Chris & Natalie, the Golf Buggy and a little bit of Mr Chaplin

Where on earth do I start with this wedding? Hmm…perhaps I should start at the end.

A breakdancing 9 year old, silly hats, the bride and groom attempting to outdo said 9 year old with their shapes, a little silent movie (Mr Chaplin style) starring the groom and his merry men (it was absolutely brilliant), a beautiful first dance, an awesome best man speech by the Groom’s brother and fellow bubble n’ squeak, George (who is single btw)…the list goes on… an unwelcome guest of the flappy bird type, a golf buggy, a lake, an incredible venue with some pretty incredible staff, some amazing weather, an awesome gaggle of family and friends, and most importantly, two people so in love and so gorgeous it melts my heart.

Yes, this was the wedding of Chris and Nat and yes, it was fabulous.  

Firstly everyone was just such fun. Starting with the bridal preparations we had a dancing Siobhan (Nat’s Mum) a pretty good Whoopi Goldberg impression courtesy of Nat’s sister in a hilarious tight black ‘squidge me in’ item (yikes I know them well), a Dad whose only escape from the girlie madness was to attack the beer, some lovely bridesmaids (a big thank you to Rachel for helping me out!!) and one very excited and beautiful bride.

I love this lot.

The service was held at St. John the Baptist in the centre of Crawley and the guests were welcomed by a bagpiper! Love a bit of the bagpipes. Being half Scot it would be rude not to. I had to go long (my least favorite church rule) but hey, from the back of the church, it was still wonderful to watch.

Then off to South Lodge for the reception. I’m not going to lie to you, it was BRIGHT with constant changing light and from my position I could barely see my camera screen but everyone was brilliant and bless Nat who was more concerned about me having a drink then shooting her wedding! I think she must get it from her mum as she too kept asking me if I needed a drink. Absolutely indicative of just how lovely and caring they are!   

At one point in the evening Chris turned to me and said ‘it’s true what they say, it is the best day of your life.’ You could just see the absolute joy on both their faces throughout the day and I think more than anything they (and their guests) were so happy to be silly, have fun and share in the love. 

So to Chris and Nat, I think you are both such a wonderful, easygoing and a proper funny - ha ha funny not funny weird - couple and you are clearly blessed to have the friends and family you do. These are the people that will support you through your lives, like carriers (!!!) they will keep you smiling, laughing and loving and likewise you to them. 

You were a real pleasure to work with and your wedding was a beautiful day. I only hope I have done it justice as you deserve the very best! 

My love and best wishes to you both. 

Loukie x

 

Barkihan / Moynibark – two families, a trampoline and a mini first home with some trees outside.

Well, another Moynihan wedding descends on this world and once again brings with it all the fun and frolics that the previous two did. I never had any doubts.

This time though it was a little special as it was sister Katy and Tim’s, and as Mum Trish said to me in an email, ‘It’s quite different organizing a wedding when it’s your daughters!’ I can imagine. 

So on another beautiful Saturday I poodled off to the Moynihan family home to capture the bridal prep and it was ace as two of my previous grooms, Michael and Rob were there along with younger brother Nicky… they were of course The Bridesmen! And along with Amy, they all looked super pretty ;-)

I must turn my attention to the most important lady on her most important day, Katy, who looked absolutely beautiful. Katy and Tim already have a very happy and bouncy 3 year old, Dylan and they have another bub on the way so my hats off to her for remaining calm, collected and looking every bit the radiant bride on the day.  

The church service was absolutely perfect… Tim looked so handsome as did his groomsmen and although he was very nervous to begin with I think as soon as he saw Katy, it must have all vanished as they just kept smiling and giggling at each other throughout, and Dylan was running about like a loon and it was just so relaxed and so happy…a real pleasure to witness.

The reception was held at Tottington Manor, which has some stunning views across the South Downs, but more importantly, it has a trampoline!! Yes, I suggested it and yes, they obliged, such troopers. You can’t beat watching a young family bouncing on a trampoline on their wedding day, laughing their heads off…it’s infectious. One of my favorite parts of the day though was discovering Katy’s socks – I love people’s quirky idiosyncratic ways. She wears particular socks on specific days of the week and as it was Saturday, (regardless of the fact it was her wedding) she wore Saturday’s socks. Amazing!

As with all Moynihan weddings (although personally for this wedding I think Barkihan / Moynibark is a little more appropriate), there was an enormous amount of laughter and love. And the same goes for the Barkers who although they are not used to me buzzing about, they certainly made me feel very welcome and made my job super easy.

I must thank Rob who makes an excellent assistant and was brilliant at rallying the troops. And to all the brothers, your (aging) rendition of the Supergrass song will always have me in stitches, ‘We were young, we were free, keep our teeth nice and clean, see our friends, once a week, but we’re alright…’ Heehee

I must also send a little thanks to Tim’s best man Toby…thank you for helping me and for your little bit of advice. Which if I had thought about before would have prevented a piece of damaged equipment. Thank God for spares ‘ey?! Also well done with your speech and the same goes to Dad John who wrote a very sweet and funny poem that was delivered with such emotion - that’s one proud and talented Dad right there! 

Ok so Tim and Katy…I think you’re both awesome! I loved working with you guys…you’re just the right amount of shy, and the right amount of confident that makes for wonderful people. I wish you so much happiness in your life together and hopefully as your family grows, so will your love for each other and if ever you’re having a bad day just have a look at the trampoline shot and I’m sure it’ll make you smile again ;-)  

With much love,

Loukie x