Tag Archive for: Professional Wedding Photographer

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A Romantic Scottish Wedding

When Helen asked me if I would travel to Scotland with my camera to capture her wedding day, I instantly said yes. Helen and I share a mutual friend and so it was a fabulous opportunity to catch up with friends and visit one of the most beautiful venues in the UK.

Helen Langthorne and Matthew Dixon were married at Inglewood House and Spa in Stirling.  It really is a most stunning setting to hold a wedding; magnificent Jacobean architecture, a spectacular ballroom, sweeping landscaped grounds and a rather lovely duck pond.  It’s no wonder Inglewood House and Spa was voted the Romantic Venue of the Year 2017 at the Scottish Wedding Awards.  As I drove up to the venue I knew it would lend itself perfectly to a fairy-tale wedding.  Although I’ve travelled a lot with my work, this was my first Scottish wedding, and it didn’t disappoint.

Whenever I’ve visited Scotland in the past, it had rained so when I arrived in the sunshine it was nothing short of a miracle…but, yes, you’ve guessed it, rain was forecast for the wedding day. But nothing was going to stop us.

Happily, we woke up to a sunny day and everyone was very excited. One of my favourite parts of any wedding is seeing the bride getting ready for her big day. It’s such an intimate time spent with those nearest and dearest to her and can often be quite an emotional experience. At some point, the tissues come out and tears of joy are wiped away before anyone’s mascara runs!

Helen and Matt’s morning was no different. In a wonderfully romantic gesture, Matt sent Helen a card with some lovely words in…she let me have a peak and even I shed a tear (no, I’m not going to tell you what it said, but believe me, it was beautiful).

Of course, you can’t have a wedding in Scotland without going the whole nine yards, and it was great to see all the boys in kilts. I have to say they looked very handsome indeed! Their outfits made the day such an authentic Scottish experience, although I’m afraid I was too shy to ask exactly what they were wearing underneath their kilts (or could say “ too shy to ask THAT question”).

The humanist ceremony was conducted by celebrant Mary Wallace and told the story of the world Matt and Helen have built for themselves, how they met and what they have achieved together. It celebrated how far they have come and the solid bond and love they share. Hearing such personal anecdotes made the wedding very special and there were lots of tears and laughter throughout. Even Helen’s sister, Ruth, shed a tear, and according to Helen, she never cries!

Eventually, the rain did come at around 6 pm, but it did nothing to dampen the spirits of the bride and groom and all their guests as they danced the night away in traditional Scottish Ceilidh style.

Thank you, Helen and Matt, for letting me share such an amazing day.

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Magical Marquee Wedding

When Jess and Dom Carter were looking for their dream wedding venue, they didn’t have to venture far. Jess’s family farm, near the market town of Frodsham in Cheshire, with its stunning views over the River Mersey was simply perfect.

“My family used to grow Christmas trees in the field so I have many happy memories there.  We also wanted somewhere local for the Grandmas!” Jess told me.

“We started looking at local marquee companies, Steve at Posh Frocks and Wellies came to meet us and see the field. We built up a good relationship with Steve and knew they were the company for us. The marquees are stunning! Which also really helped when it came to decorating…it didn’t need much! Just the lighting that comes with the marquee and then the greenery that decorated the king poles”

Even the loos were really posh!

Jess and Dom are an amazing couple, as are their family and friends. Although they didn’t have a specific theme for their wedding, they took inspiration from their romantic trip to Rome where the two got engaged, and every element had a personal touch.

 

They collected flowers and props from family and friends, Jess’s uncle made the wooden boards that went on the tables, the flowers at the venue were arranged by her Godmother, Sarah, the cake, a delicious lemon with white chocolate and lemon ganache, was made by a family friend Jenny and Jess’s hair and make-up were done by another close friend.

“It really made it for me to have my wonderful friend Dawn there in the morning helping me, along with my mum and bridesmaids of course!” Jess said.

 

 

In the week running up to the wedding, I was worried that the weather would be unkind as the forecast was so changeable. The day before was a total washout, but Saturday dawned with glorious sunshine. With the magnificent marquee up and decorated with flowers and twinkling lights, the stage was set for a fairy-tale wedding.

Guests were seated on their country style ‘pews’ (hay bales from the farm!) as Jess and Dom exchanged their vows in a joyful ceremony led by Celebrant Marie McDonald.

 

The beautiful scenery lent itself to romantic, dreamy shots of the happy couple, and I was so pleased to be able to capture the special bond between the bride and groom.

 

After the ceremony everyone was treated to a fabulous feast, including Sue Coward’s famous steak pies, each individually handmade and served with new potatoes from nearby Warburton’s farm.

 

After the ceremony everyone was treated to a fabulous feast, including Sue Coward’s famous steak pies, each individually handmade and served with new potatoes from nearby Warburton’s farm.

 

“Food was super important to us, Ian Beckett did all the catering for us – amazing canapes, gorgeous olives, bread and oils for the starters, and yummy puddings. It felt really homely and great to make use of local suppliers, especially when they taste so good. The Coward and Warburton families have been in Frodsham a very long time, just like my mum’s family, so that felt special,” said Jess.

As the sun began to set, it was time for the first dance, and since it was such a balmy summer evening, Mr and Mrs Carter took to the dancefloor outside, with all the guests joining in with the singing and dancing.  I don’t mind telling you I got goosebumps as I took their photographs against the backdrop of one of the most amazing sunsets I have ever seen.

 

This truly is one of the most magical weddings I have ever photographed, one that stole a little bit of my heart.

A Most Unusual Arrival…

The well-wishers were gathered outside the venue, hoping to get a glimpse of the bride’s much-anticipated outfit.  This was The Wedding of the Year, planned meticulously to the last detail, and as the time drew closer to the nuptials, the excitement was palpable.  Finally, the wedding entourage arrived and drew gasps from the crowd…  Well, it’s not every day you see the bride and groom on bicycles and kitted out in brand new lycra!

As you’ve probably guessed, although it was 19th May, this wasn’t The Royal Wedding, but it was just as memorable and emotional as Harry and Meghan’s day.

 

Guests gather outside Theatr Clwyd in Mold.

 

Guests line the road leading up to Mold Registry office.

 

Delwyn Evans and Sue Evans have been together for over 20 years and we’ve bumped into each other over the years as we have mutual friends, so it was lovely to be asked to photograph their big day.  It’s always really special photographing a wedding, but it’s especially nice when you already know the couple who are getting hitched. I knew this day would be out of the ordinary and I wasn’t disappointed.

It was a gorgeous, sunny morning as the guests awaited the arrival of the bride and groom at Theatr Clwyd, armed with a colourful barrage of balloons and Welsh flags.  They had no idea that Delwyn and Sue would be turning up on their bicycles, also covered in balloons, and wearing brand new cycling outfits!  A huge cheer went up as they appeared, and the happy, relaxed mood continued throughout the day, making it such a fun occasion.

I don’t think the registrar at Mold Registry Office could quite believe that the couple she was going to marry was wearing their cycling gear! The joviality carried on throughout the ceremony as Delwyn got a little bit mixed up when saying his vows, much to the amusement of his guests. The whole congregation burst into laughter, and the happy couple enjoyed the moment very much too.

 

Arriving at the registry office.

 

Del and Sue saying their vows.

 

After the ceremony, Del and Sue slipped into something a little less close-fitting before heading off to The Glynne Arms in Hawarden, where the laid-back feel of the day continued into the balmy summer evening. Wine and food flowed, with lots of laughs enjoyed with friends and family.

I have never shot a wedding like this before, not only was it a unique arrival by the bride and groom, but it was really relaxed and fun, and I felt so privileged to be able to capture the day for such lovely people.

Del and Sue said the memories will last a lifetime and I certainly won’t forget this fabulous day in a hurry.  Seeing two people get married in such a unique and chilled out way makes me realise how lucky I am to do a job I love.

Del and Sue slipped into something a little less close-fitting before heading off to The Glynne Arms in Hawarden.