Simple Yet Beautiful: Melissa & Zhi

There’s something truly magical about an intimate wedding! where every stolen glance, every whispered word carries weight. Melissa and Zhi’s simple yet beautiful ceremony at Woolwich Town Hall was exactly that: a perfect testament to love in its purest form. While photography restrictions meant I couldn’t document the ceremony itself, what unfolded after was just as meaningful and as worthy of being remembered.

Bride and groom share a joyful moment on grand red-carpeted stairs beneath a statue and stained glass in the stunning venue of Woolwich hall

A Relaxed & Heartfelt Celebration

Melissa and Zhi wanted a wedding that was simple, stress-free, and entirely focused on their love. Woolwich Town Hall provided the perfect backdrop. A stunning historic venue with grand architecture and natural light that made every photograph feel timeless. The couple kept their guest list small, ensuring that their closest family and friends could share in their joy without distractions.

From the quiet anticipation before the ceremony to the heartfelt vows exchanged under the town hall’s elegant arches, every moment was filled with emotion. Melissa looked radiant in her sleek, modern dress, while Zhi’s proud smile said everything words couldn’t. Their love story unfolded effortlessly, and my goal was to capture it all in an authentic, unobtrusive way..

Bride and groom walking hand in hand down elegant stone steps outside a neoclassical venue on their wedding day
Bride and groom sharing a romantic embrace in front of blooming white flowers, holding a bouquet of blush roses
Bride and groom standing under elegant white arches, holding hands and a bouquet, exuding modern romance and timeless sophistication
Bride and groom dancing under a canopy of trees in a serene park, captured in a romantic black and white wedding moment

Portraits That Tell the Story

With the formalities over, we took full advantage of Woolwich Town Hall’s stunning architecture for their portraits. The grand columns and soft natural light created a timeless backdrop, while Melissa and Zhi’s quiet joy made every shot effortless.

Some of my favorite frames from the day:

  • The way Zhi pulled Melissa close, whispering something that made her laugh
  • Their playful stroll through the courtyard, just enjoying being husband and wife
  • The quiet, contented smiles as they shared a moment alone together


Bride and groom pose with bridesmaid and groomsman on a grand staircase, all elegantly dressed for a stylish wedding celebration.
Wedding couple poses with family and friends on a grand staircase in an elegant venue with green walls and black-and-white checkered floors.
Bride and groom pose on a staircase with two wedding guests in elegant attire, framed by classic white railings and rich red carpet.

Why Restrictions Don’t Limit the Magic

As a wedding photographer with 10 years of experience, I’ve worked within all kinds of guidelines! and what I’ve learnt is that the most powerful moments often happen outside the "official" parts of the day. A wedding isn’t just about the ceremony; it’s about the way a couple looks at each other when they think no one’s watching, the way their families embrace them afterward, the little sighs of happiness as they finally relax.

Melissa and Zhi’s day was proof of that. Even without photos of the vows or signing, their story is told perfectly in the moments we could capture, the ones that felt real, unscripted, and entirely theirs!

Bride and groom walk joyfully inside a grand venue as the bride proudly shows her ring, captured on elegant black-and-white tiled floors

Planning a Town Hall or Intimate Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a small, meaningful wedding, whether at Woolwich Town Hall or another intimate venue, I’d love to help you preserve those irreplaceable moments. As a female photographer based in Essex, I specialise in authentic, emotion-driven storytelling, working seamlessly within any venue’s guidelines to make sure your day is documented beautifully.

Let’s chat about how we can capture your wedding in a way that feels true to you. No stress, no pressure, just a friendly conversation to plan the perfect photography for your day.

Ready to talk? Get in touch, I can’t wait to hear about your plans!