Celebration with confetti at a Scottish wedding featuring traditional kilts and festive attire outside a grand building.

Micro Wedding Photography at Hackney Town Hall


This was my first time photographing a wedding at Hackney Town Hall, which is mad considering it’s only a few stops from where I live. It’s a cracking venue – that grand Art Deco facade is hard to beat, and the light inside is perfect for a natural wedding photographer. Jake and Chih-Heng had mentioned beforehand that they were a bit camera-shy, which is honestly quite common. I always say I take beautiful photos for people who don’t like to pose – and this was a great example of that in action.


Despite their initial nerves, they were incredibly easy to work with. I think it’s down to how natural they are together – there was a real calm between them, which always makes things flow. I gave them a bit of direction now and then, but mostly just let them be, and the photos reflect that. Real moments, no fuss.

"What an amazing set of photos! We booked Gary very last minute and he worked incredibly hard. He had already scouted the venue and planned shots within a weekend, on top of getting the information about timings and what to expect for a town hall wedding. He was warm, personable and integrated himself into our small group well taking some fantastic photos of everyone. We loved the impromptu silhouette photo of us he managed to finesse, and just the simple hug he caught us in. Thank you, Gary"

—Jake & Chih

Two silhouettes walk past a hallway with illuminated geometric windows casting dramatic lighting patterns.

Creative portraits without the pressure


We had planned to walk from Hackney Town Hall to their reception at Mama Shelter, but the weather had other ideas. In the end, we made the most of the time indoors and I’m glad we did – that silhouette shot of them in the corner of the hall is one of my favourites from the day. Creative flash photos like that take a few minutes to set up, but they’re always worth it.


Chih-Heng wore outfits she’d designed herself, which brought such a personal and unique touch to the photos. Seeing those little details – how she looked at Jake, the way they moved together – made my job easy. If you’re looking for a documentary wedding photographer at Hackney Town Hall or a natural wedding photographer in London, this kind of day is exactly why I love the work. Beautiful photos don’t have to come from stiff posing – just a bit of trust, a bit of space, and people being themselves.

Two silhouettes walk past a hallway with illuminated geometric windows casting dramatic lighting patterns.

I also made one of my Retro Wedding Films for Jake and Chih. They are short, nostalgic videos shot alongside your photography, inspired by the golden age of VHS tapes and camcorders. Think soft-focus memories, tape hiss, and that warm fuzzy feeling of the 80s and 90s. No film crew, no drama—just a fun, heartfelt throwback that captures the joy of your day in a way that’s full of character.

A couple wearing a bright orange dress and floral pattern shirt pose together in a sunlit interior space.
A tender intimate moment captured with a beautiful floral bouquet featuring roses and greenery against warm lighting.
Two tattooed hands reach towards each other in a close encounter during a quiet indoor moment.
A couple shares a joyful moment while signing papers at a desk decorated with floral arrangements.
A person wearing a patterned shirt and kilt stands next to someone in an orange dress, both laughing together at an event.
A traditional brown leather sporran placed on red and blue tartan fabric with patterned fabric visible in the background.
Two people share a light-hearted moment while examining photos or documents together at a table.
Wedding guests in coral and pink attire seated in rows at an intimate indoor ceremony.
A couple engages in conversation and laughter while sitting together indoors.
A group stands together on stone steps outside a building, sharing smiles and joyful expressions.
Two people share a joyful moment with laughter while holding a colorful bouquet of flowers outdoors.
Two people stand outdoors wearing colorful outfits in front of a stately government building with flags on top.
Two people stand in a doorway wearing colorful outfits - one in a bright orange dress and one in a plaid kilt.
Two hands wearing wedding rings rest on plaid fabric with a bright orange background.
Two people in colorful traditional outfits smile while walking up elegant white stairs with wooden railings near windows.
A person wearing blue clothing and orange scarf with bright yellow-green eyeshadow smiles at the camera.
Two people hold hands while wearing a plaid red pattern and bright blue clothing.
A couple shares a joyful intimate moment in front of a warm-toned background with orange and white floral decorations.
Wedding Photographer Gary Williams

YOUR LONDON BASED DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER


If you're looking for more than just posed photographs, if you want your wedding day to be documented authentically, capturing real emotions and heartfelt connections – then you've found your documentary wedding photographer. Get in touch and let's create memories together. Send your enquiry and you'll be able to download a free copy of my very useful Wedding Guide.

Row of media and photography company logos including BBC and urban.