A nice Monday treat for you!
When I met up with the happy couple last year we discussed many things and one being the preparations before the ceremony began. Now if the Groom is close to where his soon to be wife is I will certainly make an effort (if requested) to pop along and get some documented shots of the lads getting ready themselves for the day ahead. Most of the time however the two locations can be some distance apart so I recommend a second photographer who will be present when I’m otherwise engaged! The advantage of having two photographers is for the mere fact that different shots will be captured throughout the day and the chance of missing out on those more unusual and comical shots becomes minimal. So, after running through everything with John and Joanne they were very keen on including my good friend and pro-photographer Kirsten along for their big day!
The day finally arrived and even though the weather didn’t look anything striking I knew it wasn’t going to dampen anyone’s spirits for what was going to be a fab day! I prepped my gear, ironed my clothes and enjoyed a nice cup of coffee before leaving the house to arrive in Lydiate for 10am sharp! The door was open so I walked inside to be greeted by the whole bridal party who were having their hair and makeup done so I proceeded to document the build-up.
After a fun morning of laughs between the girls and the last-minute ironing from Craig (Joanne’s Brother) it was time to leave for the ceremony although this time I knew Kirsten was with the boys and was also capturing shots of the guests arriving so I had time to stick with Joanne to get every moment on camera.
I arrived at the stunning West Tower in Aughton and I immediately liaised with the registrar to confirm any pet hates and rules they had before the ceremony began. With guests inside and the Groom ready and waiting at the front of the aisle it was time for the beautiful Bride to make an appearance but not before the Bridesmaids. The ceremony was lovely with the hand over from Craig to John and then some moving vows before the exchange of rings and the kiss! I did my usual formal of the signing of the register before the newlyweds walked hand in hand back up the aisle and out to the car for a casual drive around the area.
John and Joanne soon came back and we cracked on swiftly with the formal group shots starting with a boy’s shot and then a girl’s shot to get the atmosphere going and to also break the ice between photographer and guest 😊. It was perfect timings as we finished our last group it started to rain so we headed inside.
There was time to photograph the wedding breakfast room which was dressed absolutely beautifully by Suzanne at Premier Party Events and the team. It also meant I could get my ‘mock’ cut of the cake done before we lost the day light but also because I like to do it before the official cutting as it makes for a good shot of guests having their moment with the happy couple later in the evening!
All family and friends were invited inside as they got ready to applaud the new Mr & Mrs Dowell into the room. As everyone finished their starters and mains there was an unfortunate moment where a waiter fell over and dropped a wine bucket which obviously made everyone aware as it made a massive clang on the floor! The waiter got onto his feet grabbed a chair, stood on it and apologised before singing a Robbie Williams classic. Yes, you guessed it…. John booked a duo of singing waiters from Silver Service Singers as a surprise for Joanne and the guests to enjoy! The atmosphere was buzzing and everyone got onto their feet and danced away. Some even got a little more than they bargained for 😊
Afterwards John, Joanne and myself walked around the venue and grounds to capture the more intimate shots of them together before we retired back inside and enjoyed the evening unravel. Me and Kirsten documented the occasion up until the first dance where we then set the lights and prepped our kit. The moment was lovely between Husband and Wife as they enjoyed a nice slow song together for their first dance. Joanne also had a really great moment with her Brother as they danced to a Dance classic afterwards.
The time soon came where we packed up and left the party in full swing to carry on celebrations into the night. We hope everyone had a memorable day and we wish John and Joanne all the very best in their new chapter 😊
Enjoy these sneak peek photos…
Thanks!
Sam Sanders Photography 