An intimate chelsea old town hall wedding with a modern city twist

Raissa and Vasileios pose in front of a classic white townhouse at door number 12, standing on the steps with elegant black railings on either side. The groom, dressed in a beige suit with a tie, embraces the bride, who stuns in a sleek, one-shoulder white gown. Both are smiling warmly, radiating joy on their wedding day in London.

On August 12th, 2024, recorded as the hottest day of the year, Raissa and Vasileios tied the knot at Chelsea Old Town Hall in London. The streets of London—probably quieter than usual with everyone hiding indoors in the air con on the hottest day of the year—were the perfect backdrop for a celebration full of modern city vibes, heartfelt moments, and personal touches. With Raissa from South Africa and Vasileios from Greece, their love story is a true blend of cultures, and it all started on a dating app—only to discover they worked at the same hospital. Talk about fate! Raissa and I share a love for London, which I think comes from both of us being expats. There’s something about the city that feels endlessly fascinating when it’s not your hometown. For their wedding photos, Raissa wanted something modern and creative—no cheesy, traditional portraits in front of overdone landmarks. Vasileios was on the same page, leaning toward an editorial city vibe.

A MORNING OF COOL CABS AND CITY STROLLS

  • A close-up of Raissa and Vasileios holding hands.
  • The couple shares a kiss along the peaceful pathways of Warwick Square, surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Raissa and Vasileios share a quiet moment in front of a white townhouse at Warwick Square, framed by elegant black railings.
  • Raissa leans against Vasileios in a tender embrace and they share a kiss at Warwick Square.
  • Raissa stands gracefully on the steps of an elegant townhouse in her modern white wedding gown, her soft smile radiating confidence and beauty as the black door and classic columns frame her.
  • Raissa playfully lifts the flowing fabric of her wedding dress against the backdrop of a charming townhouse, her expression serene and radiant as sunlight filters through, highlighting her timeless elegance.
  • Close up photo of the bride sipping her coffee.
  • The couple embraces in front of door number 12 at Warwick Square, holding hands and smiling, a symbolic touch for their August 12th wedding date.
  • Raissa radiates grace and beauty as she stands on the steps of a classic London townhouse, her contemporary white wedding gown highlighted by the bold black door and stately columns that frame the scene.
  • In a timeless black and white frame, Raissa stands elegantly on the steps of a grand townhouse, her minimalist wedding gown flowing beautifully as her serene smile contrasts against the striking black door and classic columns.
  • Captured in classic black and white, Raissa lifts the delicate fabric of her gown with grace, the interplay of light and shadow accentuating her poised elegance against the vintage charm of the townhouse backdrop.
  • The couple walks hand-in-hand along the peaceful pathways of Warwick Square.
  • Black and white close-up portrait of Raissa coming out of London black cab.
  • Black of white photo of Raissa and Vsileios sitting at a dainty table adorned with pastel treats. The couple savour their drinks amidst the whimsical charm of Peggy Porschen Café.
  • Raissa and Vasileios sit outside Peggy Porschen Café, clinking coffee cups with playful smiles.
  • Close up of flowers at Peggy Porschen Café.
  • Peggy Porschen Café's interior decor.
  • Close up of pink roses at Peggy Porschen Café.
  • The waiter, wearing a pink polo shirt, at Pergy Porschen Cafe serving Raissa and Vasileios their coffee and cakes.
  • A detail shot of Raissa’s sunglasses resting on their café table, with their coffee cups and cake plates in the background.
  • Peggy Porschen Cafe.
  • The couple enjoys a lighthearted moment with pastel-colored cupcakes in hand, surrounded by the café’s iconic floral décor.
  • Close up of Raissa sipping her coffee at Peggy Porschen Café.
  • The couple shares a lighthearted moment at Peggy Porschen Café, with Raissa taking a bite of her cupcake while surrounded by the café's iconic pink floral backdrop.
  • A stylish couple enjoys a romantic moment at Peggy Porschen Café, sipping drinks and surrounded by vibrant pink florals and whimsical elegance.
  • Sitting at a dainty table adorned with pastel treats, Raissa and Vasileios savor their drinks amidst the whimsical charm of Peggy Porschen Café.
  • The bride and groom pose in front of Peggy Porschen’s pink storefront, with its signature floral archway adding a romantic backdrop
  • A wide shot of the couple standing on Albert Bridge, with the Thames and greenery visible in the distance.
  • Raissa and Vasileios pause for a kiss set against the ornate railings of Albert Bridge.
  • The bride and groom kisses with Albert Bridge and the London scenery in the background.
  • The couple strolls hand-in-hand across Albert Bridge, the iconic white and pastel structure glowing in the summer sunlight.
  • Raissa’s cape sleeve dress flows dramatically as she and Vasileios walk along Albert Bridge, both laughing together.
  • Hand in hand, the couple crosses Albert Bridge, the iconic pastel-hued structure bathed in the golden glow of a summer morning.
  • The couple walks hand-in-hand along Albert Bridge, its delicate white and pastel arches illuminated by the warm summer sun.

The day kicked off with a ride in a classic London black cab, an air-conditioned saviour on such a scorching summer day. Raissa looked stunning, already glowing with her hair and makeup done, ready to hit the city for a pre-ceremony photoshoot. Their one request? No cliché tourist spots. Raissa and Vasileios wanted their photos to feel modern, editorial, and uniquely them.

We had a few consultations leading up to their wedding day, and I put together a bespoke itinerary complete with photo ideas so they could choose their favourite spots (if you’re feeling nosey you can have a look at the pdf here). Since we only had the morning to work with, careful planning was key. Our first stop was Warwick Square, where a fun little twist of fate had us shooting in front of door number 12—perfect for their August 12th wedding date! Next, we headed to Peggy Porschen’s in Belgravia. Coffee and cake became their “wedding cake” moment, full of joy and laughter. Finally, we stopped at Albert Bridge Road for some dreamy portraits before the cab whisked us off to Chelsea Old Town Hall.

THE CHELSEA OLD TOWN HALL VIBES

  • Raissa and Vasileios step out of Chelsea Old Town Hall under a cascade of confetti, surrounded by family and friends. The bride stuns in a chic one-shoulder cream dress by Solace London, while the groom beams in a beige suit, celebrating their modern and intimate wedding day in the heart of London.
  • The groom holding his sister.
  • Candid photos of family members meeting for the first time in front of Chelsea Town Hall before Raissa and Vasileios wedding ceremony.
  • Father of the bride embracing an aunt.
  • Family portraits on the steps of Chelsea Old Town Hall.
  • The bride with her mum and dad.
  • Candid photo of the bride and father of the bride laughing at the camera.
  • Close-up of a bride holding a delicate bouquet of white roses, calla lilies, and greenery, with the elegant details of her modern white gown and layered necklaces visible.
  • The father of the bride giving away his daughter and giving her a kiss on the head.
  • A romantic and modern wedding ceremony inside Chelsea Old Town Hall, featuring the couple exchanging rings, surrounded by soft natural light, elegant wooden paneling, and their closest family and friends seated in anticipation.
  • The bride and groom walking out of their ceremony and standing inside the foyer at Chelsea Town Hall.
  • Raissa and Vasileios exit Chelsea Old Town Hall, hand in hand, as guests throw confetti in celebration.
  • Raissa and Vasileios step out of Chelsea Old Town Hall under a cascade of confetti, surrounded by family and friends. The bride stuns in a chic one-shoulder cream dress by Solace London, while the groom beams in a beige suit, celebrating their modern and intimate wedding day in the heart of London.
  • The bride and groom shares a kiss on the steps of Chelsea Old Town Hall, surrounded by friends and family.
  • Family photo of the bride and groom surrounded by all their guests and cheering with their arms up in the air.
  • Raissa with her two best friends.
  • Raissa standing in the foyer of Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding.
  • Chelsea old town hall wedding ceremony of Raissa and Vasileios.
  • Raissa and Vasileios embracing after their Chelsea old town hall wedding ceremony.
  • Raissa and Vasileios kiss on the steps Chelsea Old Town Hall, hand in hand, as a shower of confetti rains down in joyful celebration.
  • The newlyweds pose in front of Chelsea Old Town Hall’s grand arched entrance, framed by lush red roses.
  • A wide shot of the couple on the steps, with guests cheering and throwing confetti in the background.

Chelsea Old Town Hall is such an iconic spot, with its neo-classical charm setting the perfect scene for Raissa and Vasileios’ intimate ceremony. Guests arrived with a mix of excitement and curiosity, some meeting for the first time. Family members bridged language gaps with translations, creating this warm, inclusive energy that just felt right.

Before the ceremony, we captured sweet candid shots of Raissa and Vasileios greeting their guests, plus some must-have family portraits. At noon, the couple exchanged their vows in a room filled with so much love. By 12:30, they stepped out to a cascade of confetti and smiles on the famous steps of Chelsea Old Town Hall. Cue more photos and plenty of laughs!

FROM THE TOWN HALL TO THE IVY

  • Raissa and Vasileios stand happily in front of a classic London red double-decker bus, smiling at the camera as they pause for a moment during their wedding celebration.
  • Raissa and Vasileios make their way through London's streets, hand-in-hand, after their beautiful Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding, on their way to The Ivy for the evening festivities.
  • Captured in front of a famous London red bus, Raissa and Vasileios share a joyful moment, celebrating their newlywed status after their Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding.
  • Raissa and Vasileios pose outside The Ivy, their wedding venue, with Raissa in her elegant bridal gown and Vasileios in a sharp suit, standing together in front of the restaurant's iconic entrance.
  • Raissa and Vasileios stand together in front of The Ivy, basking in the joy of their wedding day following their Chelsea Old Town Hall ceremony.
  • Guests enjoy delicious canapés and cocktails at The Ivy, engaged in lively conversations as they toast to the newlyweds after their Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding ceremony.
  • Guests chat and enjoy drinks and canapés during cocktail hour at The Ivy, with laughter and lively conversation filling the elegant space as they celebrate the couple’s special day.
  • Close up of the asian duck salad at The Ivy.
  • Raissa and Vasileios joyfully walk hand-in-hand down the charming London streets, just after their Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding ceremony, heading towards The Ivy for their celebration.

The couple and their guests took a short walk to The Ivy, stopping along the way for some creative portraits with a classic red London bus as the backdrop. The vibe was relaxed but full of excitement.

At The Ivy, Raissa and Vasileios had the garden all to themselves for a chilled cocktail hour. Guests sipped drinks, enjoy delicious canapes, soaked in the sunshine, and celebrated the newlyweds. Afterward, they moved to a private dining area, where Raissa’s dad gave a speech that had everyone tearing up and laughing in equal measure. It was such a heartfelt moment.

THAT DRESS THOUGH…

  • In a timeless black and white frame, Raissa stands elegantly on the steps of a grand townhouse, her minimalist wedding gown flowing beautifully as her serene smile contrasts against the striking black door and classic columns.
  • Raissa playfully lifts the flowing fabric of her wedding dress against the backdrop of a charming townhouse, her expression serene and radiant as sunlight filters through, highlighting her timeless elegance.
  • Raissa stands gracefully on the steps of an elegant townhouse in her modern white wedding gown, her soft smile radiating confidence and beauty as the black door and classic columns frame her.
  • Raissa radiates grace and beauty as she stands on the steps of a classic London townhouse, her contemporary white wedding gown highlighted by the bold black door and stately columns that frame the scene.
  • Raissa putting lipstick on looking in the mirror in the bathroom of The Ivy Chelsea.
  • Raissa’s cape sleeve dress flows dramatically as she and Vasileios walk along Albert Bridge, both laughing together.

Let’s talk about Raissa’s dress—the Elisa Maxi Dress in Cream by Solace London. This one-shoulder stunner with a dramatic cape sleeve was the definition of modern chic. The way it moved in the summer breeze added so much magic to their photos. It was the perfect choice for a bride who wanted something sleek, stylish, and a little bit different.

MARRY ME IN CHELSEA

Raissa and Vasileios’ Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding was more than just a celebration of their love. It was about bringing people together—family and friends from South Africa and Greece—united in laughter and joy. The day was intimate, modern, and full of those “can’t stop smiling” moments.

CAPTURING THEIR LOVE STORY

As a photographer, there’s nothing more rewarding than being part of a day like this. Raissa and Vasileios trusted me to capture their story in a way that felt true to them, and I loved every second of it. From quiet moments in the cab to their guests’ reactions during speeches, it was a day I’ll never forget.

“After our wedding, we felt like we’ve known Sarah for a lifetime. Our family and friends absolutely loved her and still ask about her. We now consider her a friend and we wish we could relive this experience all over again!” – Raissa and Vasileios

Are you planning a London wedding? Get in touch now to see if I am available for your wedding date.

Featured Blog Posts, Weddings

January 9, 2025

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