A Day Like No Other: Ariella and Josh’s Electric Wedding
ByIt’s difficult to know where to start when describing this truly epic day.
As we edged closer to Ariella and Josh’s wedding in December at Hilton London Park Lane, we became more and more excited by the plans we heard – the scale, the detail, the energy, the theme, the band, the food, but most importantly the couple. Ariella and Josh, along with both families, were a total dream to work with – placing their trust in our team to deliver an authentic and beautiful record of their biggest day. Leaving no stone unturned, on the scene from ‘Team Blake Ezra’ were Adam G, Amanda, Blake, Kris, Tegan and Shane.
Our day started off at Josh’s family home for his preparations and on Park Lane for Ariella’s. Both our Bride and Groom were relaxed and excited for the day ahead, Josh enjoying a serene warm bath (yes, we did photograph this) and Ariella enjoying the spectacular views of Hyde Park from her suite. Ariella was assisted in the morning by a stellar team, the lovely Zoe Norris styling her hair, the equally lovely Sarah Field applying the make up, and Anna Fic the Director of Couture at Caroline Castigliano being present to assist with the stunning dress.
Every space of this vast venue looked breathtaking, in no small part thanks to the brilliance of Wild About, with their team led by Andy Davenport. The Chuppah was so remarkably stunning with thousands of flowers hand-placed on the roof, an enchanted garden was built for the Bedeken, and family group photographs, and as for the Ballroom – it became an elegant forest, with a giant tree brimming with blossom built above the dance floor, suspended from the ceiling. It seems that Ariella had considered every last detail, from the shots being served in syringes on the dance floor (a tribute to our medical-student Bride), to floral decorations even being placed in the Ladies cloakrooms! More than 450 guests were treated to a sumptuous and completely electric experience with massive energy taking hold of everyone involved.
The ceremony featured ethereal vocals from two of the most esteemed Chazanim in the world, Rabbi Lionel Rosenfeld and Chazan Jonny Turgel. Tears streamed and smiles beamed in equal measure.
The party needed no encouragement to get going. But nonetheless, it was given a massive shot of energy by the brilliant Creation Showband with their biggest lineup yet. The music was non stop, the atmosphere completely was through the roof.
The party finished at 02:00, with the dance floor still full. From there, Blake and Kris journeyed across London to make some portraits of Ariella and Josh in the hotel where they stayed, the super-cool Ham Yard in Soho. We said good night at about 04:00, exhausted but completely electrified from this amazing day, and from spending time with this extremely special couple.
As for the creative team behind this phenomenal day, it was a pleasure to work alongside so much talent. Pulling the strings and directing production was the inimitable Ben Krieger of Outrage Events, with Katy Cresner alongside him ensuring everything went smoothly behind the scenes. Also on the scene was society Toastmaster David Collins, a man who brings a sense of order to even the wildest Jewish weddings! Guests were treated to the finest in kosher hospitality throughout the day by the consummate team at Tony Page who consistently live up to their motto ‘Excellence is no Coincidence’. Behind the video cameras were the lovely team at Atmotion Productions, and we are excited to see what they produce from such a magical day.
Beyond all the incredible detail and luxury of this wedding, it was really all about two amazingly fun and down-to-earth people celebrating their love, surrounded by their loving families and adoring friends from around the world.
Warning – grab a cup of tea and get comfortable, as this is the most extensive blog we have ever published. With five photographers shooting for 15 hours, this was always going to be epic. However, compared to what Ariella and Josh will receive and the full selection of images our team have been editing, it is merely the tip of the iceberg. Without further a do, here are some of our favourite images, of which we are immensely proud, from a breathtaking day…