Glasshouse Morningside: A Romantic Urban Wedding with Alex and Jenny

Weddings

3 Jul

This couple is the definition of getting married your way, and not letting any society norms dictate what they ought to be doing. They approached their wedding day with true class - highlighting their own preferences, while also ensuring their guests have the best time.

If you’re looking to strike this kind of balance for your wedding day, then read on - you might just pick up some gems!

If you don’t like dancing, you don’t have to

Our story begins at the end - the most striking deviation from the standard wedding day timeline. Alex and Jenny decided to opt out of a dance floor altogether, and instead hosted a board games evening with their lovely guests. As the photographer, I ended up staying well beyond my contracted hours and getting competitive with the guests, as that was just how much of a good time I had!

Heartfelt words and happy tears

The most beautiful words were shared by their nearest and dearest at the speeches. Of course, happy tears were shed, scrumptious food was enjoyed, glasses were clinked.

Relaxed but memorable portraits

The Glasshouse is already a magnificent structure in itself, we didn’t feel the need to go elsewhere for Alex and Jenny’s bridal portraits. Plus, they also had their dog who is undoubtedly the star of the show, so it made more sense to stay within the vicinity.

A heavenly ceremony

There is no better way to walk down the aisle than to live music - even more a choir. The grandeur of the venue gave the most magnificent acoustics to the singing, adding reverb to an already heavenly sound. I felt like I was floating as they were singing, I can only imagine what the couple must feel. It was definitely the highlight of the ceremony - apart from the actual marriage of course :) Libby also did an amazing job as the celebrant, featuring anecdotes from their relationship, taking us down memory lane, and masterfully running the show.

Precious moments of anticipation

Who doesn’t get nervous before a wedding? I honestly get nervous because I don’t want to mess anything up or miss any shots as a photographer - but it goes away when I realise it’s not about me! It’s about two people publicly professing their love for each other and sealing it with legal paperwork. Nervousness then turns into excited anticipation as I go along on the ride with the beautiful couple in front of me.

For Alex & Jenny, the day started with them already dressed (as they opted out of prep photos - which you absolutely can do if that’s not your thing). Things kicked off with a quiet but oh so joyful first look. I kept my distance as they shared sweet words that only they themselves can hear, while making sure to document the moment for them. Of course, their lovely dog made an appearance and shared this moment with them too.

A venue that does it all

The beautiful thing about Glasshouse Morningside is that while it can hold grand events with the most maximalist decorations and up to 200 guests, it is also a perfect space for something more intimate. Even though Alex & Jenny kept their guest count lean, capping it at 40, and went with a minimalist but elegant approach to decor, the space didn’t feel too vast and empty - in fact it was filled to the brim with happiness. And I don’t mean to sound cliché about it, but the board games evening showed me without flashing lights or loud music, just how close and meaningful these relationships are to the couple. Without a dance floor, there is nowhere to hide. But there was nobody left in a corner by themselves, everyone was fully engaged and enjoying themselves in the games and conversations (including myself 😅). And as a couple getting married, there’s really not much more you can ask for.

For intimate weddings, I believe it is key for photographers (and all vendors) to stay unobtrusive and let moments naturally unfold. With a smaller guest count, there really is nowhere to hide, so it’s important to preserve and respect the energy of the space. I do this by keeping my gear and equipment minimal, and only giving poses and creative direction where absolutely necessary. And of course, building a good relationship with the couple beforehand.

If you are going in a similar direction with your wedding planning, and you like the look of these photos, please get in touch - I would love to chat.

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