Understated Hampstead Chic

Oh I love Hampstead! It has such a beautiful natural feel, and yet it’s proper funky London as well. I am going to rebrand as a photographer who specialises in Hampstead weddings, especially after this gorgeous wedding. James and Lisa got married at the York and Albany and had their reception (a big bash for about 200) in their magical garden on the edge of the Heath.James and Lisa are a very reserved couple and not the kind of people to show their emotions or wear their hearts on their sleeves. That’s why it was so touching when they almost cried during their vows. They are clearly very much in love and also great parents.Everything about the wedding was individual, from the beautiful room with its luminescent bird wallpaper and moon like lights to the wonderful deli where they had cunningly held drinks while the room was being prepared for their intimate lunch for 15 or so family and very closest friends.The deli of course served amazing food and drinks, and had a great, earthy, raw feel to it that I’d not seen before at a wedding. Very cool.Then after lunch we all hopped in taxis and zoomed up the hill to Hampstead where the light was just taking on that magical midsummer quality that inspired Shakespeare’s Dream. The cow parsley was in full bloom, and you can almost imagine fairies. There was one little fairy in the guise of Emilia, James and Lisa’s first daughter, who was an utterly charming bridesmaid and proudly showed me her ballet shoes. In the evening what seemed like the whole of Hampstead, including about 20 pregnant women, partied to the sounds of jazz in James and Lisa’s exquisite garden, just over the road from the Heath.Here is a sneak preview of their wedding.