A DOCUMENTARY South London Wedding Photographer's Perspective

Historical venues with creative flair always fascinate me. I love stepping into spaces where the past whispers through the walls, imagining the stories they hold and feeling deeply grateful that today, they can still host one of life's most beautiful celebrations: a wedding.
When Merrill contacted me about her wedding at Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham, I was absolutely over the moon. I had dreamt of photographing a wedding at this incredible venue for many years. To me, it embodies everything I love, a deep sense of history, unique and alternative weddings and an inspiring, creative, non-traditional energy.

Couple smiling at their guests after their Orleans House Gallery wedding ceremony in the Octagon Room

Discovering Orleans House Gallery wedding in Twickenham

I've lived in Wimbledon for over 20 years, and I remember visiting the Orleans House Gallery out of pure curiosity, often cycling along the Thames and pausing to admire it from the outside. I was thrilled when I heard it had reopened as a public gallery and creative space and even more excited when I discovered that it could now host weddings.
This elegant building was initially constructed around 1710, and for many years, it stood neglected and unloved. Thankfully, after an extensive restoration supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Gallery reopened in March 2018 as an educational and cultural centre featuring a café and exhibition space.
It is now one of my favourite venues in the Richmond and Twickenham area. The stretch of the Thames here, surrounded by woodlands and nature, feels both timeless and inspiring. To photograph a wedding here felt like a true gift.

Restored architectural details inside the Octagon Room at Orleans House Gallery, with chandelier, large windows and intricate ceilings

The Enchanting Baroque Octagon Room wedding

One of the most magical spaces at Orleans House Gallery is the Baroque Octagon Room, designed by the architect James Gibbs. You truly need to experience it in person to understand its energy. It feels like stepping onto a film set.
With its intricate ceilings, black-and-white floors, and enormous windows flooding the space with natural light, it offers an extraordinary setting for a wedding ceremony. I love everything about this room; it seamlessly brings together history, art, and light in a captivating way.

Bride smiling inside the Octagon Room at Orleans House Gallery, with black-and-white floor and wedding guests in the background

The Morning at The Alexander Pope Hotel

I arrived early at The Alexander Pope Hotel in Twickenham, where Merrill was getting ready with her daughter. This beautiful boutique hotel overlooks the River Thames and exudes a relaxed, elegant atmosphere.
I actually fell so in love with this place that my husband and I later returned to celebrate our anniversary there, enjoying river walks and soaking in the calm, timeless spirit of the area.
On the morning of the wedding, the atmosphere was warm and joyful. Merrill and her daughter were sharing champagne, chatting, and preparing for the day ahead. It was a second wedding for Merrill, a celebration of love, life, and family.

nterior of the boutique Alexander Pope Hotel in Twickenham, a stylish setting for wedding preparations

Bride preparing for her wedding at the Alexander Pope Hotel, sharing a moment with her daughter over her wedding bag

Bride and daughter talking during wedding preparations at Alexander Pope Hotel, discussing final details before the ceremony

An Elegant Carriage Arrival at Orleans House Gallery

To escort the bride to Orleans House Gallery, a beautiful black carriage awaited, drawn by two magnificent black horses adorned with blue feathers, a detail that perfectly complemented the day's colour palette.
Merrill and her daughter arrived together at the Gallery, stepping into the glorious Octagon Room. The ceremony itself was elegant, in style I can only describe as delightfully aristocratic, quintessentially English, yet completely relaxed and full of genuine warmth. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed champagne and joyful conversation, surrounded by art and history.

Bride and her daughter arriving at Orleans House Gallery, surrounded by the greenery of the riverside park in Twickenham

Wedding ceremony inside the Octagon Room at Orleans House Gallery, with the couple and their guests facing the registrar

A Charming Procession through Twickenham

After the ceremony, the newlyweds made a memorable entrance into central Twickenham. Riding once more in the horse-drawn carriage, they turned heads and drew smiles as they travelled through the town centre. It was a moment of true joy and fun that connected beautifully with the community spirit of the day.

Humorous moment with black horses and blue feathers outside Orleans House Gallery, as the bride’s son crosses with the wedding flowers

An Italian wedding Feast at Osteria Pulcinella

The wedding reception took place at Osteria Pulcinella, a cosy, authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of Twickenham. The entire venue was booked for the couple and their guests, a perfect choice for an intimate, relaxed celebration.
I have a deep personal connection to Pulcinella, a famous Neapolitan character symbolic of joy, resilience, and life's pleasures. My grandparents were from Naples, and this spirit is close to my heart. The restaurant, with its rustic charm, wine barrels, and meticulously handmade dishes, reflected the couple's values perfectly: authenticity, love, and a life well-lived.

Guests enjoying an intimate wedding reception at Osteria Pulcinella, a cosy Italian restaurant in Twickenham

Exterior of Osteria Pulcinella in Twickenham, with a mural of the Neapolitan Pulcinella character enjoying spaghetti

Why I Love Photographing Weddings at Orleans House Gallery

As an experienced South London wedding photographer, I would love to photograph many more weddings at Orleans House Gallery. The venue naturally attracts couples with charisma, creativity, and a deep appreciation for history and unique places, emphasising the raw, real beauty.
For me, the essence of a wedding lies not in perfection but in presence, embracing every moment with joy and gratitude. This wedding, with its relaxed elegance and heartfelt connections, felt deeply aligned with this spirit.
If you are planning your wedding at Orleans House Gallery or seeking a photographer who values both artistry and human connection, I would be honoured to tell your story through my work.

Portrait of a young guest outside Orleans House Gallery, with confetti on the ground and a joyful moment between mother and daughter

Planning Your Wedding in Richmond or Twickenham?

If you're looking for a creative Richmond wedding photographer, a Twickenham wedding photographer, or someone with a passion for historical South London venues, I'd love to hear from you.
With years of experience, a passion for creativity and storytelling, and a big heart for the people I photograph, I am here to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
Contact me and tell me all about your unique, amazing day!