A Gay Wedding at Trinity Buoy Wharf | Tom & Alex
There’s something incredibly powerful about a celebration where every detail feels personal, intentional, and joyfully relaxed. Tom and Alex’s wedding at the Chainstore, Trinity Buoy Wharf, was exactly that — a day full of love, laughter, and music, in one of London’s most atmospheric warehouse venues.
It wasn’t just a wedding. It was a gathering of hearts from all over the world — England, Scotland, LA, Sydney, Bangkok — all coming together to witness something real.
Groom Prep at Nobu
Tom and Alex spent the morning together at Nobu Hotel in Shoreditch — no separating, no big reveals, just a calm, easy start to the day side by side. It was the kind of morning that sets the tone: music playing, coffee in hand, last-minute buttonhole adjustments, and a quiet excitement building as the hours ticked on.
Once they were ready, we all hopped in a taxi together and made our way across to Trinity Buoy Wharf — a warehouse venue in East London where everything else would unfold. No pomp or performance. Just the three of us, mid-morning city light, and that rare sense of stillness before the celebrations began.
Why A Trinity Buoy Wharf Wedding is Always a Favourite
There’s a reason I never tire of photographing weddings at Trinity Buoy Wharf. Tucked away on the banks of the Thames, it’s one of London’s most characterful warehouse venues — full of light, history, and unexpected beauty. Once home to lighthouse maintenance and buoy manufacturing (hence the name), the space now hosts modern celebrations with a creative edge.
It’s industrial but never cold, spacious but somehow still intimate. With views across the river, a backdrop of shipping containers and cranes, and London’s only lighthouse on-site, it offers couples something truly unique — a venue that doesn’t need much dressing up, but welcomes your personality in full.
If you’re considering Trinity Buoy Wharf for your wedding, you’ll have the freedom to make it your own — and the kind of setting that quietly wows every guest who walks through the doors.
The Legal Ceremony
Tom and Alex’s gay wedding at Trinity Buoy Wharf was shaped around authenticity and heart. They started with a small legal ceremony in front of close family, with emotional readings and a quiet sense of significance. Later in the day, their best friend led a larger ceremony surrounded by all their guests — a mix of laughter, warmth, and deeply personal words.
They entered together. No aisle, no fuss — just two people starting their marriage side by side.
Just after their legal ceremony we went for lunch nearby; such a perfect fun break in the day!
A Ceremony Full of Laughter and Love
Their second ceremony — the one with all their guests — was led by one of their best friends, and it was one of the warmest, funniest, most personal ceremonies I’ve witnessed. It struck that perfect balance: heartfelt without being heavy, full of laughter without ever losing the weight of the moment. They included a reading of Union by Robert Fulghum, which brought a few tears, and walked in together to You're My Best Friend by Queen. No formal aisle, no tradition for tradition’s sake — just two people surrounded by the people who know and love them best, in a ceremony that felt completely, unapologetically them.
Styling a Gay Trinity Buoy Wharf Wedding: Modern, Clean and Personal
The Chainstore at Trinity Buoy Wharf was the perfect setting: open, minimal, and full of natural light. Tom and Alex styled it with a modern palette of navy and tropical greens, accented with orange-toned florals. It felt contemporary but soft — a reflection of them, not a Pinterest board.
Their favours were concrete initials for each guest (made by Fluffypeaks), their signage was designed by Tom himself, and both grooms wore outfits that reflected their personalities and roots — from a Kooples suit to a Scottish kilt.
Group Photos, but Make Them Fun
Tom and Alex were clear from the start — they wanted their formal group photos to feel relaxed and lighthearted, not stiff or overly posed. So that’s exactly what we did.
We kept things moving, made space for laughter, and let their friends and family bring their own energy to the frame. There were sunglasses, silly moments, hugs that turned into lifts, and a few spontaneous dance moves thrown in for good measure.
It still captured everyone they love, but in a way that felt true to the spirit of the day — natural, fun, and full of connection.
Food, Music, and a Warehouse Party That Hit Just Right
When it comes to London warehouse weddings, few strike the balance of relaxed and memorable like this one. The food by Tasting Plates was served as generous sharing platters — unfussy but elegant — and drinks were self-sourced for a more personal (and budget-friendly) touch.
The cheese “cake” from Neal’s Yard became an instant gathering point. Speeches were informal but heartfelt. And the music? From a friend performing Stand By Me to an all-female disco band and a first dance to Sister Sledge, the whole evening unfolded with rhythm and connection.
Why This London Warehouse Wedding Worked So Well
Tom and Alex didn’t follow a template. They leaned into what felt like them. From skipping unnecessary extras to curating a relaxed flow to the day, every detail supported the heart of the celebration.
Their same-sex wedding was modern but meaningful, stylish without being showy. And most importantly, it was built around love and FUN — in the truest sense.
Planning Your Own Gay Wedding in London?
If you’re planning a gay wedding in London and want your photos to reflect how it felt — not just how it looked — I’d love to chat.
I’ve spent the last 12+ years documenting love stories quietly and naturally, without turning your day into a photoshoot. My full-day coverage starts at £1,500, and I’m proud to have over 50 five-star reviews from couples who felt calm, supported, and truly seen.
You can read more about my work here or browse more stories like Tom & Alex’s in the journal.
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