An Elegant And Intimate Wedding At The Dorchester Hotel In London

An elegant and intimate wedding at The Dorchester Hotel

Last August I had the pleasure of photographing Christopher and Hanyi’s wedding at The Dorchester Hotel.

A Gorgeous Wedding

This was a really beautiful wedding to photograph which allowed time for portraits, candid captures, and to try out some more creative shots. The Dorchester is a large and very grand hotel in the heart of London with an international reputation for luxury and elegance. Over the years it has been a favourite with celebrities as well as royalty and world leaders, and as you enter the hotel you really get a feeling of opulence. However, the hotel is also an amazing venue for those wanting to have a small and intimate wedding.

There was so much to love about this wedding. Firstly the bride and groom. Such a sweet couple. Hanyi, a doctor of mathematics and amazing pianist (as you will see). I have never before witnessed a bride perform a mini concert for her guests. It was also very special to photograph her during the couples’ portraits. She played Liberace’s famous crystal piano for Christopher, at the foot of the sweeping staircase to The Crystal Room. Just wow! Then Christopher, also a doctor of mathematics (they met at Edinburgh University), so utterly chuffed to bits with his gorgeous bride. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a big smile before. There was a real sense of two families joining together, and with just a small number of guests, everyone obviously felt an important part of the couple’s day.

The Details

I loved Hanyi’s fabulous feathered Pronovias wedding gown and her strappy champagne Jimmy Choos.

The bride and groom married before friends and family on the eighth floor of the hotel in the Penthouse and Pavilion. There are a series of party rooms with interiors said to be inspired by the theatrical design of The Sleeping Beauty. It’s so pretty, especially when you add a string quartet and beautiful flowers by florist Philip Hammond. Champagne and canapes were then served on the open terrace. It’s a stunning setting with a fountain of cherubs and views across Mayfair. The staff were also very wonderful (they forced some amazing food on me), and I’m especially grateful for the time and care they took in showing us some great places for further portraits.

This was a very lovely and memorable wedding to photograph and I’m delighted to be able to share it with you.

Hanyi and Christopher, thank you for trusting me to capture this truly special day. J x