Rachael & Nathans Asylum Chapel Wedding

The Asylum Chapel in Caroline Gardens has been on our "Venue Wish List" ever since we discovered it on Instagram a year or so back. It's a stunning building in South London that was bombed in WW2, gutting the chapel but quite remarkably leaving the stained glass windows and carved stone monuments intact. It has a peaceful and magical presence and is a truly unique place for a ceremony. So imagine our excitement when the super lovely Rachael & Nathan got in touch this summer to talk about their wedding with us!

We met for coffee a few weeks before their big day and I loved finally meeting them in person, hearing about how they got together and of course, the proposal. I always think its such a great idea to meet couples before the wedding day. When I hear all the little stories that led you both to walk down the aisle, it makes me feel that bit more connected to you both and your story. Which can only be a good thing when I'm tasked with capturing one the most important days of your life. Plus I love hearing the proposal bit because I'm always a sucker for a happy ever after!

The venue provided a stunning backdrop for Rachael and Nathans winter wedding, complete with a candlelit alter and fairy lights adorning the room. Rachael looked incredible, rocking some serious ethereal vibes in her full length flowing dress and a delicate gold headpiece. I loved Nathans suit too, a grey dinner jacket with dark trousers and a deep plum shirt. Something a little bit different and very cool.

Rachael had spent months collecting flowers and making the confetti for their big day, having to store the copious amounts of dried petals in the tumble dryer!! With a 4pm ceremony and no confetti being permitted inside the venue, we prearranged the mad dash outside to make sure we could get all that gorgeous confetti being showered over the newlyweds. I cant tell you how happy it makes me when Brides adhere to the "Go big or go home" confetti rule!

The ceremony itself was conducted by local registrars, however, my absolute favourite part of the ceremony was when the couples friend, a Vicar, gave blessings, prayers and then, much to the surprise and delight of the couple, got everyone to do a Mexican wave! It had everyone laughing and cheering and its was so much fun. More Mexican waves at weddings please!

After Prosecco and pictures in the chapel, we headed off to their reception, Harild & Sons in big red London buses. Their amazing cake was made by the grooms super talented sisters and their reception venue fitted their city wedding perfectly. A rustic cocktail bar with a slightly industrial feel, decorated with plants and fairy lights. There was also cute little corner in the downstairs bar with a red neon sign saying "You are safe in here" which made for some cute pictures.

Rachael and Nathan are just the loveliest couple and it was such an honour to document their big day. A huge Congratulations and a big thanks for sharing this part of your adventure with us!