Gay wedding – Tony & Alberto my last wedding of 2016 Islington Town Hall

The first real wedding I photographed was a gay wedding way back in 2004, a very good friend of mine was getting married to his long-time boyfriend. It was a humanist wedding in Vestre Jakobselv in the far north of Norway

I had known Cameron since the early 80s and we had kept in touch ever since, even though most of the time he was in Australia. Back then I was using film and it was a long time before gay people could marry in the UK and a few years before they could have a civil ceremony.

Moving forward thirteen years my last wedding of 2016 was a gay wedding with a charming couple from The Barbican in North London. The wedding ceremony was to be held at Islington Town Hall and then the reception at a Spanish tapas bar called Tinto in Theberton St just off Islington High Street. I got to Tony & Alberto’s 15^th story two-bedroom flat at the Barbican 30 minutes early and got to work.The great thing about their flat is the views so I stood them in front of the windows and took a variety of shots and then moved them onto the balcony before friends and family arrived. They were a great couple to photograph.

I asked them why they had decided to marry now after being together for more than thirty years? It’s simple said Tony because we can!
We all bundled into taxis there must have been about 12 of us now and headed to Islington Town Hall I was keen to get there first. Tony & Alberto wanted group shots before the ceremony I positioned the wedding party against the front of the town hall and went to work.

What an impressive listed building Islington Town Hall is with its grand façade and sweeping marble staircase it was a photographer’s dream venue, what a stunning backdrop!

They were getting married in the Council Chamber with its impressive vaulted ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows. I snapped away making sure I capture all those special moments.

Then out we went to take my favourite photos of all weddings the confetti shot. I love taking these as I challenge myself to capture the reaction on the couple’s face and to try to get as much confetti falling on them as I can. I lined up the guests and told them to throw the confetti high, it rained down like a snow shower, I was pleased with the results.

After that we walked to Tintos for the speeches and plenty of Cava. I finished by taking as many candid shots as I could and various group shots of the boys and their friends outside the restaurant.
It was such a privilege to be able to capture Tony & Alberto’s big day, I hope I did it justice thank you so much x.