Katerina and Alec's London Wedding Photography | Marylebone Old Town Hall | Prince Albert Camden

HUGE love at this one. Lots of happy faces from California and Scotland making this special day a truly memorable affair. The couple were very specific about their wedding photographer. They approached me as they were confident I could deliver wedding photography that was natural and fun. Wedding photography that captured the true ESSENCE of their day without being obtrusive or affecting the natural flow of the day..

Marylebone Old Town Hall Wedding Photography

After saying “I Do” the couple took to the stairs to be greeted by friends and family and a whole HEAP of confetti!!

Prince Albert, Camden

After a cocktail reception in the downstairs bar of the Prince Albert, guests were ushered upstairs for dinner and speeches!

Following dinner the band started up and the party was well and truly underway..

Zara's Fabulous Mehndi Party

A Mehndi party is a pre-wedding party for the bride and her closest female friends and family members. Centering around the application of the bridal mehndi, or henna design, to their hands and feet—it is one of the most colourful and festive celebrations in both Muslim and Hindu cultures.

As a London wedding photographer it was a dream come true to capture this colourful and joyous celebration.

The History and Meaning of the Mehndi Party

Mehndi, also known as henna, is a dye made from Lawsonia inermis, the henna plant. According the culture, mehndi also has medicinal properties. Its cooling properties provides relief from stress, fever, and headaches, so it is said to calm the bride’s nerves when applied to their hands and feet.

For thousands of years, mehndi has also been used as a form of body art. This is why the Mehndi party is often held the day before the wedding—to beautify and bless the bride before her big day. In Hindu tradition, mehndi is part of the sixteen bridal adornments, which is a ritual for the beautification of the bride from head to toe at the time of their wedding. Mehndi is also encouraged in the Muslim tradition as a hair dye or to beautify hands.

Apparently the darker the stain of the mehndi, the more love the bride will receive from their partner and in-laws. Brides were also told that they shouldn’t do any housework for as long as the stain lasts, which can be up to two to three weeks if natural henna is used.

What Happens at a Mehndi Party

A Mehndi party is a night of fun with lots of food, music, and dancing. Traditionally, the bride parents host the party. Intricate henna patterns are applied to the bride’s (and guests) hands and feet during the event. In modern times, the bride often opts to have a henna artist come to her home before the actual Mehndi party.

The event often starts with a grand entrance to drumming. Guests feed the soon-to-be couple all types of sweets. Brides and grooms perform choreographed dance performances with close family and friends that are often rehearsed for months. The dances are a form of friendly competition between both sides of the family. Women often sit on the ground in front of the couple singing songs and playing the dhol (a type of drum) surrounded by colorful throw pillows and decorations. Bhangra music is commonly played and the dancing can continue for several hours.

At Zara’s mehndi party her husband-to-be Jon also joined in the party. The tradition of the groom’s shoes being stolen for a fee on their return, was also incorporated into the celebrations.

Mehndi Party Photography

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Anne-Marie and Sebastien's Marylebone Old Town Hall Wedding | Marylebone | London

It was tears AND laughter for Anne-Marie, Sebastien and their three awesome teenage daughters at Marylebone Town Hall. After twenty years together they finally said "I do" and it was the most beautiful thing ever.

Marylebone Old Town Hall Wedding

Inside the Marylebone Room..

Anne-Marie and Sebastien opted to marry in the smaller Marylebone Room at Marylebone Old Town Hall. Reserved for smaller wedding parties it was the perfect size for them and also has the most stunning fireplace decorated with beautiful flowers and makes a wonderful backdrop for wedding photography.

Behind Marylebone Old Town Hall

As a London wedding photographer I just LOVE getting these kind of shots! Relaxed and just married Anne-Marie and Sebastien were happy to continue their wedding photography out the back of the Town hall - an awesome little London street which is quiet of traffic, and perfect for those relaxed, natural wedding photographs.

SEE MORE MARYLEBONE WEDDINGS HERE

Lisa and Ennis' River Thames Wedding Photography | Christine Constantine Photography | London

After a limited lockdown wedding, Lisa and Ennis decided to have another wedding for their friends and family once restrictions were over. And what better place than a wedding on a Bateaux London River Thames Cruise!! And with me as their wedding photographer! Guests met at The Pier Bar and Lounge on London’s Embankment before getting onto the boat.

Lisa and Ennis’ Bateaux London River Cruise Wedding Photography

Violins greeted them as they embarked and took their seats for a very special and unique wedding..

Once their vows had been exchanged guests broke into singing Queen’s “Dont Stop Me Now”. A truly amazing experience!!

Then it was time to celebrate!

But not before the ‘confetti’ (i.e. bubbles) and some group shots!

Of course we just HAD to make the most of the exceptional location for the couple’s photoshoot..

Followed by those all-important wedding speeches..

Lisa had a few words to say too!

The HAPPIEST of just-married couples. <3

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Nadia and Pathaan's Nikah | Parson's Green | London

Globetronica and Hakkasan music director Pathaan and his fiance Nadia approached me earlier this year to shoot their intimate London wedding at their home in Parson’s Green. The couple opted for the traditional Nikah ceremony, honouring their Islamic roots. A beautiful and sunny day filled with so much joy it was a total honour to be part of this special day.

Big nod to the talents of hair and beauty artist Saira Hussain FASHION and the stunning Mehndi of @hennabykapre, both firm favourites at Asian Weddings.

Nadia and Pathaan’s Asian Wedding

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