With a special birthday approaching, our lovely Laura was gifted our London experience as an early gift from her amazing husband, Ian.
Before we get on to the London itinerary, let’s just chat a little bit about a conversation we had whilst sipping out cocktails waiting on our boarding at Edinburgh Airport.
Laura has set herself a goal of 30 things turning 30. As a mum of a 4 year old, a wife, home owner, dog mum, working full time and everything else in between it’s difficult to find time for yourself. It’s difficult to find hobbies, things you enjoy. So when asked what seems like a straight forward question of ‘What do you enjoy?’, Laura’s answer was ‘I don’t know’. Why are you telling us this I hear you ask…. Well, ask yourself the same question. What do you enjoy doing, have you tried anything new recently? If your answer is also ‘I don’t know’ then I challenge you to set yourself a goal. Explore new hobbies, spend time in nature, connect with others, maybe even revisit some old interests. Find some time for you, not as mum, not as wife, as YOU. Anyway, I digress. After our obligatory airport cocktails at All Bar One, we boarded our flight. Next stop LDN.
We document the trip from start to finish, so from that first sip at the airport the cameras are rolling. Documentary-style photography is one of our favourites, telling stories through images, focusing on real life situations and authentic moments.
Arriving at Luton Airport, we jumped onto the train to take us in to the City of Westminster. We then went for a stroll through Green Park capturing some candid and some posed images amongst the autumn leaves and onto The Stafford for some more cocktails. They have an American Bar which is an experience in itself, picture ‘gentlemen’s bar’ vibes. The dim lighting, vintage furnishings, leather chairs and an old school charm. A photographers wet dream!
Sometimes the small, often overlooked details of London can tell a powerful story. We walked through the hustle and bustle of the streets, documenting along the way. We stopped off for some more cocktails and a bite to eat before heading back to the hotel.
Hotel room, spotify playlist at the ready, getting prepped and primed for the evening, belly laughs, capturing the energy and excitement!
We got an Uber from the hotel to our first show of the evening. This was a recommendation from Laura, she’d stumbled across a TikTok of Sinners Speakeasy Proud Cabaret and it did not disappoint. Step into an atmosphere where vintage glamour intertwines seamlessly with the edgy, provocative pulse of neo-kink and fetish, reminiscent of the golden age.
Need I say any more?
Then on to the good old faithful, Magic Mike. If you’re looking for the ultimate girls night then look no further, it hits the spot, EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. We laughed, we screeched, we sang and we danced the night away. Can I just say the ladies toilets at the hippodrome, 10/10, the perfect photo opportunity. Round of applause for whoever designed those. Classic, timeless, vintage, luxury all rolled in to one.
After Magic Mike we headed back to our room where we changed into our lingerie sets. Laura had an image she wanted to recreate and I know you know the image I’m talking about. We strutted our stuff in the hotel room, hyping Laura up whilst she worked her magic infront of the camera. Mini boudoir in the bedroom at 1am? Say no more. Then we went to no less than stormzy’s ‘house party’, something I think everyone should experience… even if the entry process is like Australia’s front line border security.
The following day we checked out and headed for the famous landmarks. Our hotel is central, a short walk and we stumble upon the famous Trafalgar Square. There was a small Christmas market set up making the whole experience that little bit more magical. Christmas wreaths hanging from the wooden chalets, the smell of hot sugar donuts, mulled wine and people busking on the square. We headed down Whitehall where there was a march for Remembrance weekend, a very heartwarming and proud to be Scottish moment as the bagpipes echoed the streets, continuing on to Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, London Eye - iconic!
Once we had taken in all of these spectacular sights, we headed to London Dungeons. A perfect blend of history and horror. Unfortunately you can’t use your camera whilst you’re in there because there would have been so many hilarious moments captured but such an intense yet entertaining experience. Definitely one to try out, if you haven’t already been!
We finished our trip with a visit to Buckingham Palace and walk through St James Park before going back to collect our luggage and heading for the airport.
Laura, thank you for always being our biggest cheerleader and Ian, thank you for allowing us to be part of Laura’s big birthday surprise.
❤️ 🍾 ✈️
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