So, the first wedding of the year for 2021 and boy, was it a wedding. Covid has really had a knock on things this year with restrictions meaning that the weddings that could happen have been with very few people. This wedding, however, was the first wedding that could have as many guests as they wanted, but this wedding had a little twist. Want to know what it was............ sure you do, read on to find out.
Where do we start with this amazing couple? Well, Laura first contacted me in September of 2020 where she was looking for a photographer for her day. Laura was looking for a photographer that captured, casual and natural images as they didn't like the idea of posing in front of the camera all day. I let Laura know that this is something that I would have no problem doing as my approach to capturing a day is very natural and non-intrusive. Laura told me that she had, had to change her wedding date a few times but had finally managed to find a date that they was happy with and in the stunning surroundings of Shrewsbury in a little town of Shropshire. So just like that the date was set and a location had been chosen.
So where about in Shropshire did they get married I hear you ask? Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall, and what a stunning place it really was. Not just on the outside, but inside was to die for, everywhere you looked there was something to work with and as a photographer I was so happy to see how bright it was inside, making it possible for me to capture natural looking images.
The morning of the wedding started with a 2 hour drive with a 5am start. The sunrise the morning of this wedding will be something I will never forget and I just knew, that this wedding was going to be special. As like most morning I had to call into Mcdonalds to get my morning coffee and then we was off. The excitement I felt was amazing, finally being able to get back to doing what I love so much, you really can't put it into words.
Once I was at the location, I let Laura know that I was outside and I was greeted with a very happy bride to be. After walking up what felt like a thousand flight of stairs, we finally made it to the room where everyone was getting ready, and this for me is when the day really starts. I introduced myself and instantly we all got on.
While everyone was getting ready, spirits were high and the morning was moving fast with the drinks starting to flow. While all the girls were getting ready upstairs, downstairs, the boys were also in the party mood. I made my way down to the groom where I was greeted by Luke (groom) his two best men, and his dad. These lads were amazing to be around, I've done a few weddings now and I have noticed that even if the groom says he's not nervous, you can tell that they are. However, with Luke, he was so relaxed that you would never have guessed that he actually was the groom.
After capturing some images of the lads doing the final touches to their suites, Luke was told that he had a few gifts to open from his bride to be. This was something special to capture, as Luke had no idea that Laura would be doing this, but also what Laura didn't know is that Luke had done the same for her. So I had to make sure that I captured these moments as they happened as natural as I could without letting on that I know anything.
Once Luke had finished with all his gifts and cards we made our way down to the bar, where everyone was waiting for the groom. It was at this moment that we found out that the wedding was going to be outside. I was so excited, I love shooting weddings outside and the weather for the day was beautiful. See, I told you I had a good feeling about this wedding. After I caught a few candid moments of the lads with all the guests, I made my way back up to the bride that was having the final touches done.
While Laura was getting into her dress and having the final details done it was at this point that she told me that her wedding was a complete secret. Now picture this if you will, you have a bride who has kept her own wedding day a secret. How! I know couples out there that the second they have a date sorted it's all over social media and the whole world knows about it, but somehow, Laura had managed to keep the whole thing a secret with only her very close friends and family knowing about it. Not even her boss knew she was getting married, I mean how nuts is that. I have all on keeping a secret about eating the bourbon creams in my house never mind something this big.
After I had finally wrapped my head about what I had just been told it was time for Laura's gifts. I got all the girls to stand around and be a part of what was about to happen. The impression I got was that Luke isn't one for doing gifts as all the girls were surprised about what he had done.
Once all the gifts had been sorted, it was time for the father of the bride to see his daughter. I was told that he hadn't seen the dress and the bride wanted me to capture his reaction, and I must admit he didn't disappoint. I love to capture moments like this as it's at that moment when all the emotions of the day come out and they make for some really stunning images.
Once all the tears had passed, we all made our way outside ready for the bride to make an appearance. We got the groom all set and waiting and you could see that the emotions were starting to show. Once everyone had their seat the music started and everyone was ready to see the bride walk down the aisle. This is the part of the day that I really look forward to, all the hard work from everyone comes together for this moment and it truly is an amazing moment.
After the wedding party had made their way down the aisle we all then got to see the bride for the first time, and she really did make an entrance. After the ceremony was done we then all made our way for the group images and then straight onto the party. While everyone was getting their drinks it was at this point when we made our way for the couple shots and it was also the time for the couple to have a few moments on their own for everything to sink in. While we was walking around the grounds I ask Laura how they both found each other and this is what she said.
"We met on a mutual friends birthday night out in December of 2013 and clicked instantly over football ( unfortunately not the same team which can still be a sore subject in our house!). I definitely took myself too seriously before I met Luke and he brought out my fun, immature side so was just what I needed without me even realising. We got engaged in Vegas 4.5 years ago and always wanted a slightly longer engagement but didn't plan on this long! We planned to get married in June 2020 be due to covid, we had to cancel so rescheduled for 2021 but with lockdown 3.0 unfortunately we had to cancel again. We were talking for months and realised we didn't want to put out lives on hold anymore so planned a wedding in 10 weeks at a venue a couple of hours from home with just our immediate family and now it's all over, we know it was the best decision for us. I don't think we'll ever get over how amazing our day was for us- bring on married life".
It really was a pleasure to capture this amazing day for this stunning couple. If you want your story sharing with the world, but sure to get in touch. I would love to be a part of your day and tell you love story.
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