Ahmed and Lara celebrated their intimate Chelsea Registry Office wedding on a sunny day in July. Ahmed arrived looking smart in a dark charcoal suit and Lara in a very pretty mid-length ivory tulle dress with gold embroidered lace. She paired this with sparkly gold sandals, an ivory flower hair clip, and a stunning peony and rose wedding bouquet. Lara is Anglo-Egyptian and Ahmed Egyptian and this was their civil marriage ceremony before their traditional Muslim ceremony in Putney. I was honoured to photograph the UK part of their celebrations and this had been organised by Lara’s mother, Zane.
There were plenty of laughs as everyone arrived at Chelsea Old Town Hall. In total there were 9 guests which was a lovely intimate number for the smaller Rossetti Room in the Kensington & Chelsea Register Office. I took the opportunity of taking a few formal photographs because I knew that they were heading straight off after the ceremony and there might be little or no time for couple shots.
Lara and Ahmed walked into the Rossetti Room with big smiles and when Ahmed placed the wedding ring on Lara’s finger and they smiled at each other is was such a touching moment.
There was a slightly surreal moment towards the end of the ceremony when someone walked in, thinking that it was the register office lobby. Much laughter all round before they signed the formal register. The Registrar handed over the marriage license to huge applause and then the couple walked out onto the famous Chelsea steps and were promptly covered in confetti!
If you are planning a small, intimate Chelsea Registry Office wedding please do have a look at my Chelsea weddings page.
