INTIMATE LONDON WEDDING - NATASJA AND GRANT

Natasja and Grant are the kind of people who just radiate happiness. I absolutely loved documenting their wedding day, as it was what weddings are all about - love, family, happiness, and things that matter and mean something. Natasja and Grant met while studying at London Business School. They went to South Bank for their first date (where they had their pre-wedding photoshoot), and ended up standing on a bridge, overlooking the Thames and Big Ben, and looking at each other... Then Grant said "I think I like you", and Natasja replied "I think I like you too"... The rest is history as they say :-) Couple of years later they were getting married in London, surrounded by their family and friends, who came from all over the world. 

Natasja got ready at their home, together with her best friend and her parents. It was an intimate and perfect morning))

The beautiful Tiffany rings were placed on a little cushion made by Natasja's mum using fabric from her wedding dress. So sweet:

Natasja's purse was custom made in Japan (a nod to part of Grant's family traditions) using fabric from a kimono: 

Grant picked up his bride from their home on the way to the ceremony. I think everyone cried happy tears when they first saw each other on the day, including me)) They were standing at the exact spot where they first kissed a couple of years ago... 

Do you like my tie? :)

Having this sort of First Look meant that we had time for portraits before the ceremony. We went to beautiful St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, and were shooting inside and around it. The location also had a special meaning, as Natasja used to live very close to it, and she saw the hotel covered in scaffolding and everything. It is now restored and is opened.

I like it that Natasja's parents are holding hands while waiting for the ceremony to begin:

Because so many guests came from different countries, Natasja and Grant hired an old London Bus to have a short tour for everyone to see the city. We hopped off at London Eye for the views over the Thames and a few photos:

Bride and groom held an informal reception at the Opera Tavern in Covent Garden:

Natasja and Grant - huge thank you for having me as part of your wedding! You two are such wonderful people and so perfect for each other! Wishing the best of the best! Dasha x

WEDDING PREVIEW - LONDON WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

You might remember Natasja and Grant from their pre-wedding photoshoot. They are both from different countries, but have been living in London for the last few years, and now consider it their home. I really enjoyed  documenting their wedding! It was just so personal, so relaxed, and so them! Also, we had almost the whole hour for portraits in and around magnificent St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel, which is finally opened after years of restoration. Below are a couple of preview images from Natasja and Grant's truly international and intimate wedding. More details and full post coming in a couple of weeks :)

LONDON PRE-WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY - CILLA AND ALAN

When I first met Cilla to chat about their wedding, Alan wasn't there, but I could feel they were such a wonderful couple and belonged together. Cilla was saying she thought Alan wouldn't be comfortable in front of the camera. Well, I think it was quite the opposite! He rocked it! Together they absolutely rocked the shoot! They found a perfect spot for photos - a walled garden not far from their home. It was a warm September day, and the light was so soft and glowing. Cilla and Alan are just so comfortable with each other. I hope I managed to capture the silly giggles and the tender love they have for one another.
Cilla and Alan are getting married in spring next year and are planning a vintage inspired wedding. I can't wait! I just know it's going to be a beautiful day filled with joy))

MY FRIENDS

As some of you may know I travelled home recently to visit my family and see my friends. I was obviously taking my camera with me for this trip, and when I asked Valeria if they were up for a some photos, she immediately said yes)) I love these guys, and I miss them like family when I'm away. I've known Valeria for what feels like all my life (well, since we were 6 years old, so kinda yes, for all my life!). We went to dancing classes together when we were kids, we went through 10 years of school together, we lived across the road from each other, and were maids of honour and witnesses at each others weddings... You know when you don't see someone for a long long time, and it can be awkward when you meet again, and you don't know what to say? Not with her... Things are never awkward! We meet after a year or so of not seeing each other, and we talk for hours! I know I can talk to her about things I would never talk about to anyone else. She married a great guy, and it was the first wedding I ever photographed! They've been together for 8 years, and I'm so happy for them. I didn't have any good photos of them together apart from their wedding images, so I knew I had to take some when I visited home! Here they are, and I love them so much:

Valeria also loves photography! She got her first camera a couple of months ago. We went on a sort of a photowalk, and I showed her a few tricks. While taking photos of each other she noticed that I look through the viewfinder with my left eye, and she with her right eye. I've never actually thought about this, it just feels natural to me! We tried and 'switched' for a bit, but it only made us laugh! As you can see from the photos, she is taking things very seriously :). I haven't seen pics of myself YET (wink, wink!):