I knew this weekend was going to be exhausting but I also knew it was going to be full of highs as I prepared myself for a wedding bonanza! Friday saw me down the M6 to Haydock where I was to document the wedding day of Anthony and Tina at the Mercure Haydock Hotel.
It all began with the Bridal Preparations where Tina, her Daughter and Anthony’s Daughter were having their hair and make-up done. I started off by capturing those natural shots that I absolutely love followed by a period where I photographed the smaller, yet very important details including the wedding dress, wedding shoes, wedding flowers etc. It was a later start for me but I still made sure I gave myself that all important time-frame of 3 hours to ensure I don’t rush things especially whilst the ladies are trying to keep calm and get ready. I left just before Tina was to get into her dress as time was ticking and I still had to meet up with Anthony and have a quick chat with the registrars.
The wedding guests were all having a drink and a chat in the reception area waiting for proceedings to begin. Anthony was invited into the ceremony room to run through the relevant and important information with the registrars. It was time for everyone to take their seats to await the arrival of the Bride. Tina was to be given away by her Brother who looked very proud to be by her side as they walked into the reception area to also run through the legalities.
I went against my usual positioning with capturing the Bridesmaids walking towards the camera and instead I hung back and captured them walking away as the light looked better. I did however make sure that I headed to the front for Tina’s walk towards Anthony as I wanted to get her emotional expressions. Tina was full of smiles throughout the ceremony which was great to capture but it was full of mixed emotions during the special occasion. A civil ceremony usually last between 20-30 minutes so it wasn’t long before the happy couple exchanged rings, signed the all important register to seal the deal and finally they were ready to head back down the aisle as Husband and Wife.
Unfortunately we didn’t have the fortune of the glorious, sunny weather that we have been experiencing over the last few weeks so I left the newlyweds to mingle with their family and friends whilst I scouted out an area big/good enough for the formal group shots. I decided to use the dance floor in the Reception room as it was roomy and offered good light. It didn’t take long to get through the photos and it gave Anthony and Tina enough time to again have a good time chatting and drinking with their guests. I did what I do best and what thoroughly enjoy which was capturing the natural moments.
The time had arrived for the Reception part of the day and with everyone at their seats the new Mr & Mrs Purves were officially announced into the room by the Master of Ceremonies. There wasn’t to be a sit down meal but there were speeches made by Anthony and his Best Men. Afterwards they cut the cake and then during the period from speeches to first dance I headed outside with Anthony and Tina as the weather was a lot better which gave us the chance to capture those more intimate shots of them together. They were great fun and I really enjoyed watching them have a laugh 🙂
It was soon time for that all important first dance but firstly on request, Tina wanted a dance with her Mum and Anthony also with his Mum which was very touching! Anthony and Tina then made their way back onto the dance floor for the final official part of the day, the first dance!
I had an absolutely fantastic day documenting it all and I hope they did too. I can’t wait to begin the editing of all their wedding photographs but for now please enjoy these sneak peek shots.
Thanks…
