Sian & Lewis
Sian and Lewis tied the knot on a beautiful sunny day in Cowbridge, with a warm ceremony in their local Church, Cowbridge Holy Cross. From start to end, the couple and the guests were filled with laughter and joy, and I had the huge pleasure to document their day.
The afternoon began with a stop by the cosy AirBnb that Sian and the girls had booked to get ready (2 Limes Cottage, just off Eastgate street, Cowbridge). Sian, already radiant, was having her makeup done by the wonderful Georgina Smith. The prosecco was open, and the rest of the bridal party were excitedly chatting, milling about, and soaking up the sun in the garden.
I took some pictures of the girls in the garden, still wearing their bright pink silk pyjamas and with hair in curlers and quiffs. The flower girls are also getting ready, in between bouts of rocking on the reclining garden chairs and munching on sweets. Before long, it’s time to head over to the groom and groomsmen’s Airbnb, right on Cowbridge High Street opposite the reception venue The Bear Hotel.
The gents are going through speeches, donning ties, and enjoying a few pints to quell the nerves. They’d not long got back from the pub where they watched the football, to take their mind off the nervous energy of the day to come.
Once the men are ready, I dash back to the bridal party to capture a few moments as they head out the door, and pile into a car for the ride to the church.
The church is filled to the brim with family and friends, and heart shaped fans are being wafted to stay cool as the day heats as the afternoon goes on. The celebrant, a warm, cheeky man, welcomes Lewis and the groomsmen with enthusiasm and reassurance, and we get ready for Sian’s entrance.
The doors at the far end of the church swing open, and bright sunlight spills in before the first of the bridal party step over the threshold and glide down the long red carpet. When Sian steps in, the church is filled with quiet gasps, and tears well in the eyes of grandmothers and grandfathers, friends, and of course, Lewis. A short, funny ceremony follows and before they know it, the couple have said their vows, and signed the papers. They are married!
We duck out for a quick shoot in the Physic Garden, and then head to the wonderful pub The Bear Hotel for food, speeches, and a night of dancing.
A fantastic day from start to end, filled with raucus laughter, happy tears, and smiles.
Declan & Rhianedd
Declan and Rhianedd got married in the wonderful Insole Court, Cardiff. The perfect wedding venue for a couple as cool as them. A low-key, intimate ceremony in the classic, 19th century mansion, a walk around the fine gardens on a glorious sunny day, and food and drinks nearby.
Declan and the boys arrived first, and sipped on flat whites as we toured the well manicured gardens. They are a tight knit and long time group of friends- the photos came easy, their teenage boyband experience coming in handy and easy, comfortable manner meant a laid back and unhurried approach.
Rhianedd and the rest of the party arrived a little later, and with a little more nervous excitement. The weather was looking much better than the forecast, and the increasing brightness was reflected in the mood. Before long, the gentlemen are ushered in by a kindly and warm member of staff, and the ceremony began.
Rhianedd, walked in by her father, was radiant. The ensembled guests turned to watch her walk confidently to the front of the room, where the tall bay windows lit up her beaming face, and Declan had his first look at his wife-to-be on their wedding day. Both exchanged beautiful smiles.
With some lovely short readings from family members, and an engaging officiant, I managed to get some photos I was very happy with (of course, it’s easy when everyone looks as dashing as they did in this group).
Later, we go for food nearby and the pub- the perfect relaxed and cool wedding day.
Declan and Rhianedd were a joy to shoot, as were their whole collection of family and friends, and the intimate nature of Insole Court led to some lovely photos.
I’m very grateful to have been with them on their special day and to have worked with them to produce a set of classic, vintage style photos that match their wonderful personalities.