Me, being me, nosey or rather curious, I was interested in how Nick and Rachael met and got to know each other. They told me they were brought up to be good honest people attending different churches connected with the Salvation Army but it was at a music camp in 201l when their eyes met and that was to become the start of their beautiful relationship with each other. Three years later whilst on holiday in Cyprus, Nick had mustered enough courage to pop the question. He took Rachael on a romantic drive up into the Troodos Mountains. Rachael says the spot was idyllic, secluded with beautiful views of the ocean in front of them with the perfume of pine from the forest behind them. That is when it happened! Down on one knee, Nick asked the big questions and with tears in her eyes Rachael said YES! Now having known each other for almost 6 years, from their first meetings when Rachael was 19 and Nick 23 we can now present the new Mr and Mrs and we wish them every kindness and joy this life can offer and to grasp every opportunity to make the world a better place for themselves and everyone around them.
Photography by Altered Images.
There will be fireworks after this wedding
It was one of those days where a photographer is on tenterhooks. Perfect for photos, a little overcast, no bright sun but will it rain? We hope not. I found Shona in one of her 6 bridesmaid's new homes in Leeds. Three of the girls were sprawled out, relaxing and enjoying a glass of fizz and there was Shona in the hot-seat, having her hair done by Harj Flora whilst Sarah Kay was working her magic on one of the bride's maids in the kitchen. The flowers had arrived already and were looking good in a long box. The bouquets had beautiful, pastel peach roses and orange rosebuds set amongst cream freesias and gypsophila supplied by Blooming Fantastic of Tingley. One of the bridesmaids took me upstairs to see the dress but she had to make an exit before I debagged it as none of them were allowed to see it before Shona had it on. It was a bit tight for space but I managed to hang it up on the landing for a quick photo. It was a lovely white lace-up with a lace neckline going over the shoulders with a net overlay covering the skirt. Shona says she tried on lots of dresses but she knew the first one she tried at Gowns UK was the right one for her. The bridesmaids' dress looked really elegant in a rose pink colour from Little Mistress.
On to meet up with the chaps at St Michael's Church in East Ardsley. The chaps were there looking good being videoed by Ken and Carol from Phase 5. Did the best-man have the rings? Yes, we are off to a good start. Aiden told me he bought Shona's ring from Earnest Jones and his came from Warren James. The chaps all wore grey tails with cravats to match the bridesmaid dresses and a pastel peach rose button hole to compliment the girls' flowers. Suits supplied by the Groom's Room in Ossett. It wasn't long before the first set of bridesmaids arrived. Unfortunately they could not all get in the car so Philip from Cartwrights was forced to make 3 trips instead of the planned two. I let the vicar know that the bride would be quite late because of this slight problem and he entertained the guests in church I am sure whilst we waited for the bride. The car took the bride's father from the church to meet Shona at her friend's home, so I didn't get to see the look on his face but I am sure there would have been a few tears as he was an emotional chap and Shona looked amazing.
The service was really lovely and I was kindly allowed to take photographs from the front of the church capturing all of the formalities. After the obligatory confetti and lots of hugs and kisses we toddled off to Bagden Hall in Scissett. A message had come through that the M1 was snarled up so it was a case of taking a long detour via Wakefield. Bagden Hall is a lovely venue with plenty of grounds for group photos, a lake far enough away from the hall to get great photos with the hall in the background and of course the Folly which reminds me of the witch's house in Hansel and Gretel. The wedding breakfast room was stunning. There were hanging lanterns above the tables supplied by The Hanging Lantern Company, twinkle backdrops by Wedding Venue Lighting and huge martini glasses stuffed with flowers made the table centrepieces by Emma of Unique Wedding Flowers. The cake was emotional - it was in tiers, produced by Celebration Cakes.
So on to the evening reception with more guests arriving at 7.30. They loved our Photo Booth with its greenscreen and video. The resident DJ, Gary of Rhythm of your Choice plays cracking music and really make the guests feel welcome and in the party mood. First Danceat 8.30 was "How Long Will I Love You?" by Ellie Goulding. These two were loving it! There was even a fireworks display and oodles of sparklers but we had to wait until about 10.15 at the days are long in June!
The couple met during History Lessons at High School and that's where the romance blossomed. Shona was having her 21st birthday at Longleat Safari Park when out of the blue Aiden got down on one knee and said those all important words almost exactly ten years ago. So what next? A honeymoon in Mexico and a long and happy life together to look forward to. All our very best wishes to both of you.
Salvation Army does this lovely couple proud.
Wow, what an amazing day for this lovely couple. The sun shone and the birds sang! Two soldiers, Rachael and Nick set sail on the sea of life together as Mr and Mrs Hamlett. The bride looked stunning in a really elegant dress - "Persia by Modeca" supplied by the Bridal Gown in Otley. The bridesmaids were a close second only really surpassed by the bride herself, wearing teal dresses from Lindy Bop. The flowers were a blend of roses and freesias in a variety of pastel hues and these really were the finishing touches to the beautiful outfits; supplied by Cathryn at Methley.
The couple were married at the Central Leeds Salvation Army Hall. This is a magnificent venue. The hall itself is huge with a beautiful stage large enough to accommodate an orchestra and a huge gallery at the back to rival the very best theatres in the city. Gospel Roots Brass Band had set themselves up off the stage and were entertaining the guests as they arrived with well chosen and quite mellow pieces. The stage was reserved for guitarists and singers. So on to the groom and his men: Nick was really well heeled; real dapper, proper smart! The suits were from Suits Direct and the chaps carried them well - not unlike myself I must say when I was their age.
What a beautiful ceremony. Really amazing and the Salvation Army really did go the extra mile to make this couple feel like a prince with his new princess. Married by their own friends and lieutenants - I am sorry I cannot recall their names - but also a lovely, genuine, young couple. I knew they would be there longer than they planned! Of course they would be, with the hall packed to the rafters with family and friends all wanting to wish them the very best life can bring. But eventually through the guard of honour, we left for Denton Hall in Ilkley.
Wedding Awards Finalists (again).
We are so chuffed! It has been announced that we have reached the finals of the I Do Magazine Awards in the Best Photographer category. It is looking like I will have to get the dress suit and bow tie out again. The second time in only two months! The Award ceremony will be in Sheffield this time so it won't mean a hotel for the night and no fines for driving into congestion zones this time. It cost me £130.00 in fines last month. That was on top of being ripped off by a London cabbies taking us the scenic route from the hotel to the Awards venue. 3 mile trip took almost a full hour due to his scenic detours. Tube fairs and another taxi to get back. So this should be a lot easier. I love Yorkshire. This could be another "I've got nothing to wear" moments for Michele. She looks amazing in anything but I can see a posh frock moment lurking.
But most importantly, I must add a BIG, MASSIVE BIG THANK YOU to all of you wonderful couples who we have photographed during the past year who have made this all happen for us. We feel so humble. The comments you made about what we do brought tears to my eyes. We love you all. We meet as strangers but leave as life long friends. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. xxx
Good Friday for Laura and Tom wedding at Tankersley Manor
This couple were so lucky! The weather was awful on Thursday and Saturday was looking pretty grim also, but Good Friday was beautiful. A lovely sunny day. The wedding took place at Tankersley Manor in Barnsley on 25th March 2016 with a breakfast in the Manor Suite and reception in the Conservatory.
Bride's dress by Celebrations Bridal of Ossett
Hair and makeup by Sophie from Loaf of Woodseats.
Flowers by Amaryllis Floral Design of Ossett
Venue Dressing by Glamourpuss Weddings of Wombwell
Cake by Lacey Cakes of Wakefield
DJ by ADP Events.
Leanne and Andrew got married!
This lovely couple tied the knot!
What a beautiful day. The first really lovely day of the year and not just the weather. The Sun did shine. It was a bit cool but the nicest day following a winter of wind and rain. I love weddings as you all know but I knew this was going to be an amazing day. I could smell it in the air as I drove through Doncaster and on to Mount Pleasant in Rossington to catch up with our bride and all of her girls. Mount Pleasant is one of my favourite venues. It is a dream location for wedding photos and the rooms are just wonderful. I first bumped into Chloe, from Weddings By Chloe; dressing the function room. She was a busy bee and still had lots to do so I made a swift exit to find our bride for the day. Found her! The rooms were in chaos! Hairdresser and Beautician were well into their stride working on the bridesmaids. The bride was done - yippee! Still in her robes of course. So here we are - with the stunning Leanne and her girls: sister Sophie, Rachel 1, Rachel 2, Hayley, Ellie and our cute princess Harriett who had left her palace for the day. Mum - Liz was enjoying the wine and taking a few photos of her own - hope she got my best side. So a few photos later and we were ready. Dad John arrived with his mandatory Kleenex. The look on this man's face and the beams from his beautiful daughter! So off to the church - in a dash as I always get away too late! The sun is still shining - yippee! Chaps were all at the church greeting the guests. We even had rings and orders of service. These chaps meant business. Andrew looked good - a bit apprehensive - well actually more like a rabbit caught in headlights. Best man, bro Nick: ushers, Colin, Purgo, Michael and Tom all on the ball giving out orders of service and really getting into their duties. Dad David filled his suit well - well it happens to all us chaps. Mum Karen really proud of her son. Of course I paid my respects to Father Andrew at St. Wilfrid's Church (in Cantley by the way, I omitted to say). A real gentleman, there's not many of us about. He would let me do anything he said! So with tripod set up first duty is to get my macros to work on those rings and then get these fellas loosened up for the proceedings. All went like a dream. What a bunch of lads! Service went really well. Father Andrew did slap Andrew at one point when he caught him glowering at Nick when Father Andrew asked the congregation "If anyone here present knows of any reason..." Out of the church to thunderous applause for the new Mr and Mrs Mountain and the required confetti of course and the obligatory kisses! More photos, more laughs, more smiles, more hugs - wow this is what weddings are all about. Michael was chauffeuring. He had polished his Audi (I think it was a white Audi). He even brought a bottle of fizz and two glasses. Before long we were off to Mount Pleasant in Rossington. Only about 15 minutes drive. David was the hotel host and he was there on the red carpet armed with yet another tow glasses of fizz. He really does know how to treat his wedding guests and mostly importantly the bride and groom. Guests were there already waiting. They all looked amazing in their finery. As always I launched into group photos in the fantastic gardens at the back of the hotel. The daffodils were all in their splendour. Swing was newly strung and the bridge had had its spring clean. A bit of fun with the groom's men and bride's maids then for the romantic stuff. This couple looked so happy together. Radiant bride and her handsome groom. Before long the wedding breakfast was underway. I took the bride and groom into the reception room before the guests to get a few photos, check it out and photograph the cake. It all looked amazing. A sort of shabby-chic look to the table décor and chair ties. Guests were welcomed in and before long the speeches were underway. John said plenty of kind words about his daughter - did we really need to know how she liked to dress when she was little? Andrew was a little emotional and expressed his love for his new wife, only to be later ribbed by his brother telling tales of their youth. Not sure how the sunglasses fitted in! We managed a few more photos in the evening. Sophie was going back to Perth, Australia the next day so we need plenty of photos of her with her family. On to the first dance. An unusual choice of song - Once in a lifetime by Landon Austin. Followed by bride dancing with her dad to be joined by the groom with his tearful mum! And all the guests of course. What an amazing day!
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