Getting to Know London Wedding Photographer Cat Arwel

With a background that spans childhood weekends assisting her father at weddings to years spent in TV and film, Cat Arwel brings a deeply intuitive, story-led perspective to wedding photography. Her work sits comfortably between documentary and editorial, shaped by a love of old cinema, fashion and the quiet drama of real moments unfolding. We spoke with Cat about authenticity, creative freedom, and why the most powerful images are often the ones you never plan for.

THEODORE Mag: When did you start wedding photography, and what inspired you to become a wedding photographer?

Cat: Technically, I started when I was about 9 years old, working at my Dad's photography business! He was a wedding photographer in our local town, and I would often find myself assisting him at weddings on the weekends. I'm not sure how interested I was in it then, to be honest, but it must have had an influence. But I worked in TV and film as an actor for a couple of decades before turning my passion for photography into a profession. I've been capturing lovers for 15 years now.

THEODORE Mag: How would you describe your style in your own words?

Cat: This is never an easy one to answer, as there are so many buzzwords out there! I always tell my couples that I like to turn up and document the day with as little interference from me as possible. I'm a storyteller. I create my best work when I'm able to let the day unfold naturally. So I guess it's heavily documentary in style. There's an editorial vibe going on too, and I enjoy drawing on my passion for old movies when doing couple portraits. My aim is for my couples to end up with a gallery of images that tells the story of their day in a modern, filmic and fabulous way!

THEODORE Mag: What inspires you outside of photography and weddings?

Cat: Documentary films, fashion, people, stories. Living in London provides constant inspiration! Different cultures, languages and fashion. I often find myself at fashion exhibitions and photography galleries.

THEODORE Mag: What can couples expect when they book you for their wedding?

Cat: I actually put this question out to my Insta fam so that previous couples can answer for me. They said (BLUSHING): "the best of everything!! But for your interview q, someone who really cares and puts their all into it"..."someone who feels like family and photos that look that way too" ..."a very cool, chill photographer who feels like a friend  you've known for years. A photographer whose shots will make you want more more more!!! I think you took the best photos of me ever that day."

THEODORE Mag: What’s your favourite part of a wedding day to capture?

Cat: This differs from wedding to wedding. I try not to be too formulaic to keep things creative and fresh, so every wedding is very different to me. I've really enjoyed some morning preps when the couple get ready together and are up for a little photoshoot. High up in the Shangri-la, once was a real treat.

THEODORE Mag: How do you approach telling each couple’s unique story?

Cat: I observe and capture! The more authentic the wedding, the more authentic the imagery. It's always a treat when the couple trust me fully to do my thing, and the fewer instructions the better!!

THEODORE Mag: Has your work changed or evolved since you first started?

Cat: Massively!! I used to take pictures that I thought people wanted of their wedding. It did not inspire me. Once I started to create work that I was passionate about and allowed my people to find ME, it was a game-changer. It sounds like a cliche, but it's SO true. Be authentic, create what you love, and let the magic happen.

THEODORE Mag: Looking back, what’s a moment from a wedding that really stays with you?

Cat: There are so many, but let's go with the funniest...  The bride walks down the aisle with Dad, all eyes on them. Dad's trousers fall down to the floor. True story!!!!

Visit catarwelphotography.co.uk

Instagram @cat_arwel_photographer

DISCLAIMER: We attempt to credit the original photographer/source of every image we use. However, in most circumstances, the images we use are provided by the brands spoken about, and we rely on them to inform us of the image source. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@theodoremagazine.com

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