As a film wedding photographer, there are some weddings that feel like they were made to be captured on film — and Laura & George’s black tie summer wedding at the Palm House was exactly that.
Think soft summer light filtering through glass, shades of blue florals against lush greenery, live music drifting through the air, and a couple who cared deeply about how their day felt, not just how it looked. One of those weddings where everything just clicks.
A black tie summer wedding at the Palm House
The Sefton Palm House is one of those venues that doesn’t need much doing to it. The architecture, the light, the plants — it’s already a dream. Laura & George leaned into that, keeping everything elegant, unfussy and timeless.
The vibe in a nutshell:
- Black tie, but relaxed
- Elegant without feeling stiff
- Seasonal, thoughtful, and full of joy
- Live music throughout the day
- Around 80 of their closest people
The colour palette stayed beautifully restrained — soft and dusty blues, layered with fresh whites and greenery. It worked perfectly against the glass and ironwork of the Palm House and photographed gorgeously on film.
This is exactly the kind of setting where weddings captured on film really shine — subtle tones, texture, and natural light doing what it does best.
Laura & George — a love story years in the making
Laura and George have been together for seven years, though their story actually starts long before that. They both studied at Leeds University, sat in many of the same lectures… and somehow never met. (Laura both agree that was probably for the best.)
The couple eventually met through work — Laura joined a graduate scheme in Leeds a few years after George. Laura’s from Liverpool, George’s from Stoke-on-Trent, and now they live together in London, still working for the same company (thankfully in different offices and departments).
They got engaged earlier this year in New York City, which feels very on-brand for a couple who appreciate good energy, good design and a bit of magic.
A wedding designed to feel good
When Laura described their vision, one thing came up again and again — they wanted the day to feel fun, relaxed and full of life.
Not overly styled.
Not performative.
Just really, really good.
They focused on:
- Great food (always a yes)
- Live music to keep the atmosphere flowing
- Local suppliers who understood the venue
- Letting the Palm House’s natural beauty lead
And honestly? It showed. Guests were present. The energy never dipped. No one was rushing off for staged moments — everything unfolded naturally, which is always where the best photographs live.
Why this wedding worked so beautifully on film
I’m often asked why I choose to photograph weddings on film — days like this are the answer.
Film slows things down in the best way. It’s intentional. Observational. It rewards trust and patience.
This wedding had:
- Soft, consistent summer light
- Neutral tones with gentle pops of blue
- Movement — from music, from people, from the space
- Real moments over rigid timelines
All of that translates so effortlessly when you’re working as a film wedding photographer.
If you’re curious about how film differs from digital, I talk more about that [here → Why I Photograph Weddings on Film].
Live music, laughter, and letting moments unfold
One of my favourite parts of the day was how seamlessly the live music wove through it all. From guests arriving, to drinks, to the evening celebrations — it kept the energy warm and connected.
And from a photography point of view?
- People relax more
- Moments linger longer
- Reactions are real
Those are the moments I’m always watching for — a glance, a laugh, someone squeezing a hand during a song. The kind of moments you don’t plan, but always remember.
The Palm House — a venue made for elegant summer weddings
If you’re planning a summer wedding and want something that feels both grand and intimate, the Palm House is hard to beat.
What I love about photographing weddings here:
- Incredible natural light throughout the day
- Beautiful symmetry and structure
- A space that doesn’t need over-decorating
- It feels special without being overwhelming
A note for couples drawn to film photography
If you’re someone who:
- Loves timeless imagery over trends
- Cares about atmosphere and feeling
- Wants your wedding documented, not directed
- Appreciates art, craft and intention
Then film might just be for you.
Laura & George trusted the process, stayed present, and allowed the day to unfold naturally — and that trust is always visible in the final images.
Planning your own elegant summer wedding?
If you’re planning a black tie or elegant summer wedding and looking for a film wedding photographer who documents weddings with honesty, warmth and an artistic eye, I’d love to hear from you.
You can get in touch [here → Contact Me] or explore more weddings captured on film over on the blog.
Film wedding photographer capturing weddings on film, just as they felt.
