People often ask me if I’ve got a favourite wedding that I’ve photographed.

That’s a hard one to answer! I couldn’t possibly choose a favourite ;) But I do have a favourite kind of wedding to shoot.

And that’s an elegant but relaxed ceremony, followed by an outrageously fun and relaxed garden party.

Why?

1. Because my most-loved photos are nearly always the ones that are about people rather than of people; the unpredictable images that you can’t put on “a list of photos to ask your wedding photographer for”. The unplanned photos are better than mint Lindt chocolate balls. That’s saying something; ‘cos I really love the mint Lindt.
2. And because I get a huge buzz from capturing people simply being themselves, letting their guard down and having fun on a wedding day. It’s a brilliant atmosphere to work in and it fills my metaphorical cup until it’s overflowing. #lifegoal

… As long as I can sniper discreetly in the background, carefully observing and mindfully capturing all those moments as they happen, I’m living my best life and doing my best work.

And the brilliant thing about that is:

You get to enjoy your day and make a mountain of memories. Rather than spending it posing and being bossed around!

So I went home (with my Trenta cup of wedding photography rocket fuel spilling everywhere) feeling very very happy after Guy and Helen’s wedding in the summer.

Their day was every inch my ideal wedding to photograph. Because:

• It was full of personal meaning, from the familiar locations (Guy and Helen got ready at their respective parents’ houses, had a church wedding in the village where Helen grew up and held their reception in Guy’s parents’ back garden) to their family being closely involved.
• The plan for the day wasn’t full of formality. Although the schedule was structured, it wasn’t set in stone. And although there were a few traditions, the timeline was realistic. That made the day effortlessly laid-back.
• There were interesting pictures everywhere I looked. Guy and Helen put a lot of thought and care into how everyone would enjoy the day. Which meant everyone had a great time, and it showed.

That all added up to a seriously relaxed and intimate vibe.

Which left plenty of room for all the magical and surprise ‘in-between’ moments to happen. And be relished. And be photographed.

Tom (my second photographer) and I feasted on all the finger-(c)licking photographer fodder; filling up on revealed relationships, uncovered characters and all the love shining through.

My favourite bits:

• Guy getting ready at his parents’ house, surrounded by his mum, dad, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, nieces and nephews. Being in a familiar place seemed to help everyone feel comfortable, literally ‘at home’. And it meant there was so much more to shoot than the more obvious getting ready photos like tying ties and figuring out pocket squares. This was all about capturing family life, relationships and personalities.
• Helen getting ready at her parents’ house, amidst the hubbub of everyday family life (Yorkshire tea and ham sandwiches all around) before walking through the village to the church, led by her flower girls.
• The super cool something blue wedding car (Guy’s Dad’s own pride and joy) refusing to start after the ceremony, then finally getting going to rapturous applause from concerned onlooking guests, before breaking down en route (handily in picture-perfect Fotheringhay) whence suit jackets were removed, shirt sleeves rolled up and ties tucked in to identify the problem … a broken fan belt.
• An extended drinks reception while a breakdown recovery service rescued the wedding car. There’s always a blessing if you accept the unpredictable events for what they are. In this case: more time taking in the countryside views, chatting, laughing, competitive garden games …. plus many more natural photos and even time for some extra informal group photos which wouldn’t have been possible with the original timeline.
• Kids being kids, all day long. Honestly, these kiddos didn’t tire.
• Guy kicking off his speech with a Mexican wave and Helen eschewing tradition and making a speech too.
• The mums doing limoncello shots. This was my VERY favourite moment!

And here are some of my fave pics from the day so you can revel in their fun too:

• Church: All Saints and St James, Kings Cliffe
• Reception: Private home in Polebrook
• Catering: Beetroot Catering

Are you planning a chilled out marquee wedding?

If you are, and would like your day to be photographed in a calm, low-key, natural way, then I would LOVE to hear from you! #chompingatthebitalready

You might also want to check out some other marquee weddings I’ve shot which are similar to Guy and Helen’s.