If you’re planning a tiny wedding or elopement-style celebration and wondering what a truly low-key, personal day can look like, this will give you a real feel for how something like that can unfold — and you can read more about how I approach relaxed, documentary small wedding photography here.

 

A Tiny, Alternative Wedding in London


Anita wore an electric blue tailor-made suit, a red corset and red Alexander McQueen boots. Mike wore a vibrant Ozwald Boateng suit. Their cat Enid supervised the morning preparations from the sofa.

I flew from Ireland for this one. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.


Getting Ready at Home in London

The day started in Anita and Mike's London flat — mugs of tea, chocolate digestives and Enid keeping a watchful eye on proceedings. Their home was full of character and creativity — exactly what you'd expect from an artist and a musician.

Just the four of them — Anita, Mike and their two best friends. No fuss, no performance. Just two people who had waited long enough finally making it official.


A Small Ceremony at Woolwich Town Hall

A train to Woolwich Town Hall for the ceremony — a stunning building that made for beautiful photographs before and after.

The McQueens, it turned out, were more fashionable than functional on the walk over. Anita swapped them for red flats by the time they arrived. Equally fabulous. Marginally more comfortable.

I wasn't allowed into the ceremony itself — some insurance technicality — so I waited in the main hall and made the most of the setting. No complaints.


A Relaxed Celebration Across London

After the ceremony a taxi to Greenwich for celebratory drinks. Anita had brought personal gifts for everyone — including me — which is one of the most thoughtful things a couple has ever done on a wedding day.

The plan had been to catch a boat down the Thames but timing had other ideas. A train to Bank instead and the evening ended at The Ned — candlelit dinner, shoes off, a few drinks and an overnight stay for the newlyweds.

A perfect end to an extraordinary day.


Kind Words from Anita & Mike

"We've had a brilliant reaction from people to the ones you've already sent."

And on receiving their album:

"Pamela's photographs serve as a vivid reminder of a truly beautiful day, which she captured in ways we simply couldn't have imagined possible — the quality of the composition alone reveals her to be a true artist and the resulting album of extraordinary pictures will always be precious to us."

— Anita & Mike


A Final Note on This Tiny London Wedding

Anita and Mike's wedding was unlike anything I'd documented before — and exactly the kind of day I love. Two people, completely themselves, doing it entirely their own way.

If you're planning a tiny wedding, elopement or something completely unconventional — in London, Dublin or anywhere else — and want a relaxed, documentary approach, I’d love to hear about your plans.


 

View through window showing potted plants and decorations on windowsill with brick wall background.
Collection of greeting cards and photos displayed on a wooden surface with a computer screen.
People and cat relaxing on blue couch with bookshelves in background.
Open window view of small urban balcony garden with potted plants and winter decorations.
Vinyl record collection displayed on wooden shelving unit with books.
Black and white overhead view of coffee cup and blackberries on decorative tray.
Person examining items on serving tray with red decorative elements in background.
Two cups of tea and chocolate cookies served on an ornate metal tray.
Fluffy cat sitting on paper with handwritten notes.
Red embroidered pattern on a light colored fabric with a blue accent detail.
A person in a navy shirt pouring champagne into a glass in a kitchen setting.
A red dress being fitted in a room with photos and decorations on display.
Close-up of hands lacing up a bright red corset or bodice.
Two areas of a dimly lit room, with blue tones on left and warm light on right.
Back view of someone wearing red corset with intricate lace-up detail.
Two people in vibrant formal attire conversing in a casual indoor setting.
Person in bright blue silk jacket and red corset standing in front of bookshelves.
A couple in vibrant red and blue outfits standing together on a platform.
Black and white photograph showing silhouettes through a train or subway window.
Two people sharing a moment in bright contrasting outfits on public transport.
Hand wearing ornate rings holding a walking cane against red fabric.
Person in bright red outfit walking on rainy street with red bus in background.
Colorful produce market stall with wooden crates of fruits and vegetables on display.
People enjoying a sunny day in an urban plaza with birds and shadows.
Close-up of bright red shoes and a walking cane on gray paved ground.
Red patterned bag against urban street background with construction barriers.
Black and white street scene with people crossing road carrying shopping bags.
Two people sharing an emotional embrace in a hallway.
Two people in bright formal attire descending grand staircase with stained glass window.
Three people sharing a lighthearted moment in casual indoor setting.
Reflection in gold-framed mirror shows blue and red outfits in interior space.
Vintage wooden door numbered 27 with ornate molding and dark stained finish in a hallway.
Grand staircase with red carpet and white balustrade in historic building interior.
Elegant church interior with pink dome, green walls and ornate white staircase.
A couple sharing an intimate moment in an elegant hall with ornate architecture and chandeliers.
Red shoes being fitted on checkerboard floor in a formal setting.
Mural with 'Love Late' text and figures standing against blue wall background.
Inspirational mural about 7 billion humans with painted floral designs on blue wall.
People walking down urban street with 'Love Lane' street sign visible in foreground.
Group celebrating with raised glasses at casual gathering in monochrome.
A group enjoying hearty laughter while sitting at a pub table in black and white.
Friends toasting drinks together at a cozy pub table.
Hand holding a pen writing on paper with drinks and wine glasses on table.
Flat lay of personal items including makeup, phone, and champagne on wooden table.
Person enjoying a pint of dark beer at a pub table.
Black and white image of hands holding drinks at a bar counter.
Person in tan coat walking on cobblestone street in urban setting.
Black and white candid shot of people conversing outside.
Person in bright blue suit poses on waterfront deck with city skyline in background.
Two people in colorful suits pose together on waterfront with urban skyline behind them.
Black and white image of people walking beneath tall ship rigging and masts.
Close-up of two people sitting with handbags and flowers, wearing contrasting red and beige outfits.
Couple posing in front of London's Royal Exchange with modern skyscrapers in background.
Two people in vibrant outfits pose outside The Ned luxury hotel entrance.
Black and white candid photo of people laughing together at restaurant table.
Monochrome image of people dining and socializing at dimly lit restaurant table.
Three people engaged in conversation at a dimly lit restaurant table with drinks.
Group of people taking shots together in a casual indoor setting.
Two people relaxing together on a couch with drinks in a room decorated with framed artwork.

 

Planning a tiny, intimate or unconventional wedding? I’d love to hear about your plans.

 

Tell me about your wedding →