Claire & Mike's Brecon Wedding

Have just finished editing another lovely wedding so here are some images from the day I'd like to share. Last week Claire & Mike were married at Llsywen Church in Brecon. I last met up with them for the pre-wedding shoot at Hergest Croft and since then they've been busy moving house and finishing the planning for the wedding. Amidst the house moving chaos, Claire had to keep this dress a secret from Mike. Not easy when she made it herself and was putting the finishing touches to it!

These couple of shots are at the beautiful riverside B&B in the village of Llyswen, where Claire was staying the night before the wedding. Here she is with her bridesmaid, almost ready to get going to the church. It was actually chucking it down with rain in this shot! Good job we had that balcony roof.

I managed to sneak out as the wedding cars were arriving to go and catch a slightly nervous Mike with his brother and best-man at the church.

I love this little black & white sequence of Claire's arrival at the church. Firstly her brother makes sure all is well and Claire is staying put in the car while the last few guests go in to the church.

The chauffeurs stand ready with the brollies.

And then Claire and her Dad brave the elements - all smiles!

Still smiling at the entrance to the church.

The vicar, Ian was a great character and made everyone laugh. Here he is trying to get the organist's attention so Claire can make her entrance.

It's nice to get free rein to photograph during the service and this church had a gallery for the organ where I could pop up every now and then to get shots like this.

Exchanging the vows.

A shot from the door of some of the guests just before I slipped down to photograph the signing of the register.

And before you know it, Claire & Mike are married and heading back down the aisle.

Comparing bouquets in the churchyard. The rain had disappeared and we even got some sunshine.

Time for a few portraits after the group shots.

Then it was off to the reception in nearby Llangors.

Sneaking a kiss during the welcome line-up.

Mike's brother gave a hilarious speech with lots of props!

I suppose you had to be there at the time to know why he's holding a cuddly ant!

Then we rounded off the afternoon with a few portraits outside before I left Claire & Mike to get ready for their evening.

A fantastic day and a really nice couple. See you soon.

Natasha & Dave's Clearwell Castle Wedding Day

A little over a week ago on a gorgeous hot day in Gloucestershire I photographed Natasha & Dave's wedding at Clearwell Castle. It rounded off a lovely week of photography for me before helping the kids eat their Easter eggs!
Here's a few shots from the day.

This is Natasha and two of her bridesmaids in matching pyjamas for their preparations. Nice touch!

Had to get this shot.

While the girls were getting dressed I had time to catch up with Dave and his entourage and spotted this impressive line-up of shiny footwear!


Back to the girls for final preparations. Natasha's mum helps here with final adjustments to the dress.

As the girls were very well organised and were ready in plenty of time we had the opportunity to set up a few group pictures before the ceremony. I think it helped to keep Natasha's nerves at bay too!

...while Dave waited downstairs in the lovely ceremony room...

I love this one of Natasha and her dad arriving at Dave's side. The registrar was very helpful and I got a great position for the ceremony.

Married!

The newlyweds share a moment while the witnesses sign the register.

This was the first time I've had an honour guard at one of my weddings. A proud moment for everyone.

Had to work fast as it was a bright sunny day and I didn't want people squinting but these steps had to be used for the group shot of all the guests.

I don't often post formal group pictures to my blog but I wanted to share this one as they look great! Lovely backlight too :-)

I think these two cheeky flower girls had a good day. I spotted this shot while Natasha & Dave were posing for a guest to take a picture.

While the guests enjoyed the sunshine and the croquet lawn, I sneaked the couple away for some portraits. We were spoilt for choice with the stunning grounds.


Then it was time to toss the bouquet. I had some military help for the countdown!

A longshot of the Castle.

Back inside for the meal and speeches.

Then the party got going downstairs. I stayed for the first dance then left them to it.


A perfect start to Easter and I'm looking forward to meeting up again soon to put the album together.

Kim & Steffen Pre-wedding Shoot

For the second of my pre-wedding shoots from last weekend I met up with Kimberley & Steffen in Hereford. We opted for the Blackfriars ruined Friary and Rose Garden in Widemarsh Street. A little too early for the roses but the ruins make a great setting and the weather was kind to us. Kim & Steff usually live in Germany so we grabbed a time slot while they were over sorting out plans for the wedding later in the year.

A nice black & white to start us off.


I got them clambering over the ruins to get the shots. They didn't seem to mind too much :-)

The sun paid us a little visit now and then.

This little monument in the middle of the gardens is a lovely complement to the ruins of the ancient friary.



And of course we had to take advantage of the Spring blossoms.



Another great shoot and I look forward to Kim & Steff's big day in the Summer.

Claire & Mike's Pre-wedding Shoot

Last weekend I met up with Claire and Mike for their pre-wedding shoot at Hergest Croft Gardens, deep in the Herefordshire countryside. We had been communicating for a little while trying to think of a location in between Ledbury where I live and their place in Brecon and they stumbled across these stunning gardens.

You can wander around the 70 acres of gardens and woods for hours but we tried to be a bit more disciplined! Having said that, Mike and Claire were easily distracted but they did give me some time for pics before I left them to enjoy lunch in the tea rooms.


We'll meet up again for the wedding next month but in the meantime here's a couple more shots from the pre-wedding session.




Finishing off back down by the house and tea rooms.


Looking forward to meeting up again for the wedding day!