a delicate nod to Richards French heritage and to their current home in Putney it was a beautiful blend of their Journey together and the wonder their future as Mr and Mrs, holds.

With dancing and the most amazing cake I have ever seen, standing taller than me, and lit a-flame with sparklers the love, energy and celebrations saw the happy couple into the next day.

The first of their many fabulous days, in life’s wonderful adventures together.