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Monthly Archives: October 2008

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Sue & Stan’s Wedding – 27th Sept ‘08

One afternoon a few months ago, I was sat at home relaxing. The phone rings and I think nothing of it, I get passed it over and told it’s Sue for you! Now, I’m racking my brains thinking which Sue… Anyway, I hear the voice on the phone and recognise it immediately, it’s my Mum’s cousin Sue from Preston. And she wants a favour, she’d like me to photograph her wedding. Well, how could I say no?

Now fast forward to September 27th, despite bad weather for the few weeks previous, now it’s glorious sunshine and it Sue and Stan’s big day. Here’s a few taster pictures from the day… Enjoy.

The rings had some lovely detail, they were to be carried in to the church and presented during the service by a ring bearer.

The nerves were breaking through a little, but Sue’s looked stunning in her dress, as her daughter & Chief Bridesmaid Lyndsey fastened up her dress.

Heading downstairs to show the dress off to the bridesmaids and the Father of the Bride. The detailing on the dress really stands out.

Arriving at the Church, the nerves have built up again. The whole congregation turn to watch Sue, and her Father Jack enter the Church. This is the moment Sue has been waiting for…

Taking the chance to stop off on the way to the venue for the reception, the happy couple enjoy a short stroll just after the champagne had been served by the driver of the immaculate White Rolls Royce.

One of the big moments from the day. The Bride & Groom’s first dance, a simply wonderful moment.

As the night wore on, tiredness took it’s toll on some of the younger guests. Well it had been a long day…

It was  along day, and I felt honnoured to have been part of the day, and even more so to be asked stay on as a guest along with my assistant on the day, James Burns.

The Virgin Post!

Well, here it is the first post to my new swishy blog!

Over the last year or so, I’ve been very fortunate to work with some talented wedding photographers and with some gorgeous couples, mostly second shooting, sometimes being pushed to the front to lead on certain aspects of the day. What has it taught me, well quite a lot actually. There’s more to the day than just turn up, take pictures and go home for a beer! It has been invaluable to me, both in preparation for the day and how to handle myself and deal with the trials and tribulations of the day. One of the most valuable (to me anyway) things I learnt, was how to keep a calm head and help the couple’s day flow by smoothly. I’d recommend to anybody thinking about photographing weddings to second shoot as many times as possible, I for sure will continue to second shoot when the opportunity and my time allow.

Now, time to share a few images from the weddings of the last year… Enjoy!

Even before I took my camera to task at a wedding, a good friend of mine, James Burns set up a trash the dress shoot, although Donna thought we would push her dress to destruction, we barely got it wet in the end! Still, it was a good introduction into posing and directing a couple.

The details are important as well during the day, Langley Castle a stunning venue in the North-East, with an equally stunning Bride & Groom.

Gathering the Groom and his entourage after the main group shots had been captured, we went for a Reservoir dogs approach. An yes, they are icicles on the fountain in the background!

Rob & Leah were a fun couple, and really responsive to ideas for some stunning images during their big day, you may find more of this couple over at Flawless-Photo, as I was second shooting for James Burns on this day.

The venue for the reception was full of surprises, including this Dance Hall.

Pete and Laura’s wedding was fantastic, a lovely venue, and outstanding weather, which was completely opposite to the weatherman’s forecast!

The happy couple moments after the ceremony, leading the wedding party, and obviously loving the moment.

I have to thank Debbie of Studio25, who got in touch and offered me the chance to shoot with her. It was a long day, but well worthwhile. Not only did I make a friend in Debbie and her Husband, we got some cracking photographs. Another benefit for me, was seeing and learning from another professional. I’m always amazed at what can be gained from working with other photographers.

Sarah & Rob, possibly my favourite wedding so far. They are such a loving couple with a wicked sense of humour, I drove 250 miles one way to meet up with James again for this wedding, and despite the rain (which couldn’t dampen the spirits of the day) there were plenty of opportunities to capture stunning images.

I’m sure you’ll agree, Sarah is simply beautiful.

These two photographs are well up the list on my all time favourites, and I’m sure you can see why!

Apologies for the length of the first post, hope you managed to get to the end of it and have enjoyed the images that I have shared. All of these are on the main site, but as time moves on and galleries are updated some may drift off… But they will always remain here to remind me of my first year photographing weddings.

Matt

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