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!

Tammy & Mark's Verzon House Wedding Day

Last Friday saw my last wedding of 2010 at the Verzon House Hotel in Ledbury. Tammy & Mark had a lovely dusting of snow for their winter wedding and a morning ceremony. Early start for me! :-)
As I seem to have neglected to blog their pre-wedding shoot, here's one from their session last month. We caught the last of the Autumn leaves so they really had a classic pairing of colourful Autumn pre-wedding shoot and snowy winter wedding!

I zipped between Tammy's preparations at her aunt's house and Mark at home nearby. Here's Mark's best man fixing button-holes.

And back in time to catch the final adjustments to Tammy's glorious red dress.

The Christmassy red theme continued in the cake and table settings at the Verzon.

Here's Tammy arriving at the Verzon. Just time to see the registrar before making her entrance to relieve Mark's nerves!

The entrance. The lady in the purple is broadcasting the ceremony via Skype to Tammy's Mum in New Zealand. That's a first for me!

Tammy's two boys acted as ring-bearers.

Married!

Taking in the view from the terrace.

I'll leave this one to your imagination.

Got some lovely shots on the Verzon's elegant staircase before everyone sat down to eat.


Then time for a spot of impromptu ice-skating on the terrace! Hmm, let's hope those suits survived the workout.

Mark listening to the speeches.

Tammy's best lady delivered an emotional speech. Not a dry eye in the house!


After Mark's turn we all braved the chilly winter eve for fireworks from the terrace. Tammy & Mark got to press the big red button to start the proceedings and wrap up a brilliant day.




Have a great time in NYC and a Happy New Year to everyone.