Abney Park Chapel Wedding Photographer

Written By Gemma Sandell

Some weddings feel like a proper reflection of the people at the centre of them. No filler, no unnecessary extras, just a day built around the things they actually love. Emma & Pete’s wedding was exactly that. East London through and through, a bit of Guinness, a bit of grit, a lot of joy, and a dancefloor that did not quit.

The morning started at One Hundred Shoreditch, which, if you’ve ever stood on one of those balconies, you’ll know it does half the work for you. Big skyline views, that slightly hazy London light. Emma got ready there with the city quietly buzzing below, while I moved between digital and 35mm film, catching those slower moments: half-finished makeup, outfits hanging, that calm before everything properly kicks off. As a 35mm film wedding photographer, mornings like this are gold. Nothing rushed, just time to notice things.

Meanwhile, Pete was doing things properly. Heading to The Auld Shillelagh for a pre-ceremony pint of Guinness. A solid nod to his Irish roots and, frankly, the only acceptable way to prepare for getting married. There’s something about that kind of ritual that grounds the day a bit. No overthinking, just a pint, a few laughs, and then off you go.

The ceremony took place at Abney Park Chapel, which is one of those venues that stops people in their tracks the first time they see it. It’s got all the drama of a church, soaring arches, gothic windows, incredible texture, but without any of the formality or tradition that can sometimes come with it. It feels atmospheric, slightly wild, like nature has started to reclaim it in the best way. As a London wedding photographer, it’s one of those spaces that never gets old. Every angle works, every bit of light feels intentional.

After the ceremony, we took a bit of time to wander, just the three of us, around Shoreditch and Hackney. Cobblestone streets, brick walls, the usual East London backdrop that always feels different depending on who’s in front of the camera. Shot on 35mm film, it all felt very loose and instinctive. No big production, just Emma & Pete walking, talking, occasionally laughing at me, and the city carrying on around them. This is the part I love most as a documentary wedding photographer, when everything settles and people just are.

Then it was on to Serata Hall (now Old Street Tavern), which delivered exactly what they wanted: good food, good drinks, and a proper party. The whole place had that “we’ve all been here before on a great night out” energy, which meant everyone relaxed into it instantly. No stiffness, no awkwardness, just people eating, drinking, and gearing up for what was always going to be a big night.

Their engagement story feels very them too. St Ives, a beach they return to every year, now with their dog in tow, and a proposal woven into a place that already meant something. No grand gestures for the sake of it, just choosing somewhere that mattered. They’re even heading back there for their honeymoon, which feels like the perfect full circle.

When I asked what they’d loved most about wedding planning, it wasn’t about trends or details, it was about choosing things they knew their people would love. And that really came through. The whole day felt generous, thoughtful, and completely unpretentious.

As both a London wedding photographer, I see a lot of different ways people build their days. Emma & Pete’s was a reminder that you don’t need to overcomplicate it. Pick places that mean something, bring your people together, and let it unfold. The rest takes care of itself.

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