Neha and Jacob’s OXO2 wedding in August 2017 was a multicultural Indian and Jewish celebration on London’s South Bank: preparations in Notting Hill, a drummers’ welcome at the venue and a reception that carried on late into the night. This is their day as it happened.
OXO2 at a glance
OXO2 is a riverside event space on Level Two of OXO Tower Wharf on London’s South Bank. It has panoramic Thames views and a private balcony. OXO2 hosts wedding receptions and blessing ceremonies, but it doesn’t currently hold a licence for civil ceremonies, so the legal ceremony has to happen elsewhere first. The Main Space seats up to 170 on round tables, or 100 theatre style for a blessing. The Gallery is used for the drinks reception and later for dancing. OXO2 is available for exclusive hire for the day.
The morning: preparations in Notting Hill
We started the day in Notting Hill, where Neha and Jacob both got ready with their close family and friends. They were in the same house, but thanks to some strategic and diligent work from Jacob’s mum, Neha never saw Jacob all morning.
Preparations are one of the most interesting and challenging parts of a wedding to photograph. A lot happens at once, everyone is rushing to be ready, and the best moments last a second or two. I’d met Neha and Jacob in the build-up, so I wasn’t a stranger in the room, and they were brilliant at letting me get on with it.
Arriving at OXO2 on the South Bank
From Notting Hill we made our way across London to OXO2, set within the OXO Tower on the South Bank with panoramic views over the Thames. I was joined by the excellent Rideout Films, who filmed the day.
One of my favourite moments at any wedding is the bride’s arrival. At a multicultural Indian and Jewish wedding like this one, the traditions change from culture to culture, but it’s a stunning sight either way.
The drummers’ welcome
Indian weddings often bring a brilliant extra moment: the drummers. Sometimes they lead the groom’s procession, sometimes they welcome the couple before the reception. Here, Drummers Delight welcomed Neha and Jacob into the OXO2 wedding venue, and the booming, energetic sound of the drums had the attention of every guest in the room.
The reception, late into the night
A brilliant reception followed and the party carried on late into the night. I wish Neha and Jacob all the best for the future, and all the luck in the world.
Photographing an OXO2 wedding
OXO2 is a bright, open space with big Thames views and a private balcony, which suits documentary wedding photography well: there’s room to move without getting in anyone’s way, and the river does a lot of the work. I photograph an OXO2 wedding the way I photograph every wedding, as it happens, with no staging and nothing repeated for the camera.
Before a multicultural wedding we talk the day through on a short WhatsApp video call, so I know which traditions matter most to you, who’s who in the family and where everything happens. On the day, that means I’m already in the right place when the drummers start or the bride walks in, rather than catching up.
Two families, two sets of traditions and a lot of guests can make for a full timeline. My job is to keep out of the way of it: no stopping the day for photos, no lining people up between moments, just the story of your wedding as it unfolds, from the first hour of preparations to the last song.
Planning a London wedding? See what’s included for £2,500, or check if I’m free on your date.
Suppliers
Venue: OXO2, London
Videography: Rideout Films
Drummers: Drummers Delight
Here’s the story of their OXO2 wedding in photographs.
OXO2 wedding questions
Can you get married at OXO2?
OXO2 hosts wedding receptions and blessing ceremonies with views over the Thames. The venue doesn’t currently hold a licence for civil ceremonies, so the legal ceremony needs to take place elsewhere first.
How many guests does OXO2 hold?
According to the venue, the Main Space seats up to 170 guests for dinner on round tables, or up to 100 theatre style for a blessing ceremony. The Gallery is used for the drinks reception and dancing.
Where are the best photos at an OXO2 wedding?
The private balcony for the two of you, with the Thames behind; the Gallery during the drinks reception, when everyone has relaxed; and the Main Space once dinner is over and the dancing starts.
How much is an OXO2 wedding photographer?
£2,500 all in with Matt Wing. That covers unlimited hours, 800+ edited images, over 100 previews the next morning, drone where permitted, UK travel and a private online gallery.
Do we have to pose for photographs?
No. Documentary first, but not rigid: family group photos from your list, three short portrait sessions with gentle direction, and as much or as little posing as you want. Everything else is photographed as it happens.
