Ever since my initial consultation with Ben and Carrie at Brockholes Nature Reserve in Preston I was so excited to head up to their chosen wedding venue which they’ll be getting married at. I’m talking about the countryside stunner of Shireburn Arms and even though we discussed wedding packages whilst talking through the running’s of the day, I actually think we mainly spoke about the photographic potential up and around the Hurst Green area. The wedding venue sits on the border of the Forest of Bowland and provides a great starting point for the iconic Stonyhurst College trail which I have personally done with my Wife numerous times but never had the opportunity to head in for a refreshing ale.
I prepped my gear the night before and charged batteries overnight. When I woke I had a hearty breakfast, planned my route and head off in good time to arrive at least 45 minutes before the wedding ceremony was to begin. I wanted to arrive early to get some photos in and around the grounds including the ceremony room before wedding guests were invited to take their seats. I caught up with Ben briefly before leaving him to speak with the registrars who needed to ensure the necessary legal details were correct. Family and friends were enjoying the beverages on tap whilst catching up with loved ones who may not have seen each other for some time. Everyone was invited to take their seats as the ceremony was to take place momentarily, little did we all know that Carrie was to run nearly 45 minutes late! Thankfully the registrars didn’t have another wedding on after otherwise they would have had no choice but to leave, this can be a shock reality which not many take into account but making sure that you arrive on time is very important! The Bridal party finally arrived and we were good to go, I took my place at the front of the aisle ready to receive our Bride.
Ben and Carrie were full of smiles but also a few tears as some lovely readings were spoken by chosen family and friends. Vows were exchanged before wedding rings were placed on fingers. The signing of the register came after a smooch and a cuddle to seal the deal. It’s such a wonderful feeling during this part knowing that all of these emotions are being captured on camera for the happy couple to relive at a later date. Those that book me have complete confidence in my ability to provide this especially having 10 years of experience and seeing those weddings and events I have documented over that time. After receiving the legal document which says they are Husband and Wife they walked hand-in-hand passed their loving wedding guests back up the aisle and out of the entrance to the building. Everyone was directed out of the rear doors where beverages and confetti awaited.
I initiated the large group shot first before the smaller formal groups and finished off with a confetti photograph. We didn’t have much time before we were due to head back inside for the afternoon celebrations so I moved at 100mph to capture everything I could and in apx 25°C I could feel those beads of sweat making their way down my back, yuk! Megan the wedding coordinator officially announced the new Mr & Mrs into the room once everyone was dragged away from the bar and had taken their seats. We started with the wedding speeches before tucking into some fabulous food.
I always try and leave the photographs of the newlyweds together until later on in the day but some factors can interrupt this and we have to squeeze it in before the wedding breakfast. I prefer to leave it till later as the sun gets low and provides some wonderful warm glowing light. In this case not a single drop of rain was witnessed during the day and so we ventured out and soaked up the glorious British weather whilst I captured some truly beautiful photographs of this amazing couple. It was so much fun and we even spent a little time with their daughter who loved the camera! As always we never have enough time and I hate to keep them away from their family and friends who have made the effort to come to witness their marriage and spend quality time catching up, so I carried on documenting the action and chatting away to anyone who wanted a chat, haha!
The evening finished as always with the couple’s official cutting of their wedding cake and their first dance as Husband and Wife. It was a real privilege being part of their day and created memories for them to enjoy for many years to come.
