Discovering new alternative venues where to meet my LGBTQ couples to talk about their wedding photography is my mission. As a gay-friendly wedding photographer in London, I’m always looking for new places.
Two of my favourite things are books and coffee places. So a bookshop with a coffee space is my dream venue.
This is why I’ve decided to research unique, out-of-the-ordinary bookshops in London. So I can keep them in mind when meeting with my wedding couples.

ALTERNATIVE BOOKSHOPS IN LONDON

In Wimbledon High Street, there used to be a lovely bookshop with a coffee space. It wasn’t explicitly addressing alternative, LGBTQ+ or quirky subjects or weddings, yet it was a real pearl. I remember it very vividly. It had colourful, comfortable cushions near the coffee area. I used to take my children there. We would spend hours reading books and looking at the illustrations. The final treat, after the many hours of getting lost in books, would be to have a hot chocolate and maybe a piece of freshly baked cake.

I love London; it's so cosmopolitan and eclectic. Bookshop cafés like the one in Wimbledon are now scattered around the capital. I love them all, but I prefer the quirky and extravagant ones, which are more in tune with my photographic style and ethos.

BEST INDEPENDENT LGBTQ BOOKSHOP

Gay’s the Word is an independent queer and eclectic bookshop pioneering the first lesbian and gay bookshop. Established in 1979 in London is one of my favourite places to meet with LGBTQ+ clients and an inspirational landmark to my many projects. The cafe' is next door, Moreish.

For a cosy lived-in atmosphere, then it must be the Joseph's Bookstore. It’s one not to be missed if you love jazz, like I do.

As I am based in Wimbledon Nomad Books in Fulham, is the bookshop for me, as it is very local. It's perfect for the family and children too. And guess what? The coffee area is located amongst the bookshelves. That is a real dream!

Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6:30pm, the London Review Bookshop is another ideal venue where to meet with clients.

Reading has always fascinated me, it's definitely my way to travel without moving, to dream when you need to re-recharge the battery. Every day after many hours of working, editing, emailing, cooking, talking, worrying about things, I look forward to reading my book before falling asleep. It calms my body and stimulates my mind. I feel I can do whatever I want, when I want. Have I always loved getting lost in books? Yes, I probably have no matter whether on a classic or quirky subject.

I push my memory back to when I used to live in Italy with my family and I can distinctly see my room, full of books, from small to large, softcover, hardcover, coffee books, school books, romance, and photographic books. My room was full of them. I guess I inherited this ‘book passion’ from my paternal grandmother. Bless her!

I miss my grandmother terribly, it was so comforting to see and hold her. But I am very thankful for what she has given me, the love for books.

Reading helps my imagination to travel free and it is the same imagination that helps me to create emotions in my photographic work. My images are silent, and yet whispering millions of words to the viewer.

Get in touch if you are looking for a creative a documentary wedding photographer for your big day!