On Saturday I was part of Daniel and Sophie’s big day which saw me at a new venue. My batteries were charged and bags packed ready for a day which was going to amazing! I arrived at Ribby Hall in Preston where I made my way through the gates and to the far end of the complex where the Spa was located. Sophie and the Bridal party were having their hair and make-up done upstairs in a room which overlooked the stunning grounds. I began capturing all the smaller details although as the wedding dress was arriving a little later I waited patiently for its arrival. I documented the remainder of the time with two Bridesmaids turning up as the morning turned to afternoon. Sophie was very relaxed and taking it all in including indulging in a couple of glasses of fizz! It was great fun and I really enjoyed capturing it all but it was soon time for me to head down to the main building which was where the ceremony was taking place.
As I walked through the sliding doors I was greeted by Daniel’s Best man and Brother, Michael who directed me to the main man himself. Daniel also seemed very relaxed as he greeted family and friends who braved the rain and blustery winds to witness these lovely people tie-the-knot. I briefly spoke with the registrars and got a couple of snaps of the room set up before guests were then invited to take their seats by the wedding coordinator, Natalie. Once the Bridal party arrived I knew I had to head outside to get some shots of Sophie making her way down with her Father in a very swish classic Rolls Royce, I got a little wet but it was so worth it having the spa in the background. With everyone ready and Daniel eagerly waiting at the end of the aisle it was time for the main event.
I took position as the girls began to make their way down the aisle before Sophie smiled away with her proud Father as they walked past family and friends. The ceremony was lovely which included a reading made by Daniel’s Mum before exchange of vows and rings. The signing of the register was the first formality of the day which I organised before handing over to everyone else to get their photos. The newly weds then made their way back up the aisle as Husband and Wife to receive a refreshing beverage and allow their wedding guests to congratulate them. As the weather wasn’t too good and very unpredictable I didn’t risk conducting the formal group photographs outside as it would have taken too long potentially waiting for breaks from the rain. Instead I picked a location with plenty of room for the requested groups I had on paper and had the Ushers help me get hold of those involved. We didn’t have too much time but we got through them within around 20 minutes which then gave us maybe 10 minutes before the happy couple checked the room which had been dressed for the wedding breakfast and even a couple of snaps of them outside with the Rolls Royce and in the gardens out the back.
I was so, so happy for Daniel and Sophie that they managed to have some photos outside especially as we would have lost the daylight after the meal which is something we always have to think about among many other things on a wedding day!
Natalie invited everyone to take their seats before officially announcing the new Mr & Mrs Yates into the room to cheers and howls. They began with the speeches which started with Sophie’s Father, Robert. He was followed by the Daniel who offered kind words and expressed his Thanks to those who attended their special day and finally Michael the Best man was to finish things off with some funny stories. Things had settled and everyone was enjoying a lovely carvery before an announcement by what looked like one of the staff members of the venue. It didn’t go down too well when he said the incorrect name for the Groom although this was then swiftly followed by showing his true identity in being a ‘singing waiter’. These guys are great because they create an eye watering story and make you believe they are causing a scene before belting out some tunes which usually gets everybody in the room on their feet and dancing. It is always an awesome time for me to get those all important documentary shots which I love capturing as I can blend well into the background and catch people off guard! 🙂
The entertainment soon came to an end and everyone was asked to head back into the reception area where evening guests had already been waiting. The evening had arrived sooner than expected but this is what happens when you’re having a ball! I had about 10/15 minutes with Daniel and Sophie capturing photos of them together around the inside of the venue using certain backdrops before they were heading onto the dance floor for their first dance. I asked Michael to secretly set off a confetti canon during the first dance which didn’t go according to plan especially with it being a canon I thought it would go further, haha…
It was a lovely moment for the happy couple as they danced away in front of their family and friends before the DJ invited everyone up to also join the newly weds. It was a really enjoyable day and one which was great fun. I hope Daniel, Sophie and their wonderful family and friends had a memorable time and I wish them all the best in their married lives together. I also hope they have an awesome time away on honeymoon, it sounds amazing!
Enjoy these sneak peek shots, thanks…
