Oliwia & Ben got married at the Old Marylebone Town Hall, London, UK
When Oli slid into my Instagram DMs a year ago, we were planning a gorgeous destination wedding in Barcelona. Then it shifted to a tiny town near Perpignan in the South of France. Then, right around Christmas, I got the message: Change of plans. We’re doing a massive pivot. London registry office, intimate dinner, and then we are flying to Tokyo and South Korea the literal next day for our honeymoon. I was so incredibly in.
Oli and Ben are 21. Twenty-one! They are my youngest clients ever, so naturally, I view them as my babies. But honestly? They are more mature, smart, and ahead in life than most people double their age. They already bought a house together, they have an adorable whippet named Norman, and they just have this grounded, brilliant energy.
They met at uni. Oli actually told me she didn't even like Ben at first ; she thought he was a bit arrogant. But they shared a class, started talking, realized they were perfect for each other, and that was it. Fast forward a bit, and Ben proposed to her under a cherry blossom tree during a trip to Japan (hence the honeymoon destination!).
Oli is just this force of nature : sweet and expressive, but she studied to be a detective, so she’s fierce, incredibly smart, and meticulously organized. I see so much of myself in her, though I definitely wish I had my life that together at her age. Ben is her perfect match. Quiet confidence, super gentle, and just has a way with words. At 21, he’s more of a man than most guys my own age!
Back in April, I was in London for a workshop and met up with them for an engagement shoot to feel out their vibe. I was on a literal mission to find them a piece of Japan in the UK, and we ended up tracking down the absolute fluffiest, most perfect pink cherry blossom tree in Hyde Park to mirror their proposal.
Then came June. I flew back to London and met them at the iconic Old Marylebone Town Hall. Side note: Dua Lipa got married there literally two weeks prior. Dua. Lipa. I am still pinching myself that I was shooting on the exact same steps.
The ceremony was tiny and so sweet, just their absolute closest family and friends. Afterward, everyone headed to a pub around the corner for a totally chilled-out gathering. Once the family moved on, the three of us went rogue. We hit the streets and the London Underground to get those moody, modern-retro city shots. Right in the middle of it, Oli changed into her second dress: simple, effortlessly chic, and just so her.
We wrapped up the shoot at The Ivy on Victoria Street, where they had reserved the Pelican Room for dinner. The table was covered in decorations they’d done entirely themselves. I was only supposed to be there to shoot for six hours, but Oli and Ben completely surprised me and insisted I put down my camera to join them as a guest for dinner.
The room was filled with so much warmth. Eating delicious food, playing games, and just laughing with them... I didn't feel like a hired vendor at all. I felt like part of the family.
What moved me the most about Oli and Ben is how completely, unapologetically themselves they are. In a world where weddings can sometimes feel performative, their day was a beautiful reminder of what actually matters: two people who are wildly in love, surrounded by the people who care about them most, starting a brand new chapter together.
I loved every single minute of my time with these two. Oli, Ben, if you’re reading this, I hope we stay friends forever and I can't wait to see all your photos from your honeymoon!
Where can we even start!!
Eileen is the most caring beautiful soul. She has a certain type of energy that instantly relaxes and puts you at ease. As a couple that thought we were extremely camera shy, Eileen showed us that this was not the case and we actually ended up loving having the camera out 🤭
Eileen truthfully pours out her heart and soul into her work and we trust her visions and ideas 100%.
Everyone at the wedding couldn’t say any more kind words about Eileen. This shows how much effort she took to talk to guests and communicate with everyone even if we were the ones getting photographed!
We can truthfully say that having Eileen to capture our engagement and wedding day is something that we are both extremely grateful for. We will treasure our photos for years.
Not only did we find the BEST photographer, we also made a friend along the way 🥹🤍
Eileen, thank you!
Love from Oli and Ben xx
