The weekend was a busy one with Johnny & Rachel’s wedding on Friday and then an early start on the Saturday to document the beginning of Stephen & Katie’s big day.
I headed off just before 9am to arrive at Katie’s parent’s home in New Springs, Wigan. As I was passing a McDonalds anyway I thought it would be rude not to grab a coffee to help wake me up a little. With a very warm welcome I was greeted by Diane (Katie’s Mum) who was very friendly and as I entered into the living room I soon met Alan (Katie’s Dad) and her two Bridesmaids. The Bridal preparation was in full flow with the make-up artist in the conservatory with Katie and the hair stylist in the dining room. I captured a few documented shots of everything that was going on but I soon headed upstairs to arrange the wedding dress, wedding shoes, wedding jewellery etc, in the best places to capture them in the best light and backdrop. Angie Mercer arrived not long after me and brought in the stunning flower arrangements she had made for Katie and the Bridal party. As the time was soon closing in Katie headed upstairs to get changed. The Bridesmaids helped whilst I documented the moment.
With the church conveniently 5 doors down from the house I grabbed the remaining kit out of my car and made my way to go and greet Stephen and then the Vicar, Stan who was conducting the Ceremony. Stephen seemed a little nervous but was in good spirits with his Best man and Ushers close by helping where they could. I met up with Barry of Diamond Lights Wedding Films who was booked to capture the day in video format. We’ve worked together many times and it’s always a pleasure as we bounce off each other well and know where and how each other work!
Katie soon arrived and with Stephen sat at the front near the Alter it was time for the ceremony to begin. Katie made her way down with her Dad smiling away and Alan looking proud as punch. The ceremony ran smoothly with readings and vows, hymns and exchange of rings complete and then finally the signing of the register. Once done I headed back up to the beginning of the aisle where I took my place for the new Mr & Mrs Breingan to make their way back up the aisle together before we got everyone together outside for the confetti shot.
Timings were tight so I announced for all family and friends to make their way up to the reception venue where we would conduct the formal group photographs. As we arrived at Best Western Plus Lancashire Manor Hotel in Pimbo the wedding coordinator was waiting with a glass of fizz each for the newlyweds. Stephen and Katie arrived in the stunning classic cars supplied by Confetti Cars in Bury. Everyone was welcomed into the bar area to have a drink whilst photos were being taken and with the last formal group of everyone was complete a good 20 minutes of chill out time was on offer before being invited into the wedding breakfast room for the meal.
Me and Barry looked through our footage whilst having a rest before the speeches began an hour or so later. Alan kicked off proceedings being the Father of the Bride, he was then followed by the Groom and then finally the Best man. They all included funny stories and happy memories with the addition of thank you’s from Stephen.
The day was closing but before the first dance between Husband and Wife, me and Barry took the happy couple off around the venue’s grounds where we captured the more intimate photographs of them together. It was good fun and I think Stephen and Katie enjoyed it also! Evening guests were arriving and so we knew the time had come for the DJ, Tony Macaroni to announce the new Mr & Mrs onto the dance floor. It was a lovely moment with them getting into the spirit of things and then with family and friends also having their moment with them.
I hope they had a wonderful and memorable day just as I did documenting it all and I look forward to posting the day’s photos to them soon, but for now enjoy some sneak peek shots.
Thanks…
