Wednesday 10 April 2013

Tim, Kate, naughty Table 6 and a sprinkling of snow...


The morning of March 23rd and I’m driving down to Aldingbourne to shoot Tim and Kate’s wedding and it’s snowing. Two years previously I was shooting a wedding on 18th March in blazing sun on Brighton beach. Wonders will never cease. So I’m driving and repeating ‘please just get me there on time’ and like many snow days in my past I was of course panicking needlessly…I arrived safe and sound and in plenty of time. 

Kate was getting ready in a gorgeous little thatched cottage conveniently named ‘Thatch Cottage’ and, while she protested she hated having her picture taken, I think she made a wonderful subject. Both easy and relaxed - coupled with *that* dress which took an age to do up (don’t they all!?) - but my goodness it worth it! I love Kate’s portraits and it was wonderful that we had time to do them… normally it is such a rush, but Kate’s bridesmaids Emily and sister Helen were fantastic and made sure we had plenty of time.  

The wedding was held at St. Mary’s Church and during the ceremony I was kneeling down shooting – then suddenly I look behind me and vague recognition coupled with confusion descends. I look away. And then back again, and start giggling and uttering, ‘No way’ to the couple sitting there, returning my surprise. Yes, Matt and Marianna are clients whose wedding I’m shooting in a few weeks. The world is a small place indeed. I shall look forward to seeing Kate and Tim at theirs too!

It was a beautiful ceremony. Kate was walked down the aisle by her brother and he was so nervous but did a sterling job. Just as she entered, Kate was overcome with emotion, and had to take a moment…it was so sweet my heart did a little turn. They were married by a lovely Vicar who actually married Tim’s parents, but he did take it upon himself to tell me a horror story regarding some poor wedding photographer shooting at St. Mary’s. Lovely? Yes. Tactful? Perhaps not ;-)

Off then to Grittenham Barn, nestled in the heart of West Sussex and decorated beautifully by Tim and Kate and their handy helpers. Everyone braved the bitter cold in the name of photography and for that, I salute you! I tried to do the formals as quickly as possible, but it can be rather difficult when you can’t feel your fingers. Weather of Britain! You are not helping weddings and their photographers! But all was well…we did them quick quick and swiftly sought solace in the warmth of the barn and its blazing fire. 

The speeches were amazing and hats off to Tim for running with the ‘ring’ jokes - he went where others wouldn’t dare, but boy did we laugh… I could barely keep my camera steady.

Tim and Kate were such a great couple to work with… both so easygoing, fun and very much in love. Your friends and family were super-friendly and naughty Table 6 certainly proved their value with their sweet throwing ability. But I do remember Kate outdoing the lot of them with her ability to catch them... bravo Kate!

So Tim and Kate, here’s to you! May your life together be full of joy and laughter and you know what they say, when it rains on your wedding day you’ll be blessed with good luck. Well it snowed on yours so I’m thinking nothing short of lottery win and eternal bliss will do ;-).

Thank you for letting me be part of your fabulous day!

My love and best wishes to you both,

Loukie xx