The Chainstore Wedding Photography – Michaela and Luke

Creative Wedding Photography

The Chainstore Wedding Photography – An industrial glam wedding at Trinity Buoy Wharf

I was a bit like a small person in a sweet shop when Michaela and Luke booked me as their wedding photographer, as I’d wanted to photograph a wedding at the amazing Chainstore at Trinity Buoy Wharf for ages.

As well as being a beautiful warehouse space (with glorious light in all weather!), it’s set right on the Thames and you can see the Millennium Dome across the water (scroll right down to the bottom for evidence).  Not only that but the area around the venue is dotted with quirky backdrops, industrial architecture and lots of public art.  Add Michaela and Luke’s beautifully styled day into the mix and you’ll understand why I had such a brilliant day.

Laura created the most beautiful moody and dramatic portraits

Here’s what Michaela and Luke had to say about working with me for their Chainstore Wedding Photography:  “As soon as we came across Laura’s work, we knew she was the photographer for us!  We love her natural style. But it was her stunning couples portraits that we fell in love with.  The British weather let us down, and it was a rainy grey July day, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise as Laura created the most beautiful moody & dramatic portraits”

Scroll down to the bottom to read more about their London wedding day at The Chainstore, Trinity Buoy Wharf.

Returning to London to marry in front of friends and family

Luke and I are childhood sweethearts, we met at school, and have been together for 11 years.  4 years ago we left London with our backpacks for an adventure down under, and love the sun, sea & sandy shores of Sydney. Luke proposed 2 1/2 years ago in front of the Sydney Opera House.  Although we adore our life in Australia, it was no question that we would return to our hometown of London & marry in front of our friends & family.

A blank canvas, warehouse wedding venue

We knew we didn’t want a traditional wedding, and British countryside manor houses & barns just didn’t appeal to us. We love the city & are very proud of our London roots, so when we discovered the fabulous Trinity Buoy Wharf, situated right on the Thames, we knew we could create something special there.

Its a complete blank canvas, so we were able to let our creative juices flow & make our day unique. There was lots of DIY-ing, which I loved, but wasn’t always easy when you’re living on the other side of the world!

A Johanna Johnson dress and a midnight tux

My dress was by Australian designer Johanna Johnson, I fell in love with her gorgeous embellished silk gowns, and felt like an Old-Hollywood Movie Star! I wasn’t keen at wearing a veil at first, but you only get one chance to wear one so I thought what the heck, and went for the longest & simplest silk tulle veil I could find. I also wore a beautiful Johanna Johnson hand chain, and sparkly Jimmy Choos.

Luke looked extremely dapper in a fitted midnight tux by Australian designer Calibre, with Hugo Boss accessories. We looked fit for the red carpet if I do say so myself!!

Magical flowers full of leafy greens and whites

Our florist, Jam Jar flowers, created the most magical blooms, full of beautiful whites & leafy greens. They even managed to source my absolute favourite flowers, white peonies, despite them not being in season. They made the most stunning garland to hang on our vintage door seating plan, and an awesome antique bath filled with flowers. Melissa at Jam Jar is a family friend, and I can’t thank her enough for making our day so beautiful.

A very special family friend created our heart of lights that we used as our alter & backdrop at dinner. It was an absolute show-stopper and it worked perfectly in our venue, a mix of industrial glamour, made of tin cans & festoon lights.

I felt like a movie star walking down the aisle

Walking down the aisle was the most petrifying & wonderful moment of my life – all those camera phones clicking away – I really felt like a movie star! I walked down the aisle to “The XX- Angels” sung acoustically by the Live Lounge Band, which was just amazing.

Our celebrant Gwen created the most beautiful ceremony, which we were able to customise & make really personal. We surprised our mums by inviting them to light unity candles, to unite our families, which was really special & they loved it. My brother Adam read Love by Roy Croft, and Luke’s mum Lorraine read A Parents Prayer.

Planning from the other side of the world was a challenge

The last few months before the wedding I was really freaking out that we had taken too much on with a complete blank canvas venue, that needed setting up from head to toe. It doesn’t even have a kitchen, so we literally had to bring everything in the morning of the wedding, and clear out the same night – not an easy task!

Planning everything from the other side of the world was definitely challenging!
But the day was so perfect, I would not have changed a thing, and I would do it all again, exactly the same, in a heartbeat!

Words of wisdom for other couples

My advice to other couples is to stick to your guns & create a day that’s magical & personal to you as a couple, that really reflects your personalities.  The day passes by in a flash, hold on to each other & enjoy every second!

The Credits: Unique Ceremony // Jam Jar Flowers // Johanna Johnson // Jimmy Choo // The Chain Store // Haze Restaurant // Calibre // DD Letterpress // Live Lounge Band // The Inlaws // Blooming Lovely Films

If you’re looking for an alternative London wedding photographer or someone to squee at the awesomeness of your wedding plans you can get in touch via my contact form. Check out more London weddings here and here are some more warehouse weddings. You can find more Trinity Buoy Wharf weddings here, here and here.

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