A wedding during chelsea in bloom
Thoughts FROM A LoNDON WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
I was so excited when I found out that A&D's Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding was in May and could possibly coincide with Chelsea in Bloom.
If you've never come across it before, Chelsea in Bloom takes place during the Chelsea Flower Show, when the shops around Chelsea are transformed with incredible floral installations. Fleur de la Couture, who creates the beautiful floral arch outside Chelsea Old Town Hall, also updates it for a couple of weeks as part of the event.
I already adore, and photograph a lot of weddings at, Chelsea Old Town hall, so a wedding during Chelsea in Bloom felt like the dream. As the wedding got closer, I messaged Fleur to find out when the arch would be updated.
It turned out A&D's wedding was the day before. Not going to lie, I was a little disappointed.
But I still really wanted to see it, so a few days after the wedding I made a special trip back to Chelsea to see the arch for myself and have a wander around Sloane Square and the King's Road. I was already imagining the blog post I would write afterwards, quietly manifesting a future Chelsea in Bloom wedding.
And as expected, the arch was SPECTACULAR. It was huge, and absolutely striking. The skill involved is next level - it was definitely worth the visit.
Whilst I was there, a wedding had just finished at the town hall and the couple were getting ready for confetti and photographs on the steps. There was a crowd gathered around the display, with people admiring the flowers, taking photographs and waiting for their turn in front of the arch.
As I watched, I found myself thinking less about the flowers and more about the couple. As photographers, it's easy to get excited about beautiful backdrops, and immediately start imagining the photographs we could create there.
Most of my couples tell me they don't particularly enjoy having their photograph taken. They're not looking to perform or recreate something they've seen on Pinterest. They want to enjoy their wedding day, spend time with their favourite people and come away with photographs that feel like them.
I'm so glad I made the trip to see Chelsea in Bloom because it reminded me of what sits at the heart of how I approach weddings. It's easy to get caught up in the location, especially as photographers, but the photographs my couples love most are ones that show connection, emotion, and take them back to how they felt.
Of course I'd still LOVE to photograph a wedding during Chelsea in Bloom. The displays are incredible and the floral arch is beautiful. But I came away reminded that whilst flowers can make a lovely backdrop, connection will always matter most to me.
If you're planning a wedding at Chelsea Old Town Hall and are looking for relaxed, natural photography that focuses on genuine moments rather than awkward posing, I'd love to hear more about your plans.
You can find out more about my approach to wedding photography here, or get in touch to check my availability.
