Stylish and Chic Wedding at Chelsea Old Town Hall with Black Bridesmaids Dresses

A Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding starting with untraditional, gorgeous black bridesmaid dresses and a first look between the Bride and Groom! Something that’s becoming more popular in the UK and that I’m absolutely here for! Followed by a very intimate ceremony in the Rosetti room and drinks in the Phene, Chelsea. With a wedding so small I got to become an enthusiastic guest with a camera – my personal favourite.

Getting Ready Photos

This wedding day started a ten-minute Uber away in a nearby Hilton. Starting with candid photos of the Bride, her Mum and Bridesmaids having the finishing touches done to their hair and make-up. And getting into their individually chosen black bridesmaids’ dresses. I love this idea, we did the same for ours, I gave my bridesmaids each a colour and they went and found their own dresses. It means they all bought something they are happy to wear again and they don’t go to waste! Happy bridesmaids (tick) Better for the environment (double tick).

I’m here to change your mind about getting ready photos because the way I approach them means they aren’t the least bit awkward and they also help you relax in front of the camera, much, much quicker. Hear me out, during the morning you’re chatting with your besties, having a glass of bubbly and having your hair and make-up done. So there isn’t much time to get the old awkward smile out for the camera. And the way I mingle with you and your friends you won’t even notice I’m photographing you. So you get used to having me around, and the ceremony nerves will be the only ones you have.

First Look Portraits

First looks are becoming more popular and I love it! They mean I can capture both of your reactions, without being in the way. They help your nerves, because when doesn’t a hug with your husband/wife to be help those?! It is also the perfect opportunity for you to have a lovely ten minutes alone before you welcome all your lovely guests!

For these guys, I found a perfect little spot around the corner for the hotel with some gorgeous architecture and a fountain! While their families headed to the ceremony venue.

All of these moments were captured completely naturally. I hardly even told them how to stand. They just did their thing – acted exactly as they always do when they are together and I did mine! I strive to capture this with all of my couples, photos that scream you and your relationship!

Chelsea Old Town Hall Ceremony

While the couple waited for their interviews with the registrars they had a bit of time to welcome the rest of their guests and for us to get some gorgeous group photos on the stairs alongside some candids and lots of hugs.

If you’ve decided not to have photos of you getting ready then I suggest I start half an hour before your ceremony. This allows time for photos like this and less stress on the day.

The Rossetti room in Chelsea Old Town Hall was absolutely perfect for these two. They kept their legal ceremony very intimate with just their families and bridesmaids, with a much bigger celebration later on in the year! The room has the most gorgeous arched window over the door at the back and comfortably fits twelve guests and me! Quick note the room is no longer yellow, check the website to see the refurbishment.

This room is quite small, so I tend to stick to the front to capture as many photos as I can of your reactions alongside your guests. I don’t like to get in the way or distract anyone while I work so I try not to move around too much during intimate ceremonies.

Confetti and Group Photos

Time for that obligatory, fabulous moment on Chelsea Town Hall steps, where your guests can throw confetti in the air and celebrate you! These guys had romantic white rose petals, which show up great on camera. We went for classic group photos for these two, however, if you’re looking for more fun-themed group photos then I am happy to oblige and I’m already full of ideas!

A quick moment dedicated to those congratulatory hugs and keeping the gorgeous dress off the floor.

A quick five-minute walk from the Town Hall to the pub to pop some prosecco and capture some lovely candids! These guys booked a table in the main area for their reception, however, the pub also has some gorgeous private rooms available.

We also managed to have another five minutes to ourselves to capture a few more portraits in the surrounding streets filled with Town Houses you and I can only dream of living in!

These guys separated my half-day package into a two hour engagement shoot and three hours on their wedding day. Their engagement shoot was all around central London, including Big Ben and Covent Garden, you’ll find some of them in my engagement gallery!

I hope this wedding was all the inspiration you need for your own unique Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding and gives you the push to go untraditional with your choice of I do Crew outfits and to think about having a first look!

Are you still looking for your wedding photographer? I should probably introduce myself, I’m Lottie a bookworm and pinot grigio groupie who loves to party. I’m a wedding photographer who loves capturing relaxed, fun weddings in and around London. You can see more of my work in my gallery or more from this venue on my Chelsea Old Town Hall page.

Or are you ready to chat about your wedding? Get in touch to check my availability for your wedding date!

Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Photography: Me
Wedding prep Venue: Hilton
Ceremony Venue: Chelsea Old Town Hall
Reception Venue: The Phene Pub
Dress: Wed 2 Be
Hair: Hair By Bethany Alden
Make-up: Becky Make-up and Beauty
Flowers: Amanda Austin Flowers