Shona and James messaged me when I’d already closed my books for summer 2022, but when they told me about the plans for their Islington Town Hall wedding, I found it hard to say no. They ended up wrapping my 2022 wedding season on the last weekend of September. Keep reading to see the cutest intimate wedding reception venue/ date spot at Luca, and a show stopper of a dress and veil combo!
An Islington Town Hall wedding ceremony
I’ve lost count of the number of weddings I’ve shot at Islington Town Hall. It’s probably my favourite town hall ceremony venue in London! The main chamber is a real statement room and feels so ceremonious. I also love the corridor where you can do portraits in. It’s an iconic London wedding spot and a great portrait option for wet weather too.
Weirdly enough, I got two enquiries for the town hall at 11am on this day. I’d already booked Shona & James, but then also saw the couple I had had to turn down. Which was quite nice actually – I got to wish them good luck still as they tied the knot!
James and Shona had 12 of their closest friends and family with them to celebrate, including their two children. Their daughter was a flower child, and their son was ring-bearer. Some big responsibilities, and they both did so well.
After a sweet ceremony in the main chamber, we took 5 minutes in that famous corridor that is iconic in Islington town hall weddings. You normally get a little bit of time in here whilst your guests exit the building and get ready on the steps for the confetti moment.
After Shona and James had said their hellos to their guests and celebrated, they sent everyone else on their way to Luca, where a private dining experience was waiting for them! In the meantime, we wandered down a side street to do some couples portraits.
Wedding reception in the terrace at Luca, Clerkenwell
Luca is a super cute and very tasty italian restaurant nestled into the Heart of Clerkenwell. You could easily walk past it and not realise the amazing flavours, and decor inside. It’s unassuming from the front but this place has a Michelin star!
The Terrace can be hired for private events, which is exactly what Shona and James had done for their wedding party. It was beautifully set up with vibrant florals and looked so inviting. The space can hold up to 20 of your nearest and dearest, so is perfect if you’ve had a local town hall wedding.
I knew of Luca and knew it would make for some really cute shots, so we jumped in a taxi to finish off our portrait session there. I absolutely adore these shots we did in the bar area of the restaurant. It screams city glam and made me think of 1960s editorial shoots. That was totally what I was going for here!
After I’d shot this lovely day, I raved about it to my fiance and he took me there shortly after for our anniversary dinner. It was DELICIOUS – I’d highly recommend 🙂
If you’re having an Islington Town Hall wedding, or you’re planning an intimate Luca wedding reception, drop me a message to enquire about your date! I would love to hear all about your plans 🙂
