A lovely sunny Thursday which involved the wonderful wedding day of Ian and Rachel. These guys were also let down by a wedding photographer at which point found my details at their chosen wedding venue during a wedding fair they went to previously. It was amazing to hear from them and after our initial consultation it was clear that they were happy with my work and how I work during a special occasion.
I headed North up the M6 from my home in Shevington, Wigan and got off near Preston where I took local country roads to arrive at Beeston Manor. I had documented and been part of weddings here before and I love the rural aspect of this wedding venue, rolling country hills and a great view to the west means great sunsets! Ian had already arrived giving him plenty of time to check the rooms and decorations whilst enjoying a drink and greeting guests as they arrived. I spoke with him briefly before heading into the Bridal suite where Rachel was getting ready with her Bridal party. Unfortunately she was feeling a little under the weather so I made the decision to cut short my time documenting those natural shots and instead spent time walking around the venue and getting close up shots of those smaller details which can be easily missed. I also enjoyed interacting with those who were unaware I was taking photos of them and made for good conversation when I did get caught!
The time arrived for everyone to take their places and once Rachel had spoken with the registrars she headed upstairs with her Dad by her side and took her place just outside the doors whilst I headed to the front of the aisle. The music began and the Bridesmaids walked down the aisle before Rachel and her Dad. The couple and some of their family and friends were deaf and so the registry service provided the appropriate staff to conduct the ceremony based on their condition. It was certainly a first for me and I even learnt a little sign language myself for parts of the day when it would help give those an idea of what to do. The wedding ceremony was wonderful, Ian’s Best man did the old ‘pretend to forget the rings’ which gave everyone a laugh and therefore gave me a good opportunity to get some smiley photos. The signing of the register was followed by a selection of formal shots and then we headed downstairs to get one large formal group shot outside and several smaller groups before heading inside. Guests enjoyed a drink whilst I went into the wedding breakfast room to get photos of the wedding decorations, wedding flowers, wedding favours, wedding chairs, wedding table decorations and wedding cake.
The wedding coordinator invited everyone into the room and I waited at the end directing them in whilst getting some natural shots before the new Mr and Mrs were cheered in by their family and friends. The wedding speeches involved Rachel’s Dad, Ian and finally the Best man. They all offered funny stories and tales of those younger years. The food looked very nice and Ian and Rachel very kindly popped me down for something to eat knowing I would have been ready for it after being on my feet for several hours. It is hard work but so worth it when you look back on what has been captured on camera. It’s a good talking point when you can show someone an image on the camera’s screen during the day although I do get requests to ‘delete the photo’! Haha!
It was quickly heading into the evening and there was one photo which I really wanted to do before I took the newlyweds outside for some photos of them together around the venue’s grounds…and that was to get everyone involved in wedding confetti shot. Anyone who knows me understands that the confetti shot on a wedding day is my favourite photo of the day especially if it’s done right! The setting was perfect with the light nice and low and those involved smiling away, the key is to keep it relaxed, fun but interactive. Don’t be scared in having that banter with people although it always helps in knowing your crowd!
The first dance song was something from the 1940’s era as I know Ian and Rachel enjoy this time in history. They danced away without a care in the world with their family and friends looking on with love. Rachel also enjoyed a dance with her Dad before I said my goodbyes and left them to party away.
