Blog — Christine Constantine Photography

Eleni and Josh's London Wedding Photography | Chelsea Old Town Hall | The Phene Chelsea

Loved these two from the first moment we made contact. Eleni knew she wanted her wedding photography to be more documentary and natural in style so I guess hiring me was a no-brainer!

After a quick visit to The Exhibitionist Hotel to shoot some groom prep shots, I hot-footed it over to The Chelsea Cloister Hotel to meet the bridal party.

The Exhibitionist is a unique art boutique hotel in South Kensington, and has the most amazing backdrops for your wedding photography. Check out this corridor shot..

Chelsea Old Town Hall

It was then off to Chelsea and the fabulous Chelsea Old Town Hall register office to officially tie the knot!

The Phene, Chelsea

The Phene is an iconic Chelsea pub in SW3 and perfect for your wedding breakfast or wedding party. It’s just a short walk away from the King’s Road and its beautiful decor and interesting lighting make it a cool place for your wedding photography.

3 Tips for Choosing a Photographer for your Greek Christening | Christine Constantine Photography

CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR BABY’S CHRISTENING

In the life of a Greek Orthodox Christian, the Christening is a very important milestone. It not only brings family and friends together in celebration, but it also marks the official beginning of the child’s lifelong spiritual journey.

Obviously most people don’t remember their Christening because they were too young. Photographing the event ensures these memories can be preserved, not only for the Christened child, but for future generations to come.

As a Greek Christening Photographer in London I can share some tips that will help you find the best professionals for your baby’s Baptism and some questions that are worth asking. As a Greek Cypriot myself I have lots of experience with Greek and Greek Cypriot families and baptism traditions!

ALL IMAGES BY: CHRISTINE CONSTANTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Greek Christening Photography

Does you Photographer have Greek Orthodox Christening Experience?

Does your Christening photographer have experience with Greek Orthodox Christenings? The ceremony is fairly unique and it takes knowledge of all the crucial parts to understand the important moments that require a photo or a close-up. Not only that, but without prior knowledge they may get in the way of the priest during crucial moments of the Christening. They should also have respect not just for their clients but for the priest and other members of the church. They shouldn’t interfere with the service, but just quietly observe taking natural pictures along the way.

Christening details such as the dress, lambada etc photographed in an artistic, detail-enhancing way.

If you want a photographer who has never worked a Greek Christening before they should be briefed in detail about what is expected of them to photograph. For example, they may not realize that after the baby is submerged in the water and dressed in their Christening outfit, or when they have their hair cut that this part actually has significance and should be photographed. Make sure they know what is important well before the actual day so you don’t need to worry about them missing those moments when they happen!

Do I need a Videographer too?

Most people who hire both are very pleased because they not only have beautiful photographs to capture the moment but they also have a video to watch again and again. Having a video is especially nice because you can show it to your child as he/she gets older, although it can increase the cost substantially. Videographers also have several packages so make sure you discuss this with your chosen videographer before the event so you know exactly what to expect for your investment.

Another major decision you need to make is whether or not you would like to hire the videographer and photographer as a package deal. Some larger companies have teams that work together and this can save you some money. However, you may compromise a bit of quality if you choose this route. Some parents like to choose them individually as a way to control the quality.

Hiring both a videographer and photographer for your child’s Greek Christening offers a great way to preserve the occasion for the future. Since the child likely won’t remember the Christening, this is also a great way to share the moment with them as they get older.

Do I feel comfortable with my Christening Photographer?

Lastly, your photographer is present in a very special and intimate part of the Christening day and it is essential that you feel comfortable with having them around. Choose a photographer you feel at ease with! One you trust and can communicate well with. And also one who respects the nature of the day and its significance.

ALL IMAGES ABOVE ARE BY: CHRISTINE CONSTANTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

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..

Selection of wedding party images from Katerina and Alec's wedding at The Prince Albert in Camden.

Brunswick House Wedding Photography: Capturing Every Moment

Choosing Brunswick House in Vauxhall for your wedding has many advantages. Brunswick House is a Grade II 18th century Georgian mansion filled with antique furnishings, beautiful historical art works and many an eclectic decor. It was built for the Duke of Brunswick in 1758. Brunswick House boasts three versatile entertainment spaces including:

1) The Saloon, with its grand piano, huge chandeliers and artworks and is perfect for your formal reception.

2) The Smoking Room which is perefct for smaler more intimate gatherings and

3) The Cellar Room with its own bar and seperate dancefloor, is perfect for cocktails and after-hours partying.

Brunswick House Wedding Photography

Just before the wedding guests were seated i popped into The Saloon upstairs to grab some pictures of the stunning details and table decor..

The Georgian entrance at the front is amazing for confetrti shots and wedding photography in general. A tight squeeze but SO much fun..

A newly-married bride and groom stand arm in arm outside the front door of Brunswick House in Vauxhall.
A newly-married bride and groom stand smiling arm in arm outside the front door of Brunswick House in Vauxhall.

Brunswick House Wedding Parties

After the wedding breakfast and speeches were over in The Saloon, we came down to the library for more drinks and the cake-cutting..

Jude's Christening Photography | St Barnabas with Christ's Chapel Dulwich

St Barnabas' Church, Dulwich, is in the parish church of Dulwich, and is dedicated to Barnabas, one of the disciples of Jesus. The original church was built in 1892–95, and the parish church for the new Parish of Dulwich, is now known as the Parish of St Barnabas with Christ's Chapel, Dulwich.

St Barnabas with Christ's Chapel Dulwich is a popular church for Christenings but Christening photographers take note as photography is only permitted before and after the Christening itself.

Christening Photography in St Barnabas with Christ's Chapel Dulwich

As Christening photography is only permitted before and after the Christening, I waited in the wings until the baptism was over, before taking advantage of the wonderful well-lit church for some much-loved family and godparent photographs.

Brenda and Louis' Wedding Photography | Waltham Forest Register Office | Walthamstow

Waltham Forest Registry Office also known as Walthamstow Register Office was the scene for Brenda and Louis’ wedding photography.

Wedding Preparations

Inside Waltham Forest Register Office

The Ceremony!

Outside Waltham Forest Register Office