Jody + Rafi’s Stephens House and Gardens Wedding

Jody and Rafi’s wedding at St Stephens House and Gardens was the first wedding I photographed during the pandemic. After along break from shooting, I made my way to East Finchley (which is just around the corner from me) last August and got back into the saddle. It felt so good to be holding a camera again – and to be surrounded by lots of smiley happy people. A few things were different – like wearing a mask, not being able to hug and congratulate the couple, constantly applying hand sanitiser to keep people safe – but overall it didn’t feel that different. It is a real honour to be a part of such a happy occasion and it made me appreciate my job all over again.

Jody and Rafi had an outdoor Jewish wedding under a beautiful Chuppah on the terrace of St Stephens House. The maximum number of guests allowed at that time was thirty so it was immediate family only. But Jody and Rafi’s friends cheered on the couple from the grounds and enjoyed watching the ceremony over a little picnic.

One of my favourite parts of the day – apart from meeting a tiny adorable dog and a very cute flower girl – was the send off Jody’s neighbours’ gave her when she made her way out to the bridal car. The whole street had come out shouting their well wishes and even holding up placards wishing her best of luck!

If you are planning a Stephens House and Gardens wedding and are looking for a documentary wedding photographer, get in touch to check my availability.