Part Two: Lauren and Tim's Wedding at Stanley Arts, Croydon
Part two of Lauren and Tim’s wedding began after they’d finished the wedding breakfast and made their way into the theatre hall of Stanley Arts. With round tables set up throughout the room and spotlights pointed at the stage, the hall was ready for the main event, the Jolly Jellicle Ball – or, in their words, “a concoction of captivating cabaret and wonderful speeches”.
The event kicked off with their second ceremony of the day, officiated by James Bennison (aka Doktor James) onstage. After a welcome speech, a quick reading, and a sing-along to their hymn of choice, Two Become One by the Spice Girls, the two tied the knot once again – and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room as they read their vows to one another and exchanged rings. Despite the absurdness of the oversized contract they and their witnesses signed, it was a super emotional ceremony, with their friends and families cheering and whooping throughout.
There was time for a quick break, in which I stole them away for some more portraits, and then it was cabaret time! Amid the speeches from their loved ones, Lauren and Tim had put together an eclectic line-up of drag artists, singers, and even a psychic – not to mention Tim’s own comedy duo We Are Goose, and a surprise wedding cake organised by Lauren’s bestie Jules. I can honestly say I’ve never had as much fun at a wedding as I did during their cabaret (a stand-out moment for me was Izzy Aman’s Bob Ross act in which she revealed Lauren & Tim’s portraits painted on her bum), and the room was abuzz with laughter, awe and overall good vibes.
After an epic finale featuring a sing-along to “Lady & The Goose”, a cover of Lizzo’s Juice, Lauren and Tim took to the floor for their first dance. Soon after, their guests were joining them on the dancefloor to enjoy the couple’s playlist of pop, rock and everything in between, followed by a DJ set by Jules.
Lauren and Tim’s wedding was such a fabulous, feel-good, creative celebration and an absolute highlight of my career. It’s rare as a photographer to find a couple that you gel so well with, let alone their friends and families – but I truly felt like one of the guests at this amazing event and had the most incredible time. I am beyond thrilled for Lauren and Tim! Congratulation Mr & Mrs Goose!
Fair warning: a few of these photos may be considered risqué or NSFW... proceed with caution!
As mentioned in part one, I shot using Lomography colour negative film for Lauren & Tim’s 35mm shots. I also experimented with off-camera flash for the first time with my AE-1 and am chuffed with how some of these photos came out! Take a look -
Venue: Stanley Arts, Croydon
Bride’s dress: Essence of Australia from Love Bridal Shop
Hair and makeup: LeKeux Vintage Salon
Groom’s outfit: Lorna Jean Costumes
Transport: London Retro Bus Hire
Flowers: handmade by bride
Wedding planner: Events with Akilah
Catering: Lettice Events
Cake: Hollie’s Little Cakery
Second shooter: Kat Antos-Lewis
Ella Comedy
Livi Prendergast
Charlie Partridge
Ali the Bari
Slap & Giggle
We Are Goose
Peter Antoniou
Izzy Aman: Drag King
Alota Nerve
Are you planning a unique wedding in London or beyond? Get in touch for more info about my wedding photography services!