The Civil Partnership Ceremony of Ann and George

Photographer: Andrew 

Location: London – Southwark Register Office, Camberwell and the Brewbird Cafe on the Peckham Road

It was the tail end of lockdown. Restrictions were still in place, and the weddings that were taking place were walking a tightrope of numbers, distances and what could occur. In that context I got a call from Ann. “We are having our Civil Partnership and the kids say we MUST have a photographer.”

The Ceremony itself at Southwark Register Office had limited numbers, as did the main reception meal at the Brewbird. But the outdoor space at the cafe allowed for more people top gather legally, so the after-party could be bigger. I agreed to treat the day as a single-photographer, short shoot, but to come twice – to the Registry and to the cafe much later.

It was dull and slightly rainy early on, but we struck lucky with the group shots at the Register Office. Then it brightened up, and the end of the afternoon at the cafe was great, photographically. Hazy sun reflecting of creamy brickwork gives a lovely light for portraits. Add in happy and beautiful guests and my job wasn’t too hard!

Thank you, George and Ann, for asking me to photograph your partnership celebration!

The happy couple exchanged earrings rather than rings, which lead to some unusual shots to include both!