The last of my December weddings was joining Kate & Barrie for their big day. These kids were so much fun to shoot.
It was at Hazlewood Castle, a fantastic venue on the way out to York, still chilling under a dusting of snow. It’s always fun shooting there.
Here’s the beautiful Kate, being made up in her ‘Bride’ dressing gown! We spent the morning photographing the girls preparations.
A few favourites…
Fizzing bucks!
I love this one of Kate! Those lit mirrors are my friend! As is the off camera flash to stage right!
Kate’s gorgeous dress. It had it’s very own spangly ‘congratulations it’s your wedding’ banner round it’s waist it when we arrived.
Getting it on
Meanwhile, Kate’s sister was opening more bubbles. The girls were all such fun.
Plus, I like the composition, with the three frames.
I always try to catch moments during the preps, and love this one of Kate fixing her mum’s buttonhole while the girls wrap up in the background
A quick groupshot before we leave
…and a cheeky shot of the flora! Lovely work as always from Fiona & the gang at Firenza floral design.
I love all four of these shots, all of which stand alone artistically, but I think really tell the story of the journey to the ceremony
The church.
Clare joined Barrie & the guys at the church beforehand. I love the colour scheme and creative buttonhole.
A sequence of Barrie & his ushers welcoming people to the ceremony.
While I nipped down to the front of the church Clare caught this silhouette of Kate and the girls at the door.
What a great memory of their ceremony, eh?
I’d met this vicar before on our pre-wedding meeting, and we’d discussed where I should and could stand during the ceremony. It’s so good to be able to see things from the front and the vicar said I could go where I liked and I’m sure you’ll agree the images are so much stronger for it. I understand how distracting it is to have photographers flashing and moving about; so I never use flash during the ceremony & stay put in one location while the 2nd shooter snaps from the back.
It’s always refreshing to have younger, forward-thinking vicars who are open minded about photography. If you’re getting married, make sure you talk with the clergy about this.
The vows!
Signing the register.
Awww, Grandma admiring the ring.
It wasn’t the warmest day (hence snow!), so instead of hanging outside the church the gang pretty much bolted back to the cars!
But Kate & Barrie were happy to brave the cold and do a lap of the castle!
Legends.
Down Hazlewood’s ‘Tunnel of Love’!
I suppose snogging is a kind of ‘private dining’!
The rest of the groups were done inside, and I like this fun fisheye shot of everyone
Champagne reception milling! Kate’s funny – she told me she’d booked myself and the pianist, Eugene, just because we’ve got cool names!
A few details of the flora, cake & menu. I like the fact that Hazlewood give you a sword to cut the cake!
The rings, on a cool metal table I found.
I rarely photograph the rings in the bouquets, but rather like this ringshot.
The Great Hall looked splendid, bedecked with candles & fairylights.
One speech shot that caught my eye. I think it’s the connection between the bride & her dad that makes it.
Hazlewood by night.
I thought that sword might get called into play! I promise I don’t set stuff like this up, but these two had a great sense of fun.
And I love first dance shots that really show the love between the couple. These two are such a great match.
It was fantastic fun joining Kate & Barrie for their wedding. They really struck the balance of having fun and not taking the whole thing too seriously. They we’re up to run about in the cold and it was evident how much they loved one another.
May I wish them a fun-filled life together!
nb: Kate & Barrie have a private client area containing their wedding & pre-wedding highlights at www.barnabyaldrick.com. If you were at the wedding and would like to see their photos, call or email them for the password.
P.S. Kate & Barrie were the first couple for which I ran my new photobooth setup for a couple of hours during the evening reception! It was loads of fun and I’m gonna be doing an independent post on it soon, but here’s the setup…
and here’s a sample!
As I said: A cool couple.
More soon… B