Jo and Dave at Chelsea Old Town Hall.

“We absolutely love our photos, what a great memory of our wedding day! We all look so happy, even though we had a wedding full of restrictions. That didn’t matter and Claire captured every moment perfectly and in such a discrete way. Claire is very personable and friendly and our children loved her, we have the best flower girl pics. You will have wonderful photos on your special day if you decide to work with Claire.”

The beautiful Chelsea Old Town Hall in the summer.

With Jo originally being from Portugal, she was worried about the weather in Chelsea for their wedding day. She really didn’t need to have worried…it was a mere 34 degrees and the hottest day of the year so far. We were cooking! I think potentially the hottest I’ve ever worked in. Thank goodness at least the ceremony rooms had air conditioning.

Ahead of the wedding Jo and Dave told me that their day was going to be intimate and relaxed. With Jo’s family unable to make the trip over to the UK there were 8 people present on the day, including myself, and from the very beginning I was made to feel like a guest rather than a supplier.

A beautiful and intimate ceremony.

I met Jo and David at Chelsea Old Town hall with their two children Sienna and William. Sienna (6) was chief flower girl and when I arrived informed that she was SO excited and had been counting down to this day for such a long time. William who was 20 months was looking super cute in his outfit and was as good as gold. There was a slight panic when Dave realised he had left the rings in the car. But not to worry, nothing a quick dash in your wedding suit in 34-degree heat can’t fix. I mean poor Dave, like he didn’t have enough to worry about! Jo was changing into her dress at this point so wasn’t aware what was happening. This story was told to Jo later in the day over couple’s photographs which prompted some wicked outbursts of laughter.

Due to Covid ceremonies have a slightly different spin now and Sienna and William were able to go in with their parents and be part of the interview process. It also meant that they all stood as a unit whilst Jo and Dave said their vows to each other and it really was so touching to see, like they were all saying ‘I do’ together.  I need to give a special mention to the staff at Chelsea Town Hall who were absolutely incredible. Even in Covid times and during a heatwave they were so relaxed and friendly, whilst at the same time maintaining all of the safety measures that they needed to.

Stunning couples portraits in St Marks park.

Following on from the service we all took a walk down to St Marks gardens for some group shots and for some couple’s portraits. Jo and Dave had said it would be relaxed and it was exactly that. Whilst Sienna and William hung out in the shade and had a play with the other guests, Jo, Dave and myself took a little walk to capture some shots of the two of them. I stood back and let them catch up on their morning together, capturing their natural moments of laughter and affection. It was clear how much this day meant to them, regardless of the size of their wedding party.