A cool and relaxed wedding at St John Restaurant
Jo and Greg’s vision for their wedding day was simple yet effortlessly cool: a modern London wedding with minimal fuss, culminating in an unforgettable meal at their favourite spot, St John. All suppliers listed at the end of the blog.
They got ready at home, chose a ceremony venue nearby for its charm and proximity, and after exchanging vows, strolled—yes, walked—just five minutes to their reception. The secret to making London feel intimate and personal? Treat it like a village, they say.
Museum of the Order of St John Ceremony
Their ceremony took place at the Museum of the Order of St John on St John’s Lane. Picture this: climbing a narrow, sixteenth century staircase leading into a beautifully unexpected space. The dark wood-paneled room and small doorway seemed unassuming at first, but then—bam! A grand, double-height ceiling with gilded frames and towering stained glass windows made the place feel like something out of a classic British novel. It was the perfect balance of history and grandeur, ideal for a modern couple looking to blend the old with the new.
Outside, the arches were ideal for an epic confetti walk through, a few quick portraits with family, and some timeless shots of Jo and Greg. Oh – and Nanna! With the warm glow of low afternoon light, we hunted down the perfect street where the light kissed the edge of a building and created some pretty lens flare. Jo’s sequin dress gleamed and shimmered and reflected the light so perfectly.
Keeping Wedding Portraits Simple
This was a couple who weren’t super keen on being the focus of the photos. Feel their vibe? So we spent just 10 minutes together, during the leisurely walk to St John, to capture these relaxed portraits. It felt effortless, just like the vibe of their day.
St John’s minimalist approach to decor matched their vibe perfectly—nothing too fussy, just a few flowers and playful red heart balloons to bring the space to life. The real star of the show was the food and drink. This wedding was all about enjoying the experience, not worrying about every detail.
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A Modern Approach to Speeches
The speeches were another highlight. As with many modern couples, Jo and Greg both gave heartfelt speeches, along with the bridesmaids and best man. It’s becoming the norm, and I’m here for it! (Check out my blog Wedding Traditions: How to Modernise and Make Them Your Own for more ideas.)
Flash Photography and Giant Pavlova
In autumn, the light is beautiful much earlier in the day, so we didn’t bother going out as the sun went down. Besides, everyone was eating and it wasn’t worth disturbing the flow of the meal. Instead, we saved a little energy for a quick wander around Smithfield Market in the dark and a flash gun. Meanwhile the St John team built the giant pavlova that was both the wedding ‘cake’ and guest dessert.
The Party Vibes
As the party unfolded back into the bar area, the first dance quickly transformed into a full-blown celebration. The kind of party vibe you can only get when you’ve designed your day exactly how you want it.
If you’re having a wedding at St John or want a similar modern vibe for your wedding photography, hit my contact page to say hi!
Suppliers
Photography: Michelle Wood @michellewoodphotos
Venue: Museum of the Order of St John // St John Smithfield
Hair: Strand and Lock, Bermondsey St
Suit: Norton and Townsend
Flowers: Filth Florist
Entertainment: DJ Switch
