There’s nothing quite like a proper South London wedding: relaxed, full of laughter, and held together with love, pints, and a cracking local pub. Grace and Hugh’s big day is exactly why I adore being a regular Lordship Pub wedding photographer! Not only I am very local to the pub, but each time I photograph a wedding there, I have the best time! This time I photographed the day on my vintage film cameras too.

The morning started with a sweet, intimate ceremony at Southwark Register Office. It was one of those classic December days – a little damp and grey at first – but London weather being London weather, the clouds parted just in time for an awesome confetti exit and couple portraits! We were suddenly blessed with the most beautiful low winter light – perfect for film photography!

Grace and Hugh wanted relaxed, nostalgic photographs that felt like real memories, not stiff poses. So after the ceremony we made the most of that surprise sunshine, wandering near the Southwark register office for some natural, unhurried portraits. The light was soft and golden, the kind that makes skin glow and turns ordinary South London streets into something magical.

Then everyone headed to The Lordship Pub – and wow, did it deliver. Grace’s friend Kate from Flower & Co had worked her magic: candles everywhere, green linen runners, fresh seasonal flowers on every table, and the most beautiful dried-flower installation hanging from the ceiling, woven with Christmas decorations and mistletoe dangling right above the head table. It was pure winter cosiness – the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay forever.

Here is the full story of Grace and Hugh’s Lordship pub wedding photography.

Wedding full of love

Some weddings just feel drenched in love, and this one was overflowing with it. Not only were Grace and Hugh clearly mad about each other, but their little baby girl was part of every moment, and so many guests poured their hearts into making the day magical: flowers by Kate (Flower & Co), live music from Will, a beautiful homemade cake baked by Grace’s mum, and huge support from bridesmaid and best friend Nellie – whose stunning flat, just five minutes from the register office, was used as the perfect getting-ready spot.

Even the photography came full-circle through friendship. Grace and Hugh found me because another lovely couple I had the privilege of photographing right in the middle of lockdown – Lavinia and Josh – recommended me. It was pretty special seeing Lavinia and Josh again after a few years, now with their own little one in tow. Moments like that remind me why I do this job – it’s never just about the photos, it’s about the people and the connections that keep growing.

This is exactly the kind of relaxed, love-filled, nostalgic winter wedding I live for as a South London wedding photographer.

Couple’s experience:

Jo was a total dream to work with – immensely organised and professional taking care of all the details ahead of time to ensure the day ran really smoothly. She fitted in discreetly to all moments of the day, but also ensured we got all the really important posed and informal shots. Could not recommend her more highly.

Grace and Hugh’s Words of Wedded Wisdom

Stick to what you really want! There’s a million choices to make, but keeping the big picture in mind of being married and sharing a super special day with your closest people helps to not get too lost in all the details. Also if people offer to help – let them!

If you’re planning a South London wedding at The Lordship Pub – I’d love to hear from you. I specialise in natural, timeless, film-inspired photography that feels like real memories (the laughs, the light, the little glances, all of it). P.S. Check a summer Lordship Pub wedding story here

Flowers – Flowers and Co

Dress – Clover London

Drop me a message – let’s chat about your day over coffee or a Guinness.

Relaxed South London Wedding Photographer | Lordship Pub Wedding Photographer | Natural, nostalgic & film-inspired photography