RELAXED EDITORIAL PEMBROKE LODGE WEDDING IN RICHMOND

There are some weddings that feel effortlessly stylish from beginning to end, and Lara & Tom’s Pembroke Lodge wedding was exactly that. Relaxed, elegant and full of personality, their day blended traditional London wedding moments with a modern editorial feel that suited them perfectly.

The day began in Surbiton, with Lara getting ready alongside her six bridesmaids at a nearby Airbnb on Cadogan Road, while Tom spent the morning with his groomsmen at their flat on Maple Road. In true Richmond fashion, the boys even managed to fit in a cycle ride around Richmond Park before getting ready for the day ahead.

From the very beginning, everything felt relaxed and genuinely joyful. There was no sense of rushing or over planning, just two people completely excited to marry each other surrounded by family and friends who clearly adored them.

A Traditional Ceremony at St Andrews Church, Surbiton

Lara & Tom chose St Andrews Church in Surbiton for their ceremony, a beautiful traditional church service filled with hymns, readings and plenty of emotion. With around 100 guests filling the church, the atmosphere felt warm, intimate and incredibly welcoming despite the soaring temperatures outside.

Lara looked effortlessly elegant in her gown from Emily Grace Bridal, paired with Anthropologie shoes and jewellery from Taylor & Hart. Tom wore a striking green suit layered beneath classic black tails from King & Allen, giving the day a subtle editorial edge that photographed beautifully throughout.

The floral arrangements by Flourishing Temple and Louise Nadal perfectly complemented the soft, romantic feel of the day. Loose white and pale blue florals filled the church with texture and movement, adding to the timeless atmosphere of the ceremony.

Following the service, guests gathered outside for confetti before the celebrations moved towards Richmond.

Vintage London Buses & Summer Drinks at Pembroke Lodge

One of the standout moments of the day was watching guests board two vintage red London buses waiting outside the church. It immediately gave the wedding that unmistakable London character while also setting the tone for the relaxed celebrations ahead.

Once everyone arrived at Pembroke Lodge, the atmosphere became instantly social and celebratory. The combination of sunshine, champagne, Pimms and Aperol Spritz created the kind of summer wedding energy you can’t really plan for, guests spread across the gardens chatting, laughing and soaking in the heatwave conditions.

Pembroke Lodge is always one of my favourite London wedding venues to photograph because it offers such a balance between elegance and calm. Tucked within Richmond Park, it somehow manages to feel close to London while still offering space, greenery and beautiful natural light throughout the day.

Editorial Portraits in the Gardens

Throughout the wedding, Lara & Tom were incredibly easy to photograph together. They had a calmness around each other that made every portrait feel natural rather than staged, and it was obvious how perfectly matched they were.

We spent some time exploring the gardens at Pembroke Lodge for portraits during the afternoon and later returned outside for golden hour photographs once the light softened slightly. After sunset portraits, Lara changed into a second dress ready for the evening celebrations, bringing a more relaxed party atmosphere into the second half of the day.

The entire wedding balanced documentary moments with subtle editorial styling effortlessly. Nothing felt overly posed or performative  just stylish, genuine moments unfolding naturally around them.

A Dancefloor Nobody Wanted to Leave

As the evening arrived and temperatures finally dropped, the energy inside completely shifted.

Truly Medley Deeply kept the dancefloor packed all evening with a brilliant mix of medleys and singalongs, creating one of the most energetic wedding parties I’ve photographed in a long time. By the time Robbie Williams’ Angels played, Lara & Tom were surrounded by their guests singing every word back at them one of those wedding moments that perfectly captures how loved a couple really are.

It was chaotic in the very best way.

Exactly the kind of ending a wedding like this deserved.

Why Pembroke Lodge is Perfect for a Relaxed London Wedding

For couples planning a London wedding that feels elegant without becoming overly formal, Pembroke Lodge is genuinely hard to beat. Between the gardens, Richmond Park surroundings, iconic London transport opportunities and relaxed atmosphere, it works beautifully for couples wanting a wedding that feels stylish but personal.

Combined with a traditional church ceremony like Lara & Tom’s at St Andrews Church in Surbiton, the entire day felt timeless while still modern and relaxed.

Supplier Credits

Venue: Pembroke Lodge
Ceremony: St Andrews Church, Surbiton
Photography: Jonathan Flint Photography
Videography: Daniel Yates Films
Florals: Flourishing Temple & Louise Nadal
Dress: Emily Grace Bridal
Hair & Make-up: Storme Make Up
Suit: King & Allen – Surbiton Suit Tailors
Jewellery: Taylor & Hart
Entertainment: Truly Medley Deeply
Cake: Janet Crossley

If you’re planning a Pembroke Lodge wedding, a relaxed London church wedding or celebrations anywhere across London, Surrey or beyond, I’d love to hear more about your plans.

Get in touch to chat about your wedding photography plans.