Hackney Town Hall Wedding Photography
A gorgeous sunny Hackney Town Hall Wedding with a Banging Party at Jones & Sons, Dalston
When you get a perfect East London summer day, a chilled-out couple like Fred and “Darling” ( If you know you know ) and a reception that turns into a full-blown party — you know it’s going to be a wedding to remember.
This wedding had it all: City vibes, emotional moments and a dancefloor that didn’t know when to stop. From the elegance of Hackney Town Hall to the buzz of Jones & Sons in Dalston, this wedding was packed with beautiful chaos, real connection, and so much fun.
Getting Ready in Dalston
I started the day with the gorgeous bride at a hotel just around the corner in Dalston just a stones throw away from my old house. She was getting ready with her best friend and close family — and like most good wedding mornings, it was a little chaotic (in the best way). We were racing against the clock, dodging steamers, makeup bags, and hot hair straighteners but the energy was excitable. Even if we were pushing it close to ceremony time.
“Darling” was looking absolutely stunning in her sleek, clean, ivory satin dress — effortless, modern, and totally her. There’s something really special about those quiet, nervous, excited moments before it all begins, and it was a privilege to document them.
Ceremony at Hackney Town Hall
Hackney Town Hall is one of my favourite venues to shoot and I have it booked up four times this year — it is light-filled, architecturally beautiful, and steeped in character. Fred was waiting, calm and collected chatting with all his as guests outside waited in anticipation to file in for the ceremony.
The ceremony itself was really lovely and emotional with 60 of their nearest and dearest. The last few moments at the front with Fred was the first time I had seen him start to look nervous as he waited for his future wife to meet him at the end of the aisle. Tears were flowing, smiles were beaming and just like that this gorgeous pair has tied the knot. One of my favourite shots from the day was them stepping out into the sunshine as newlyweds, greeted with confetti and cheers on the grand steps of the Town Hall.
Time to Jump On a Big Red London Bus….. Sort of…….
While we were taking some family photos and walking around the corner for 5 mins getting a few snaps, all the guests piled onto a classic red Routemaster bus — a proper London moment and something I love to be part of for weddings in the capital. As we were walking back however we saw the bus pulling off and down Hackney road without us. As if you forget the Bride and Groom!!
A few panicked phone calls later and the bus was on its way back to collect us. It was packed out with every seat taken so the journey to Dalston was a ropey one for a guy with a heavy camera in each hand and a massive back pack on trying to keep his balance whilst not falling into the laps of any unsuspecting guests. Thankfully it’s only a 10 min drive to Dalston so I didn’t need to hang on the edge for too long and it didn’t stop us from getting some awesome pictures of this gorgeous couple en route. These in-between venue journey moments often bring out the best candid photos and it’s one of the reasons I love being a Hackney Town Hall Wedding Photographer.
Reception at Jones & Sons
The celebration continued at Jones & Sons in the heart of Dalston, and I’ve got to say — what a venue! Industrial chic meets warm hospitality, with incredible cocktails and the most incredible food to match. This place was the setting for the film boiling point with Stephen Graham so I recognised it instantly walking in.
Being fed scallops to start followed by Beef Wellington, more cocktails and an endless supply of cheese was this photographers dream. Every detail at this venue was spot-on and I will definitely be heading back there myself (not just for work!). Special shout out to Chloe, who kept me fuelled with a steady stream of espresso martinis — an actual hero behind the bar.
A Party to Remember
As the speeches wrapped up and the lights dimmed, the party truly kicked off — and it did not slow down. The DJ absolutely killed it from start to finish and he even had me dancing throughout the night. The dance floor was popping from the first to last minute. The drinks were flowing and the dancing was getting more and more rogue. This photographer bloody loves a good party and often gets carried away so big thanks to that guest who caught me dancing, recorded it all on video and tagged me on insta the very next day. My first ever piece of BTS wedding footage was not what I expected but im fine with it.
Why I Love Documentary Wedding Photography
Weddings like this one remind me why I love to shoot in a documentary style — unposed, unfiltered, and completely real. No awkward setups or interruptions, just the freedom to enjoy the day while I quietly capture all the moments that matter most
From the nervous excitement of the morning in Dalston to the last track on the dance floor at Jones & Sons, this wedding was pure energy and so awesome to photograph.
Planning your own East London wedding?
Whether it’s a Hackney Town Hall ceremony, a red bus ride, or a cocktail-fuelled reception in Dalston, I’d love to be there to capture it all. Get in touch — and let’s tell your story, your way.
