Chinese Tea Ceremony and St Bartholomew the Great Wedding Photography

Chinese Tea Ceremony and St Bartholomew the Great Wedding Photography is a perfect combination of tradition, atmosphere, and London character. Kuan-Chi and Jeremy planned a day that blended cultural heritage with the historic setting of one of London’s most striking churches. My approach was documentary throughout, letting the moments unfold naturally from the early tea ceremony to the celebrations around Smithfield and Charterhouse.

A Quiet Morning Tea Ceremony

The day began in Stratford where both families gathered for the tea ceremony. These mornings are always full of small moving parts, and this was no exception. Parents and relatives took their seats, the couple prepared the tea, and the room slowly settled into a rhythm of ritual and family connection. Photographing this part of the day is about watching carefully without interrupting. The gestures, expressions, and exchanges tell their own story.
After the tea ceremony, we made a few portraits before everyone boarded the bus to the church. The contrast between the calm of the ceremony and the noise of London outside was striking. It made the journey to St Bartholomew the Great feel like a shift into the next stage of the day.

Ceremony at St Bartholomew the Great

St Bartholomew the Great is known for its architecture, long central aisle, and dramatic atmosphere. The church suits documentary wedding photography because the light is textured and the space offers different vantage points. I covered the vows, ring exchange, and the recessional from the organ loft which gives a strong view of the couple moving through the nave.
Once the ceremony finished, guests gathered outside for confetti and a relaxed set of family groups. The surrounding streets are ideal for natural portraits, with cobbles, brick, and the character of Smithfield all within a short walk.

Afternoon at Balfour St Barts and Charterhouse

The reception at Balfour St Barts had a warm, informal feel. Guests spread across the pub, the speeches followed lunch, and there was karaoke from one of the aunts that moved between laughter and full performance mode. A full group photo from the staircase made good use of the space and lighting that had been set up earlier.
Later in the afternoon, everyone walked together to Charterhouse for another round of portraits. This part of the day had a different pace. The light softened, and the open space of Charterhouse Square gave room for movement and interaction. Sparklers and a final few portraits closed the evening before dinner continued inside.

If you are planning a wedding with both cultural elements and a London church ceremony, this mix of Chinese Tea Ceremony and St Bartholomew the Great Wedding Photography offers a strong example of how the day can flow naturally.

Bride having her hair styled while sitting at a dressing table decorated with red Chinese wedding symbols Bride’s reflection in a mirror as a hairpiece is added during her tea ceremony preparations Couple in traditional red Chinese wedding outfits holding hands during the tea ceremony Family member smiling while accepting tea during the Chinese tea ceremony Parents seated together as the father takes tea during the ceremony, shown in black and white Groom standing inside St Bartholomew the Great, looking across the church interior Groom waiting at the front of the church surrounded by flowers and candles Bride walking through the cloisters at St Bartholomew the Great before the ceremony Bride walking down the aisle at St Bartholomew the Great with her father Wide black and white view of the wedding ceremony inside St Bartholomew the Great Guests seated as the couple stand at the altar during the ceremony at St Bartholomew the Great Bride and groom singing from their order of service during the ceremony Bride looking up at the priest while standing with the groom at the altar Bride signing the register in the side chapel while guests and the groom watch Couple walking back up the aisle as guests applaud inside St Bartholomew the Great Bride and groom reaching for each other’s hands as they exit the ceremony aisle Couple walking through falling confetti outside St Bartholomew the Great Bride and groom walking together beneath the archway at West Smithfield Bride lifting her dress as the groom helps carry the train while walking through Smithfield Couple walking past shops and hanging flowers near the Butchers Hook and Cleaver Bride and groom entering the pub reception as guests applaud First dance at Balfour St Barts with guests gathered around Guest holding up a playful rose bouquet during the celebrations Couple dancing together during the evening reception at Balfour St Barts