An Intimate Somerset Spring wedding
Updated: May 9, 2021
Amanda and Dan’s intimate wedding was my first of the year during the third lockdown exit strategy (what a mouthful!)
We started off at the groom’s house where I took photos of the rings, pocket watches and buttonholes, whilst my partner took more candid shots of the groomsmen getting ready. Their spirits were high. Lots of banter, especially when it came to the tying of the ties! Only the groom had prior knowledge of how this was best done and the funniest part was him having to stand on a stool to tie his very tall best man’s tie!
They had a cheeky beer before they left to calm the nerves, although they seemed more excited than anything else. Funny shots were taken of the groom pretending to run away and the best man dragging him back. The morning flew by, helped by them making us feel very welcome (we even had a cup of tea) and we had lots of fun taking funny shots, and getting candid photos and some serious ones too.
I then went to the bride’s house and met her, the bridesmaid and the makeup artist. All was calm here so I got to work shooting the bridal preparation. I noticed a lot of yellow objects dotted around and discovered that Amanda’s favourite colour is yellow, even her bridal shoes were yellow! Her parents joined us during the morning with a friend who was the dress fitter. My favourite shot of the day is always when the father of the bride sees his daughter for the first time in her wedding dress. There are always smiles, joy and laughter, and this was no exception. She looked beautiful. Her carriage then arrived, in the form of a VW van.
The ceremony was in a registry office. Due to Covid restrictions, it was an intimate affair. Everyone was spread out in ‘bubbles’ and had to wear masks, with the exception of the bride and groom. Another favourite shot of mine to capture is when the groom sees his future wife for the first time – always a great reaction, and I can heavily relate to the feelings that come with this moment! Although it was a short ceremony, it was clear that these two were very much in love and that they had love all around them.
Due to Covid restrictions, only one photographer was allowed inside the wedding venue, so my partner waited outside. It was lovely to see some people also waiting outside to get a glimpse of the happy couple once they had tied the knot. The confetti shot was taken outside the venue, then we progressed into the town square for more photos, both candid and staged, which included family and friends too. As the wedding party was fairly small, it was lovely to be able to chat and build up a rapport with some of them, making shots more relaxed.
I then took Amanda, Dan and their bridesmaid up to Cothelstone, a village near the Quantock Hills where I could get some more intimate photos of them in beautiful surroundings. When I arrived there, they were stood outside the VW with a glass of Prosecco each, surrounded by sunshine and rolling hills.
Photos were taken in the field with the beautiful church in the background. Amanda and Dan were very relaxed and we had great fun taking these shots. They were open to suggestion, so when I mentioned using a flare they seemed ready for the challenge! I have to say, my heart was in my mouth when the flare went off and the red powder was showering down near the bride’s dress, however, I seemed to avoid any stains and the photos that were produced from this were fun and quirky!
Amanda and Dan had a few ups and downs before their special day, and they had much to rearrange due to Covid restrictions. They were originally going to get married at Huntstile Farm and intend to have their one year anniversary there. They were determined not to let a pandemic hamper their wedding day. They had an intimate, friendly wedding full of fun and laughter, as the photos convey and I had an amazing time capturing it for them. I wish them great happiness for their future.
I can not praise Paul enough !! He is so friendly, welcoming and up for a laugh, nothing is too much trouble for him. Communication was faultless.
As for the wedding pictures themselves, breathtaking !!! Paul has such a talent. Hundreds of natural and posed pictures we can treasure forever, we can’t wait to share them with our families. I can not recommend Paul and his wife enough, brilliant from start to finish. Thank you !! ❤