I was incredibly lucky last year to be asked to shoot my wonderful cousin Caroline's wedding at Walcot Hall in Shropshire. It's not always easy to be present and truly enjoy a wedding when you're shooting because obviously photographing it is where your focus (sorry) is. But I can, hand on heart, say I absolutely loved this one. I made sure I had my trusty second shooter Tom with me so that I'd have a bit more freedom to chat to all my family who were there for the day, and aside from that, it was a damn good wedding and was tonnes of fun to shoot!
Caroline and Brian were there for the full weekend, so people could come up on the Friday night for an amazing hog roast at Walcot, and many of the guest stayed on-site as well. Caroline got ready in the incredible bridal suite (swoon!) which made for some pretty special prep photos, while the boys, kilted-up, headed to the pub for some pre-wedding dutch courage. The ceremony was at a pretty little church close-by in Lydbury North, Caroline arriving in our family's 1911 Minerva, and then it was back to Walcot Hall for the reception.
Walcot Hall is a stunning wedding venue with so many treasures; the grounds are so big they feel almost never ending, with lush gardens, a huge gothic-looking fountain and so many other pretty nooks and crannies for excellent photo opportunities. We were very lucky with the weather and had a blue-skied, sunny September day, but even if it was raining I doubt you'd struggle for exciting places to go. And that's not to mention the courtyard where guests mingled for reception drinks and delicious canapés or the stand-out chandeliered turquoise ballroom.
They embraced Brian's Scottish heritage with all the men and boys in kilts and a cracking cèilidh (I may have taken a break from shooting at this point to join in the fun!) before more live music to dance the night away to. They also planned a wonderful surprise for everyone just before their first dance: a fireworks display set to music out on the lawn, luring everyone outside with sparklers!
It was a seriously brilliant day and one I'll never forget, and not just because we're family! It was planned perfectly from start to finish and was a day packed full of style, fun and laughter.
JNP