A Tuscan Garden: Sophie and James at The Dorchester

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Sophie and James were married in one of the most electrifying weddings we have ever had the honour of photographing. This day had it all. From moments of deep emotion to huge fits of laughter, from one of the most sensational Chuppahs we have ever seen (at Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue) to a true scene of Tuscany being created in the iconic Ballroom of The Dorchester by Banana Split. From a Tisch and Bedeken in Sophie’s family home to an impromptu rap solo by James’ father later in the evening. From James’ amazing singing to the ceremony being led by the legendary Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks… this was breathless.

Guests strolled past the full size olive tree in the grand reception space, and sat in what truly felt like a rustic paradise in Tuscany, created by the genius of Nikki Tibbles Wild At Heart. Friends and family were treated to fine hospitality, from the Italian meat platters in the reception to the theatrical Chocolate Bomb dessert, by our friends at the consistently exceptional Tony Page. This elegant evening, with music from The Soul Jets, ran like clockwork yet felt relaxed thanks to Jamie Paskin Toastmaster, whilst the creative team of Atmotion Productions filmed all day alongside our own team and we cannot wait to see their film of this amazing wedding.

More important than any of this, of course, were Sophie and James themselves, and their wonderfully warm families. We loved getting to know Sophie and James in the run up to the wedding, and indeed have had the honour of being involved in many of Sophie’s family occasions, with more to come soon. It was awesome to see three ‘Blake Ezra Brides’ embracing on the dance-floor together.

One piece of advice we give to all newly engaged couples is to ask any photographer they may be considering for their wedding to show them many shots from one wedding, as opposed to one shot from many weddings; consider this a fine example of what we can do. On this epic day, our team of Amanda, Andy, Blake, Elicea and Kris were over four venues across London to capture every special moment. We shoot from the top of ladders, crouching in bushes, standing on walls, the middle of a riotous dance-floor, lying on the floor for the perfect angle, sprinting across the room to capture the special moment we anticipated – we stop at nothing for our clients and are so proud of our team’s efforts for Sophie and James.

Mazal Tov again to Sophie and James and both special families. Without further a do, here are the highlights…