🐊 The Alligator Bar at Louie London – A Chic Spot for Your 30th Birthday Celebration
Turning 30 is a milestone worth celebrating in style—and if you're looking for a unique, fun, and slightly glamorous venue in central London, The Alligator Bar at Louie London ticks all the boxes. Whether you're planning a cocktail-fuelled soirée or an intimate night with friends, this hidden gem near Covent Garden and Soho offers serious wow factor.
🎷 A Sophisticated Speakeasy Vibe
Tucked above the Louie London restaurant, The Alligator Bar oozes speakeasy charm. With its New Orleans-inspired decor, low lighting, and live jazz performances, it creates an atmosphere that feels effortlessly cool. The deep leather booths, polished wood bar, and vintage details make it a dream setting for a stylish birthday celebration. It has a lush outdoor area with a retractable roof and a designated smoking area.
🍸 Expert Cocktails & Party-Ready Drinks
The cocktail list is anything but basic. From a smoky Old Fashioned to sparkling seasonal spritzes, the drinks menu is crafted by expert mixologists who know how to start a party. And for larger groups, you can pre-order bottles or design a signature cocktail for the night—perfect for that personalised 30th vibe.
📸 Great for Party Photography
As a London event photographer, I absolutely love shooting at Louie. The warm lighting and stylish interiors create a glamorous backdrop for birthday portraits and candid moments. Whether it's a surprise toast or a group shot by the bar, you'll end up with images that look straight out of a magazine.
🗺️ Central London Location
Just a short walk from Covent Garden, Louie London is incredibly easy to get to—ideal for guests coming from all over the city. It’s central without feeling overly touristy, and there's no shortage of post-party spots nearby if the celebrations carry on.
📷 Let Me Capture Your 30th at Louie London
If you're planning your 30th birthday party at The Alligator Bar at Louie London, I’d love to help you capture every moment—from that first clink of glasses to the final dance. I offer natural, documentary-style party photography that keeps things fun and relaxed.
Capturing Christenings at the Greek Church of St Peter and St Paul in Bristol
There’s something deeply special about photographing a Greek Orthodox Christening — the timeless rituals, emotional moments, and joyful celebration all unfold in a setting rich with history and tradition. One of the most stunning locations for this in Bristol is the Greek Church of St Peter and St Paul.
⛪ The Church: A Stunning Backdrop
Tucked away on Lower Ashley Road, the church’s architecture is a dream for any photographer:
Warm, ambient lighting 🌞
Ornate details and religious icons 🖼️
Soft-toned walls and rich colours that create stunning contrast for white baptismal gowns
As a photographer, it's an honour to document these once-in-a-lifetime memories in such a beautiful and sacred place. 💒✨
🕊️ A Ceremony Full of Emotion and Meaning
Greek Orthodox christenings are incredibly visual events — full of symbolic rituals, expressive emotions, and candid family moments. From the anointing with holy oil to the immersion in the baptismal font, each step of the ceremony tells a powerful story through imagery. 📷
You can learn more about the service on a blog post I wrote: Nine Steps to Greek Christening
At St Peter and St Paul’s, these traditions come to life in an atmosphere of reverence, warmth, and celebration.
Every corner of this church offers an opportunity for meaningful, artistic shots — whether it’s the priest blessing the child, the quiet prayers of the Godparents, or the smiles exchanged between generations.
📷 My Approach to Christening Photography
As your photographer, I focus on:
Documentary-style storytelling — capturing the ceremony as it naturally unfolds
Candid family interactions — hugs, laughter, tears of joy
Creative portraiture — beautiful, timeless shots of your baby, Godparents, and guests
Discreet presence — respecting the sacredness of the service while getting the perfect angles
I’ll work closely with your family to understand the flow of the day, coordinate with the priest, and make sure no moment is missed.
💷 How Much Do I Charge?
My Christening Photography Package is priced at £595. This includes full coverage of the ceremony and family pictures, plus around 200 high-resolution, professionally edited digital images delivered via file transfer. 📁✨
No hidden fees — just beautiful, timeless memories captured with care. 💙
🎉 After the Ceremony
Many families choose to celebrate with a reception, either in the church hall or a nearby venue in Bristol. These relaxed gatherings are a fantastic time to capture candid group shots, detailed photos of the decor and cake, and the energy of the celebration. Whether you’d like me to pop in for just an hour, or capture the whole afternoon or evening reception - get in touch for a quote!
💌 Ready to Book Your Christening Photography?
If you’re planning a Greek Orthodox christening at St Peter and St Paul’s in Bristol, I’d love to help you preserve every special moment. Let’s create a collection of images that will last a lifetime — full of love, heritage, and joy.
📅 Now booking 2025 christenings and beyond
📍 Location: Greek Orthodox Church of St Peter & St Paul, Bristol
📞 Contact me today to check availability and pricing
Gipsy Hill Taproom Wedding – Urban Vibes, Craft Beer, Real Moments
Gipsy Hill Taproom
If you're planning your wedding in South London and searching for a laid-back, unforgettable venue for your after-wedding celebration, Gipsy Hill Taproom should be a worthy contender. This vibrant, brewery-based spot blends craft beer culture with community spirit—making it one of the most unique and exciting reception venues for modern couples. I shot a wedding there in the Summer of 2024 and fell in love!
All pics by Christine Constantine Photography
Why I loved it..
🍻 A Refreshingly Different Reception Venue
Ditch the stiff, formal banquet halls. Gipsy Hill Taproom offers an industrial-cool backdrop with exposed brewing tanks, communal tables, and a festive, laid-back vibe. Perfect for couples who want to keep the party going in a relaxed and memorable setting.
🍺 Craft Beer Heaven
Without stating the obvious - this is the spot for beer lovers. With a rotating lineup of fresh, on-site brews—from juicy IPAs to smooth lagers—you and your guests can sip something special. You can even customize your experience with a private tasting or personalised beer cans as wedding favours.
🍻 Spacious, Social, and Stylish
With its open-plan layout, the taproom comfortably hosts intimate groups or larger crowds. There’s plenty of room for live music, dancing, or playing games (great for the kiddies in the party). The outdoor seating area, strung with fairy lights, adds extra charm for those golden-hour moments.
🍺 Street Food & Local Flavours
No boring buffets here. Gipsy Hill Taproom regularly collaborates with top-notch street food vendors, offering everything from tacos to gourmet burgers. It’s a fun, informal way to feed your guests and add local flavour to your celebration. You can even bring your own food!
Gipsy Hill Taproom is perfect for:
🍺 Relaxed, creative couples who want a celebration that feels like them—chilled out, fun, and authentic.
🍻 Beer lovers eager to share their passion with friends and family.
🍺 Non-traditional duos who want to skip the formalities and go straight to the party.
🍻 Urban adventurers who love South London culture and community.
Need a laid-back, documentary photographer for your event?
Why Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park Is a Dreamy Spot for Your Engagement Shoot 🌿
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect spot for your engagement photoshoot in London, let me let you in on a little secret: Isabella Plantation, tucked away in Richmond Park, is an absolute gem. As a documentary-style wedding photographer, I’m always looking for places that feel natural, relaxed, and a bit magical—and this one ticks all the boxes.
Here’s why couples (and photographers like me!) love it:
🌸 It’s dreamy – and totally natural
Isabella Plantation isn’t just pretty—it feels like you’ve stepped into a wild, enchanted garden. With winding woodland paths, calm ponds, and bursts of seasonal flowers, it’s a backdrop that doesn’t need staging. That means you two can just hang out, be yourselves, and let the photos happen naturally—no awkward poses required.
🌼 You’ll find privacy without going off-grid
One of the hardest things about planning an engagement shoot in London is dodging the crowds. But Isabella Plantation somehow feels secluded, even though it’s right in Richmond Park. There are literally hundreds of little hideaways and quiet corners that are perfect for intimate, candid moments (and no strangers photobombing in the background).
🌺 The colours change with the seasons
This place is beautiful year-round. In spring, the azaleas and rhododendrons explode in colour. Summer’s lush greens are perfect for golden-hour glow. Come autumn, the leaves turn rich and warm, and even in winter, there’s a peaceful, misty vibe that makes everything feel cinematic.
🌹 It suits you, not just the photos
The best engagement shoots happen when the location matches your vibe. If you’re the kind of couple who’d rather go for a relaxed stroll than pose stiffly for the camera, Isabella Plantation is ideal. It’s not just about how it looks—it’s about how it makes you feel. And feeling relaxed, happy, and connected? That’s where the magic is, and it will come across in your photos.
Ready to plan your engagement shoot at Isabella Plantation?
I’d love to come along and document the real, joyful, beautiful moments between you two. Let’s make it fun, relaxed, and totally you. I can meet you at the entrance next to the car park and we can take it from there. :-)
Why Battersea Park Is a Hidden Gem for London Engagement Photos
If you’re looking for a relaxed, natural spot in London for your engagement photos, Battersea Park might just be the perfect place. As a London-based photographer, I’ve shot in several parks in London, but there’s something special about Battersea. Here’s why I keep coming back to it — and why it could be the ideal backdrop for your engagement session.
1. It Has a Bit of Everything—Without the Crowds
One of Battersea Park’s biggest strengths is its variety. We have LOADS of options. Within just a few minutes’ walk, we can go from tree-lined paths to wide open fields, from peaceful lakeside views to tucked-away woodland corners. You’ll also find some lovely features like the Peace Pagoda, the old bandstand, and even a few hidden architectural details that give your engagement shoot a bit more character.
Unlike the more central parks, Battersea Park tends to be calmer—especially on weekdays. That means more space, less waiting around for people to move out of frame, and a much more comfortable, natural atmosphere for you both to relax into the shoot.
2. Beautiful Light in Every Season
Even on a cloudy London day (and let’s be honest, we get a few of those), Battersea Park offers great light. Open grassy spaces are perfect for that golden hour glow, while the trees and shaded spots create soft, flattering light for close-up portraits. Whether it’s spring blossom, summer greens, or autumn tones, this park shows up beautifully year-round.
3. A Natural Setting That Feels Like You
Battersea Park doesn’t feel overly manicured or staged. It feels real—and that’s what I love. If you're the kind of couple who enjoys long walks, hanging out by the water, or just being outdoors together, this place naturally brings that vibe into the photos. There’s no need to overthink it. You can bring your dog, a picnic, or just yourselves, it all works here, and will provide you with imagery that reflects YOU. Great idea for save-the-date cards too!
4. It’s Easy to Get To (And Park In!)
Not always something people think about right away—but trust me, it matters. Battersea Park is super accessible by public transport (close to Battersea Park and Queenstown Road stations), and it even has parking (just off Prince of Wales Drive on the southside of the park)—which is pretty rare for central-ish London. That makes everything easier on the day and keeps things low-stress.
5. And Battersea Power Station Is Just Right Next Door!
If you want to mix things up, the iconic Battersea Power Station is right next door—and it adds a completely different look to your images. Think industrial architecture, riverside views, and modern city vibes. It’s ideal if you want a contrast to the park’s greenery, or just fancy grabbing a coffee and continuing the shoot in a more urban setting. It’s all walkable, and we can easily split the session between both locations.
So, Is Battersea Park Right for Your Engagement Shoot?
If you're after a laid-back, photogenic spot that gives you lots of variety without the chaos of central London, Battersea is 100% worth considering. It’s one of those places where the focus stays on you, not the location—and that’s exactly what an engagement shoot should be.
Thinking about a Battersea Park engagement session?
Get in touch and let’s chat! I’d love to help you plan something that feels relaxed, meaningful, and totally you.
A Beautiful Christening Venue in Wimbledon: Why Cannizaro House is the Perfect Spot for Your Baby’s Special Day
Why Cannizaro House in Wimbledon is the dream spot for your baby’s Christening
Cannizaro House (or Hotel Du Vin as it is now called) has that rare mix of being quietly beautiful and genuinely welcoming. It’s set in Cannizaro Park next to Wimbledon Common and is surrounded by gardens and trees. It just feels peaceful from the moment you arrive. It’s not flashy — just lovely in a really effortless way.
🌸 The gardens
If you’re looking for a Christening venue in Wimbledon with beautiful outdoor space, this is it. Cannizaro House is wrapped in 34 acres of stunning gardens, with everything from rose beds to Italian-style landscaping and even a sunken garden that feels like a hidden fairytale spot.
It’s perfect for incorporating a gentle, nature-inspired theme into your baby’s celebration. You could go for soft floral touches on your invites, decorate with wildflowers, or have a dessert table that ties into the garden colours.
Plus, the gardens are ideal for photos — natural backdrops, dappled light, and plenty of space for little ones to run around.
✨ Indoors, it’s just as lovely
Inside, Cannizaro House has that perfect “relaxed elegance” feel. The private rooms are light-filled and full of character — especially the Orangery, which opens onto the garden and works beautifully for daytime celebrations. Whether you’re planning a small family gathering or a slightly bigger guest list, it’s all very calm and manageable. No big hotel chaos, just a lovely, welcoming atmosphere.
🥂 Food, drinks & DECOR that feel thoughtful
The venue team is brilliant at tailoring food and drink to suit your day. You can go classic with a sit-down meal or keep things more relaxed with canapés, grazing boards, or an afternoon tea vibe. They’re also really open to personal touches — so if there’s a specific cake you love or something sweet you want to include, they’ll make it happen.
Their wine list is great (it is a Hotel du Vin after all), but they’re equally good at creating mocktail menus or non-alcoholic options if that’s your thing.
🛌 Rooms for guests = major win
If you’ve got friends or family coming from out of town, or if anyone just wants to stay overnight, Cannizaro House has lovely rooms just upstairs. That takes a whole layer of stress out of the day — no rushing around planning where your guests are going to stay, just time to enjoy it properly. And who needs extra stress when you have a baby to look after on top?
💛 Feels like a hidden gem
It’s close to Wimbledon Village, so guests can grab a coffee or have a wander on the common before or after the party. It’s easy to get to from central London, but once you’re there, it feels like you’re a million miles away from the noise. If you’re looking for a baby celebration venue with outdoor space, or something that blends elegance with comfort, Cannazaro House is a perfect choice.
Whether you're planning a small and intimate Christening or something a bit more of a statement, Cannizaro House offers a calm, beautiful setting that genuinely you and all your guests will just LOVE.