This couple flew in from Cambodia for a pre-wedding shoot in London, and they landed on the hottest day of the year. Most of London was looking for shade. We spent it crossing the city.
Hair, make-up and the dress
The day started with hair and make-up by one of the stylists from Gemma Sutton. That matters more than it sounds on a day like that. Make-up that’s done properly lasts through heat and a lot of walking. Make-up that isn’t is gone by lunchtime.
The dress was hired from Something Borrowed, which is a good option if you’re travelling. You don’t have to fly a wedding dress halfway round the world, and you can choose something that suits the city rather than something you’ll wear once at home.
The route
We did the whole of London in one day, east to west:
- Shad Thames. Cobbles and old warehouses right next to Tower Bridge.
- Tower Bridge. Blue sky, bright water, and the bridge doing what it does.
- St Paul’s Cathedral. The dome and the steps.
- The London Eye and Westminster Bridge. Big Ben and Parliament behind them.
- The Royal College of Music. The steps outside.
- The Royal Albert Hall.
- The Albert Memorial. The last stop, with the sun going down behind Kensington Gardens.
That’s a lot of London for one day, and on a cooler day I’d probably suggest fewer stops. But if you’ve flown this far, you want the landmarks, and I don’t blame anyone for that.
If your shoot lands on a day like this
London doesn’t get many of them, but when it does, a few things help:
- Start early and finish late. The light either side of midday is kinder to faces and to everyone’s patience.
- Use the shade. Narrow streets, colonnades and the north side of big buildings. Shade gives you softer light as well as a rest.
- Carry water and blotting papers. Unglamorous and essential.
- Don’t over-plan the stops. Leave room for a cold drink between them.
Thank you both for flying all that way, and for being such good company on a very hot day.
Barrie
Planning a pre-wedding shoot in London?
Everything on locations, timings and prices is on my pre-wedding photography London page. If you’re flying in, tell me when you land and I’ll help you plan the route around it. I also photograph weddings across London and abroad.
