Well hasn't the weather been excellent the last couple of days? I love a bit of sunshine, so capturing the wedding of Ian and Debbie at the Sketchley Grange Hotel in Hinckley, was an absolute joy.
Being late to capture a wedding? Just thinking about it fills me with anxiety! As a wedding photographer, I know every second counts, and I don't want to miss a single precious moment. The pressure is real, but making sure I'm as prepared as humanly possible means I always turn up early, and that I spend more time than I'd like to admit sitting in my car scrolling Facebook and Tiktok, generally before anyone else has even arrived.
I plan my schedule meticulously, double-check my gear, and make sure that I've taken into account any freak eventualities that might rear their ugly head. The fear of letting the couple down and missing that perfect shot keeps me on my toes. Trust me, I don't mess around when it comes to punctuality. It's a constant reminder of the immense responsibility I have, but it also pushes me to be the best storyteller I can be. So, rest assured, I'll do whatever it takes to be there, ready to capture every magical moment.
Even though I always like to be punctual, it's usually expected that the bride will be fashionably late to the show, just to keep the groom guessing. What isn't expected though, is the groom leaving it to the very last minute to turn up!
From what I could gather, Ian had a bit of a mare by forgetting to pick up his speech. He'd managed to head back, pick it up, and then drive back to the venue again, just in time for a very quick interview with the registrars ahead of Debbie's arrival.
The utterly fantastic Twinkles and Tiara's Venue dressers had outdone themselves. Everything was perfectly placed and you could tell a considerable amount of time had gone into dressing the rooms and the venue ready for Debbie and Ian. In the ceremony room, there was a very elaborate faux flower arch, draped in hundreds of vines and flowers. It really did look amazing, but unfortunately left me with a bit of a problem. See, hundreds of said arches vines and flowers were draped right in front of the aisle where I wanted to stand, meaning that capturing any photos during the ceremony would be a challenge, to say the least!
Space at the top of the aisle would be at a premium too with the registrar, bride, groom, witnesses and of course me, so I knew I had to improvise and cram in some last-minute topiary to tuck and wrap a few of the vines out of the way. I managed to clear a nice little gap within the arch with just enough room for me to poke a lens through without any obstructions, which was a massive relief given that I'd have had nowhere to stand otherwise!
Ceremony completed, myself and the guests made our way out into the glorious sunshine ready to cover the newlyweds in masses of confetti. Everyone was armed and in position with fist fulls of tissue paper, so it was time for Debbie and Ian to slowly make their way down the path as their guests covered them from head to toe in confetti.
From then on, I made some time for the guests to spend some time with the happy couple to enjoy reception drinks, just before we headed into some very sunny and bright group shots which Debbie and Ian had provided me with ahead of the big day.
Wedding days always pass by at the speed of light, so in the blink of an eye, it was time for the guests to make their way in to be seated for their wedding breakfast together, whilst I disappeared to edit up a couple of photos and to have a good catch-up with fellow wedding industry award participant, Rob @Rugby Discos. Who by the way is a fantastic addition to your day!
As I was just booked for a few hours with Debbie and Ian, the day drew to a close, and it was my time to head off, leaving them to enjoy the rest of their day.
We've got some hugely exciting news to reveal soon! Something we're massively proud of and an achievement we couldn't be prouder of! We're bound to secrecy for just a week or so more now, but rest assured, we can't wait to reveal a little more info in the coming weeks ahead!
Peace, Love and Photos.
Jono x
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