Gordon and Kiae

Gordon and Kiae met in her homeland of South Korea, and married there in June before coming home to Leeds briefly to have a blessing ceremony at Gordon's family church in July. As such, I didn't get to meet them until the night before the ceremony, all of the planning was done on their behalf by Gordon's parents. 

This was a massive risk for me, beyond my usual working method, and definitely outside my comfort zone. I like to spend some time getting to know my couples. I like to meet them a few times to understand their mannerisms, their movements, and to allow them to relax around me so that on the day I can get the best shots while they just enjoy everything they've planned for so long.

I was scared on the morning. Even though I'd previously visited the church, discussed positions, flash and movement with the minister, paced around and explored the reception venue, Hollin Hall Hotel at Guiseley, and covered everything in my discussions with Gordon's folks, I was in the dark when it came to this lovely couple. They didn't know me, and I didn't know them. 

However, as the day began to unfold, in a sunlit church, through vows given in English and Korean, and with a warm Scottish glow from Gordon's side, I very quickly realised that I had nothing to worry about. A wonderful family gathering, a loving celebration of two people who adore each other - it was business as usual, and Gordon and Kiae seemed to be willing to try any of my suggestions for shots as we stood on a hill above the "Emmerdale" valley. A beautiful Yorkshire wedding.

 

 

Jayne and Stephen

 Jayne and Stephen got married at Cartwright Hall, a beautiful Victorian art gallery in the surrounding Lister Park.

A beautiful bus brought the bride and her party to the ceremony, and collected everyone afterwards for a short journey up to Heaton Mount, where we took advantage of the sunshine for a few relaxing drinks and garden games.

Here's a few shots from their big day. 

 

 

Heather and David

Summer's here, and so is wedding season.

This year, I've only booked in a few weddings as I've been pursuing one of my other passions. Four months of training, a Marathon, and 2 Half-marathons haven't left much time for photography work up until now, but I discovered yesterday just how much easier it is to bounce about and hold those awkward positions to get the shots I need now that I'm considerably fitter!

The weddings I am doing this year are for couples I've been honoured to have been recommended to or who have requested me especially. This means a huge amount to me, because there's nothing like word of mouth from satisfied customers.

I met Heather and David for the first time in the early New Year, and we've walked round York in snow and cold weather that lasted all the way to our final walk-through in April, but thankfully, yesterday was everything a Saturday in June should be.

I love it when couples do exactly what they feel is right for them on the day they formalise their relationship. Everything about this wedding was chilled out, personal to Heather and David as a couple, simple and beautiful, from the bouquet of wild flowers and buttonholes of heathers and grasses to running off for a sneaky snifter of whiskey at Guy Fawkes's place on the walk to the reception.

Here's the first few shots from their superb, splendidly simple wedding at York Registry Office and Gray's Court.

David and Sue

The final wedding of the year for me was Sue and David at Wentbridge House Hotel.

Set in a beautiful little village in South Yorkshire, the hotel allowed them the house and grounds to themselves in which to entertain their guests and celebrate their wedding in style.

I got there in time to catch Sue's preparations with her bridesmaids and family, and I was there to follow the ceremony right through to the start of their meal.

Elegance and smartness were the order of the day, but David is rarely one to be too serious for a long time, and there were giggles and roars of laughter throughout the ceremony. Following the golden rule of weddings, they made the day reflect them as a couple, welcoming everyone along for the celebration.


We devoted some time to getting family photos with Sue's father Bill, and I'm very glad to have been able to photograph him walking his daughter down the aisle, as sadly he passed away a few days after the wedding.

This has made me realise how important the apparently simple act of capturing memories with a camera can be. It's an honour to be able to do this for such lovely people.

The Subterranian Edinburgh Wedding

When Fiona asked me to photograph her wedding, she was in South Korea teaching English, and her husband-to-be had not even officially popped the question. She knew they were going to get married, but not when or where, and for a while, it could have been anywhere

I've known Fiona for about 10 years, and I've photographed her family a few times. I knew her wedding would be an amazing event, full of family and friends all as loud, chatty and funny as her. When she finally returned to the UK and I met the man she's chosen to spend the rest of her life with, I could see Steve was perfect for her, and that they are totally devoted to each other.

Our planning sessions were held in the pub round the corner, and Steve demonstrated his expert organisational skills, pulling out a thick folder of paperwork and spreadsheets. He's the most well organised groom I've ever met, and it was important, because they had chosen a place as interesting, and unique as themselves to get married in. It was in Edinburgh. And it was underground.

The Edinburgh Caves is a venue occupying 2 of the vaults underneath the bridge. The lighting is all LED, candles and stage spots, which might create a great intimate atmosphere for the guests, but it's a photographer's nightmare. Never one to let a challenge get the best of me, I set about covering the proceedings from all angles, and enjoyed myself almost as much as the bride and groom.

The ceremony was beautiful, reflecting the values of the two very different individuals coming together, and the following celebration ceilidh was as bouncy and joyous as it should've been. Another cracking wedding that reminded me why I love my job!

Thanks guys, here's to many years of happiness.