Golden Hour Sunset Wedding | Clive Blair Photography

Where do I start with describing Antonia and Dan’s wedding at Bordesley Park? This wasn’t the first time I’d been to this venue, as they’d already seen my sample album there and got in touch, as they liked my natural, unassuming style of coverage.

Like so many, they didn’t want the day to be dominated by posed photo after photo. On the actual day they both we’re so relaxed and enjoying the day, we ended up taking a few extra semi-posed/un-camera-aware photos than normal. They we’re so natural in front of the camera I had to give them extra memories of what turned out to be a great day!

First Meeting Together

I still remember meeting them for their initial meeting in a nearby pub. Straight away I felt like I’d known them for ages, as we got on so, so well from the start!

We laughed and chatted about so many things, and occasionally discussed wedding planning and about my natural, unassuming style of photography. I was so glad they decided to book, as they were my ideal relaxed, fun-loving type of couple, and I was so looking forward to documenting their wedding.

Wedding Day

This venue is blessed with some lovely natural light, whether the bride is getting ready in the Dovecote bridal prep room or the groom is getting ready in the Tudor Barn. For me natural, available light is the best to use, rather than flash. While it’s sometimes the only option, when I can avoid it I try to. This is because using the available light is unobtrusive, allowing me to blend in unnoticed. Oftentimes someone will say: “Oh, I’d forgot you were still there!” That’s music to my ears, because it meant they’re relaxed allowing me to capture natural and better story-telling images.

Secondly, avoiding flash where possible produces natural looking images, preserving the natural ambience of the room. This is especially useful during the speeches in the marquee, when everyone’s nervous as it is. Having a flash popping off every so often only adds to the nerves.

Aside from the gorgeous light, I loved the emotions shown during this wedding. Tears flowed from the morning when Antonia’s mother filled up when seeing her in her dress. Then her father couldn’t hold it in either when he saw her for the first time as she descended the stairs to be escorted into the ceremony.

Then there was joyous laughter through out the day, as everyone relaxed and enjoyed what proved to be a glorious summer wedding day.

Golden Hour Wedding Photos

One of the things I especially love about shooting at Bordesley Park is the chance to go for walk-about in their nearby field. With the right weather during the evening, and the sun setting in exactly the right place, you’ll catch their golden hour. As the weather was gorgeous during the day I could sense everything was set for a glorious golden hour sunset.

To make the most of the moment, I simply asked Antonia and Dan to walk over the field, while chatting to each other about how they we’re both enjoying the day so far, all the while ignoring me. This was to be their quality time together. While in the background, I moved around getting different angles. Occasionally I’d ask them to stop and give each other a loving hug, again still chatting to each other so they wouldn’t feel like this was a photo session.

Working this way made sure they felt totally at ease while allowing me to use the whole scene around them to record their love for each other.