Claire and Peter’s wedding … what an AMAZING day! I loved every minute of it. I photograph weddings for the whole day, so bridal preparation to the first dance. As s I entered Claire’s home in Cosby, Leicester I knew it was going to be a brilliant day. All the girls were happy and bubbly, some were already being pampered with having their hair or make-up done. I got to hear some funny stories from them all which was so nice to be a part of. There was one point when one bridesmaid was having her make-up done and I was sat next to the bride, I was taking photos and the bride took out her phone to take a selfie of the two of us. A selfie with a gorgeous bride what more could you want, everyone was so easy to get on with it which made my job so much more enjoyable. My couples tend to book me a year or more in advance, over that time I get to know them very well which is how my couples are extremely relaxed and comfortable with me when it comes to actually photographing their big day. So lots excitement in the house getting ready, drinks, then the mother of the bride puts on a little spread for a little bit of lunch before the ceremony. It was yum! Just some sandwiches, crisps, cocktail sausages that sorta thing but it was still great. With time ticking away everyone was still feeling ok, once the bridesmaids got into their dresses we had a little fun with photos, the funny faces of the girls were just brilliant.
At this point, no one had seen the dress other than mum of course. I had photographed all the details, jewellery, shoes, girls getting ready, hair and makeup etc but the only place to really hang the dress to photograph it was in the conservatory where everyone was getting ready. I wanted to wait until everyone was ready and the girls were gone until I brought the dress down to display and photograph. Claire had mentioned to me that the girls were going to the church before her so the only person to put her in the wedding dress was in fact myself. Dad was in the house but I made sure he was upstairs and out the way so I could first photograph the dress, then put Claire in it as well as the final touches from the hairdresser before I shouted him down to come and take the first look of his beautiful daughter on her wedding day. Oh my what a look ….. Claire was stunning, that stunning dad cried!! I’m so glad I was there to capture that moment for them, a moment that is in their wedding album to look back on in years to come and remember.
After that wonderful moment, I got myself to the church to beat the bride and of course to check on the groom. A nervous groom, and a nervous best man too. The wedding ceremony took place at St Andrew’s Church, in Aylestone, Leicester. The service was fantastic, we had a brilliant vicar he allowed me to move around and get the best shots of my couple. A lovely service with some lovely choices of hymns for everyone to sing. Soon it was over and we were all gathered outside for some group photos. Claire and Peter decided to do some family photos at the church as well as the confetti and then all of the other family photos and a whole group photo at Bosworth Hall where they were having their reception. Bosworth Hall, Leicestershire is such a stunning location we got some gorgeous images, not just of the groups but of Claire and Peter too.
Before we had food I quickly grabbed the guys in the kilts and Claire because Peter wanted all the lads showing off that they went ”traditional” under the kilts. I got the lovely lads lined up and ready for a laugh … if you can’t have fun and laugh on a wedding when can you? All the lads lined up, nice photo of them all together and then I told them to turn around and on three to bend over to show their bums. It was rather funny, Claire was there laughing her head off. Once we got that shot Peter wanted him and the lads to pick Claire up, she wasn’t keen but did it anyway, it was a lovely photo. We then headed back in for food and speeches before the bride and groom’s portraits. After food and the speeches were done I took Claire & Peter outside into the gardens for some personal portrait images and for some alone time too. All weddings go super fast so making sure that they have thirty or so minutes outside together and for photos is a must, a nice little breather and time to take it all in.
The sun had been shining for us all day, which was just lovely to see blue skies. Blue skies make everyone happy. In evening after Claire and Peter’s personal portraits it was back into the room for dancing, cake and the photo booth. There was a small photo booth set up for everyone the images taken were then stuck into a guest book for you to write your own message. The cake was brilliant, it wasn’t a cake, it was a set of cheeses to make a cake. The cake cut was super easy it was just cheese so wasn’t too much to it. After the cake, we headed straight into the first dance, which was absolutely stunning! And I mean it, the way Claire and Peter look at each other is simply beautiful, nothing but love for each other.
A beautiful couple, a lovely family and a fantastic wedding. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Congratulations to Claire and Peter on tying the knot.
Wedding Dress: Dress 2 Impress U
Kilt Hire: A1 Kilt Hire
Venue: Bosworth Hall
Flowers: The Flower Studio
Make-Up: Natalia Jackson
Cake: Bay Tree Cakes
Car Company: Married in Style
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