TWICKENHAM ROWING CLUB WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

3 Jan

A fun-filled day photographing Claire and Matt’s intimate wedding ceremony at York House, followed by a quirky, delightful reception at Twickenham Rowing Club.

Twickenham Rowing Club Wedding | Claire & Matt’s Easter Wedding

Claire & Matt chose to tie the knot over the Easter weekend, which seems to get overlooked as a time to get married. Couples are often set on having a summer or a winter wedding, but Easter is already imbued with a sense of festivity, so incorporating it into your wedding can make the day even more special. Additionally, because Easter is a holiday weekend for many people, your guests might be more inclined to take time off work and travel for your wedding. This makes it easier to gather family and friends who may struggle to find time in their busy schedules. You may even find local venues or destinations that offer special Easter-themed packages or deals to attract couples looking for a spring wedding.

Twickenham, with its picturesque riverside views, quaint streets, and charming venues, is the perfect location for a romantic wedding day. For couples looking to tie the knot in a location that combines elegance, tradition, and natural beauty, York House Twickenham offers a stunning setting for a registry office ceremony. Claire and Matt chose the Winter Garden for their ceremony. A beautiful Victorian conservatory overlooking the grounds, which features direct access to the gardens and the terrace for drinks. It’s a perfect setting in which to host intimate ceremonies and receptions. I started the day by photographing Matt as he welcomed relatives to York House. Ties tied and flowers pinned to lapels, guests made their way to the light and airy ceremony room. Claire arrived accompanied by her father, emerging from the car looking effortlessly chic in a stunning wedding dress. After exchanging vows, it was time for a few brief group shots on the steps of the terrace before the newlyweds took a scenic stroll along the river and the stunning landscaped gardens.

After saying "I do" at York House, the newlyweds stepped out onto Twickenham High Street for a short walk to meet guests at Osteria Pulcinella and enjoy some fine Italian dining. I enjoy the theatre of a newly married couple taking a stroll through a town centre. The sight of a bride, bouquet in hand, brightens up the day of the Waitrose shoppers and softens the hearts of traffic wardens. The benefit of being ‘out in the wild’ if you like, as opposed to having a barn wedding, is that in the year 2075, Claire and Matt’s grandchildren can look through the wedding album and seek out the locations of the photos. Will the pubs granny and grandad walked past still be there? And how much did a pint cost in 2024? About £3 too much is the answer! Joking aside, Twickenham High Street is a beautiful mix of independent boutiques, charming cafés, and classic English pubs. The perfect backdrop for a wedding day stroll, it’s a lovely part of London.

Champagne popped and desserts finished, it was time to head to Twickenham Rowing Club for an unforgettable wedding reception. Located on Eel Pie Island, which has a long interesting history, the Twickenham Rowing Club offers a beautiful and versatile space for couples to celebrate with family and friends. We stopped for a few quick pics in front of the quirky houses. How many cottages have you seen with an upside-down ice cream cone on the roof?

The Rowing Club is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, and its riverside location provides a unique and stunning setting for any wedding reception. The venue’s large windows offer sweeping views of the Thames, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of the river while celebrating.

Claire and Matt made sure guests had fun by laying on some quirky entertainment. First up was a Piñata wedding cake. 128 million Mexican’s can’t be wrong! A piñata isn’t just a game; it’s a test of endurance, a sugar-fuelled obstacle course, and a chance to channel your inner candy warrior. All that’s left to wonder is how much of your dignity you sacrificed for those Haribo’s and lollipops. Matt gave it a hell of a go. I doubt Freddie Flintoff could of waved a piece of wood with such ferocity. It did cross my mind to get out of the way should I be on the receiving end of a smack on the head. But it’s fun to see adults become children again as they dive for the sweets. Costs virtually nothing for the entertainment provided. Worth it? Absolutely.

In the second room was the Beer Pong table. Ah beer pong - the sport of champions, the pastime of party legends, the game that turns casual drinkers into highly competitive athletes in the blink of an eye. It’s simple, it’s ridiculous, and it’s often played with a serious lack of skill and a whole lot of heart (and beer).

Here’s how it works: Two teams, each consisting of two individuals, stand at opposite ends of a table, facing off in a contest of precision, nerve, and questionable decision-making. Each team has a set of red solo cups arranged in a triangular formation at the far end of the table. The cups are filled with beer, or some other liquid, depending on how you want to (mis)manage your liver’s future.

The goal? To throw ping pong balls into your opponent’s cups. If you land a ball in their cup, they have to drink it. It’s an emotional roller-coaster. Claire seems to be celebrating in most of the photos so I guess Matt was out of luck that day. Guests think it’s hilarious and again it costs next to nothing.

As the evening carried on into the night, No.1 iTunes artist Tristan Mackay provided the music as well as acting as DJ. As the sun went down Claire & Matt had their first dance to You’re The Best Thing by The Style Council. Great tune, great day, great couple.

If you are a couple of laid-back lovebirds like Claire & Matt, and are in need of a Twickenham Rowing Club wedding photographer, I’d be honoured to capture your special day. As a venue it’s a perfect fit with York House.

No awkward posing required, all you have to do is be yourself.