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Yes. I bring my full mobile newborn studio with wraps, blankets and lighting to your home so everything is relaxed and easy.

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The Dorchester - an English wedding for Americans, Sue & Bill.

Gill Flett
Sep 6
4 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

USA couple bring London love back for their wedding at The Dorchester

I’ve photographed weddings at The Dorchester many times, and every one is a little different. But Sue and Bill’s day was something really special. They’d both spent time living and studying in the UK before moving back to the United States, and it was their love of London that brought them back to say their vows. It felt like the perfect full-circle moment.

The Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair with signature yellow striped awnings, a luxury London wedding venue

The wonderful details of the Dorchester Hotel

Luxury wedding venue interiors at The Dorchester with elegant staircase, golden textures and modern Art Deco details

There’s something about The Dorchester that always gives that wow factor to any visitor. Yes, it’s grand and timeless and luxurious. But the staff are genuinely some of the warmest people you’ll meet. It never feels stuffy – it feels personal. And that sets the tone beautifully for a wedding day.

Getting ready in calm, elegant surroundings

The morning was relaxed and happy. Sue and her bridesmaids got ready in the bridal suite at The Dorchester, with the softest light coming through the windows. Her mum and dad were there too – her father, a State Governor, and her mum, a Judge – both clearly proud and quietly emotional.

As an experienced wedding photographer, I’m always drawn to the quieter details - to wait for the moment to develop -a small squeeze of the hand, the way someone smiles while watching someone they love.

Bridal details at The Dorchester with cream rose bouquet, lace dress, champagne and elegant floral arrangements for a luxury London wedding

Bridesmaids getting ready in The Dorchester bridal suite for a luxury London wedding, filled with laughter and calm moments

As Sue completed her transformation into a stunning bride - through the view point of her Mum and her close friends she's chosen to be her bridesmaids. These candid shots always end up being favourites. They speak volumes.

Sue and her Bridesmaids collected in the Bridal Suite at The Dorchester. Sue’s parents, a State Governor and Judge, were there too.

Father of the bride writing his speech at The Dorchester before the wedding ceremony, captured in a quiet candid moment

The Bride’s father added last minute details to his speech for later that day. Moments I love to capture.

Bride being helped into her dress at The Dorchester, calm and elegant bridal preparation before Mayfair wedding

The Bride's Mother and Matron of Honour helped Sue into her dress.

Bride having her veil adjusted by bridesmaid in the bridal suite at The Dorchester before luxury Mayfair wedding

A ceremony full of warmth at The Grosvenor Chapel

The Bride with her Mother and Maid of Honour, travelled the short journey from The Dorchester to The Grosvenor Chapel in a wonderfully air conditioned BMV.

Their wedding ceremony took place at Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair – one of my favourite hidden gems in central London. It’s full of charm and feels calm and graceful. As Sue arrived, her Maid of Honour ensured that her dress draped perfectly as she made her entrance.

Groom and groomsmen waiting outside Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair before the wedding ceremony, dressed in classic black tie

Bride and bridesmaids arriving at Grosvenor Chapel Mayfair, London in wedding car for elegant city ceremony with joyful moments outside the church

Bride arriving at Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair with her father, emotional moments and candid wedding photography during the ceremony

The wedding ceremony was so personal and warm.

Black and white images of the wonderful wedding inside the Grosvenor Chapel

One of my favourite images from the day was the bride getting into the car just as the groom thanked the bride's father. I happen to know that the Bride’s mother has this picture on the wall of her office because she finds the image so calming in her busy life. The veil was perfectly held by Sue’s Maid of Honour.

The perfect veil photograph outside the American International Church

Portraits with time to breathe

After the ceremony, Sue and Bill’s parents made their way back to the hotel on foot, while I hopped into the car with the newlyweds for a short drive and a few portraits - saving time on the day.

This bit of the day is always a favourite for me – it gives couples space to breathe, to laugh, to just be together without the noise. Berkeley Square was of personal significance to Bill and Sue - He had studied at Berkeley in California so the similarity in the name, and the easy proximity between the church and the hotel made it a great location to use for their portraits.

Relaxed and candid portraits of bride and groom walking through Berkeley Square in Mayfair after their London wedding ceremony

portraits taken at The Dorchester Hotel with the wonderful art deco details of the hotel in the background

A luxury wedding reception at The Dorchester

Back at The Dorchester, guests were welcomed into the oak panelled Holford Room – full of old school charm and rich history. It’s one of the few rooms still in its original 1931 design, and it brings a sense of occasion that’s hard to match.

Black and white image of the arrival of the bride and groom to The Holford Room of The Dorchester Hotel

The wedding breakfast was held next door in the Orchid Room – soft lighting, Wedgwood inspired interiors, and a beautifully calm elegance. Sue and Bill chose cream roses, crisp white table linen and classic white chair covers – clean and timeless. It suited them perfectly.

The Orchid Room set up for the Wedding Breakfast. Elegant wedding reception at The Dorchester with white rose centrepieces, lace chair bows, classic stationery and a tiered wedding cake surrounded by fresh florals

Lots of lovely very personal Speeches, cake and so much joy

Family speeches complemented by wonderfully emotional speeches from close friends brought tears to the Bride.

Candid moments from The Dorchester wedding breakfast with live string quartet, laughing guests and the bride and groom enjoying the celebrations.

The speeches were emotional in the best way. I'd witnessed the bride's father adding a few last-minute thoughts that morning, and I caught a lovely moment of him quietly reflecting as he wrote. There were tears and laughter in equal measure. The kind of reactions every couple hopes for.

Still tear-streaked, my gorgeous bride and groom cut their amazing three tiered cake, then moved straight into their first dance – framed by the high ceilings and elegance of the ballroom. It was wonderful.

The bride and groom cut their wedding cake in The Orchid Room

Bride and groom share their first dance in The Dorchester’s ballroom, surrounded by guests and live music, during a luxury Mayfair wedding reception

There are so many smiles, and happy tears. They were beautiful.

All the bits that matter

Grosvenor Chapel and The Dorchester are an incredible pairing. Candid wedding photography works beautifully in both. The

soft light, interesting architecture, moments of quiet and calm. And if you’re planning a luxury wedding that still feels personal, this kind of setting gives you both.

I’d love to hear what you’re planning. Let’s talk about your day, your venue, and all the beautiful moments waiting to be told.

CONTACT GILL