I was recommended to Natalie by mutual friend Amanda K as someone who might shoot her wedding day. It's always nice to be recommended, so a thank you is due there. I met Nataliee and now husband Rob at the Alverton for a drink and chat about what they wanted from their photos on the their big day. We had a little scout around and Nataliee revealed that she had a particular favourite black and white shot that she had seen on my website. I came away feeling like I had known them for much longer.... a sign that we were right for each other and it was lovely to hear about the details being planned such as Rob's family tartan being sourced for his kilt.
Zoom forward several weeks (where did they go guys?) and the bridal preparations were underway as I arrived so it was straight into work mode to capture and hair and makeup shots, the shoes, the dress and children in the calm(ish!) couple of hours before the ceremony itself.
Rose petals were being picked industriously to lead the walk down the aisle and bubbles were flowing in the glasses of the grown ups.....
The large windows in the room where Nataliee was getting ready provided lovely side lighting, giving atmosphere to the shots. Penny was attending to make up and did not stop smiling, ever!! A trip downstairs to visit the groom and best man, some guests arriving and the impressive piper in full splendour added to the shots mounting up already!!
Whilst the sun was not shining for us, it was still very warm and the bright cloudy sky softened the outdoor shots. The ceremony time arrived in what seemed like moments after I had arrived so guests gathered in the impressive Great Hall, with dramatically lit drapes, a sea of candles and Nataliee's colour scheme of red. The room was dressed wonderfully by Bev from Design my Day and looked amazing. The cake, table arrangements and other details all completed the look in the Hall.
Final preparations were being made with dad getting a first chance to see his daughter
There was a little time to capture a few shots of Rob waiting for his wife-to-be and then the ceremony got under way, with pipes playing, making the hairs on the back of my neck tingle, Natalie following a trail of rose petals scattered down the aisle before her.
The Registrar was amazing (thanks) (mostly because he let me wander at will within reason, something that not all Registrars are happy to allow photographers to do!!) and also because the ceremony was fun and light hearted at the same time as recognising the significance of the day.
The ceremony continued, the exchanges of vows and rings (among some lovely smiles and looks from the couple)took place and then came the all important first kiss.
Following the formalities, the couple led their guests outside to cooler air where they all formed into lines for a 'confetti tunnel' - Natalie had some helping hands to add confetti to places that brought on some giggles and laughter, all lovely for some animated photos.
Drinks on the terrace followed, a private and quiet space, separated from the road by lovely ground and landscaped gardens. Guests chatted and caught up whilst the children did what children do best - explore and roam!! (and raid the candy cart!!)
The wedding breakfast allowed me to have a little break and then I captured the speeches by Natalie's father, Rob and Best Man. A couple of sups of bubbles later and guests were again mingling and relaxing into the afternoon. The kids continued to play with seemingly endless amounts of energy, with the odd power nap and Nikki and her amazing team changed the room again to create a space ready for the evening celebrations to take place.
By early evening, other guests began arrive, high heels were off and the dance floor cleared to allow the cutting of the cake, the bouquet throwing and the first dances. Natalie first enjoyed a little time with her father and then followed with a first dance with Rob. The balcony beckoned and I dashed around and up the stairs to capture a few shows from above.
I left the happy couple and their guests a wee while later, another lovely day witnessed and committed to memory cards and travelled home to back up all files from the day over a little glass of something myself!
Wishing your family all the very best and much happiness for the future, thanks for letting me part of your day.
S. xxx