Our wedding day was the greatest day of our lives! We were so happy to have Clive there unobtrusively capturing the intimate, beautiful, hilarious and downright bizarre moments. He has now photographed three family weddings and has brought humour, professionalism and commitment to each, often remaining until long after he was due to go home. We love you, Clive!”
This is the third family wedding I was booked to cover for this family, and it was lovely to catch up with old friends at Jane and Andrew’s Curradine Barns wedding.
Being with old friends and a familiar venue added to the charm and relaxing nature of the day. Andrew was especially nervous being photographed and was glad to know I worked in a documentary, natural, and largely unposed manner. This allowed him to enjoy the day without being pushed from pillar to post with endless group photos.
I loved the personal touches they added to their wedding. This included a song on the guitar by Jane’s father, for their first dance. A ceilidh band to get everyone on the dance floor. Then finally a sparkler exit at the end of the day.
(Excuse a little bragging here: One of the images I took from their sparkler exit even won me a gold award from the wpja.)
As usual, I started off covering Jane and the girl’s preparations in the morning before heading off to capture Andrew’s arrival at the nearby Great Witley Church.
I must say the architecture in that church is amazing. It’s no surprise that it holds the title of Britain’s Finest Baroque Church. You’ll see what I mean from the photos below!
Their Wedding Story in Their Words
BEFORE THE WEDDING
How You Met: (Jane) I agreed to go for a drink with Andrew at a pub in Birmingham without understanding exactly how far away he actually lived. Perhaps it’s just as well.
How He Proposed: (Andrew) I got down on bended knee in a little fishing village in Cinque Terre and took Jane totally by surprise. I asked her to marry me with the Lover’s Walk in the background just as the sun was setting. Pretty sickeningly romantic, really. She was so surprised she didn’t say ‘Yes’ until I asked a second time.
WEDDING
The Bride Wore: ‘Jilly’ by Enzoani.
The Groom Wore: Grey suit with tails and a tweed waistcoat supplied by Peter Posh.
Jewellery/Accessories: Bracelet, earrings and hair slide all supplied by Ivory and Co.
Hair/Make-up Done: Courtesy of Sarah Russell (hair) and Jessica Ava (make-up).
Flowers: Floral Roundabout
Invitations: Vistaprint
Ceremony Place: Great Witley Church (St. Michael and All Angels)
Wedding Theme/Style: Rustic romance with a touch of elegance
RECEPTION
Reception Place: Curradine Barns
First Dance Song: ‘God Only Knows’ by the Beach Boys but played by Michael Slemensek – Jane’s Dad!
Cake: Jane James, Andrew’s talented aunty!
Colours: Light blue, rosy pinks and purples
Decor Elements: Lashings of candles, flowers and childhood pictures designed to embarrass.
Unique Details: Sally-Anne Winston made the bunting and card basket lining; Kate Ross and Jan Womersley arranged beautiful bunches of artificial flowers to beautify the barns further; Philippa Greasley and Sally-Anne helped create an animal table plan using an antique mirror, ivy and pearls and we had a white ladder with photographs of our own parents at their weddings as well as some very special family members who are no longer with us. Ellen Slemensek also provided a mountainous sweet table. In my bouquet, I also had a silk bluebell which was my Nana’s favourite flower.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT
Bride’s Answer: There are three. When my Dad saw me in my dress and we simultaneously burst into tears. Walking down the alter and locking eyes with Andrew. Seeing two of my brothers pulling up in the Fiat Panda in chauffeur kit, equipped with Champagne, ‘Just Married’ signs, tin cans and very little room. Oh, and there were potholes. Best transport ever and we still managed to nail the champagne, despite the terrain.
Groom’s Answer: When I saw Jane appear at the church door, it felt like time stopped still and the moment could not have been more perfect
HONEYMOON
Place: Costa Rica.
WEDDING ADVICE
Don’t worry about the small things and get ready for the best day of your lives.
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