Searcys at The Gherkin is one of those iconic wedding venues that it’s fabulous to make a return visit to. The glass that encapsulates the top two floors of this amazing building offer unparalleled views, and fab light. It always helps if the weather behaves itself of course, which it did! Sammy and Victor had planned a very informal party with few traditional elements, including no wedding breakfast!
The bridal preparations took place a short stroll north of the Gherkin at Batty Langley’s hotel in Shoreditch. Sammy had her own daughter, and Victor’s twin daughters, helping with her make-up. Alice Theobald at Wonderland Hair & Makeup styled all of their hair, and the beautiful flowers were by Rachel Morgan. Sammy’s son arrived with the preparations drawing to a close. Then there was time for a practice run or two for a little dance surprise coming later. Next it was time for Sammy to get into her Jenny Packham dress and her Jimmy Choos. Then they jumped into a cab to The Gherkin for the wedding ceremony.
Wedding Photography at Searcys at The Gherkin
Upon arriving at The Gherkin, the bridal party had a tricky journey from their cab to the door, as a gaggle of nosey guests were watching from the pub across the road! Once inside they settled in a side room, whilst Victor took charge of the meeting and greeting on the upper floors. As the ceremony neared, the sun began to break through the clouds, and we had fantastic light for the ceremony itself. The legal ceremony was quick and to the point, with no readings or messing about. Then everyone followed the newlyweds down to floor 39 for drinks, canapés and speeches.
Documentary wedding photographer at Searcys at The Gherkin
With the guests gathered on the lower floor, the champagne started flowing. The clouds and rain returned, but luckily everyone was distracted. There were a few canapés, and then bowl food which was the solution to not having a formal wedding breakfast. A couple of Victor’s friends performed MC duties and a take-down speech. A couple of friends of Sammy also did speeches. After that, everyone headed back upstairs in time to see the sun show its face again.
Unbeknownst to the guests, the couple, and all of their kids, had practiced a special first dance. It involved hat throwing, and lifts, and even some co-ordinated leg kicking! This all took place to the backdrop of a fabulous sunset.
Wedding photography in the City of London
Searcys at The Gherkin was soon filled with the sound of live music courtesy of The Big Time, and the crowd went wild. As the sun set and darkness took over, there was a fantastic light show from the reflections on the walls and ceiling. The couple had personalised light-up batons which the guests waved as they threw shapes. Downstairs, friends and family were taking advantage of the 360° video booth. The evening ended with a bouquet toss that turned into a handover to one of Victor’s daughters, and a garter toss too!
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If you’re getting married at Searcys at The Gherkin, or need a London wedding photographer for any venue, please click here to get in touch.
