I love doing these sort of weddings where I personally know either the bride or groom beforehand. It just means I can just be that little more cheeky on the day with them which in turn produces some great photos.
They had chosen to get married at an amazing venue called Bartle Hall in the heart of the stunning Lancashire countryside. It was my first time shooting here as well as my friend and Videographer Steve Whitehead and we both said how the hall lends itself perfectly as a wedding venue.
There is a well equipped modern lodge in the grounds of the hall for the Bride and her bridal party to spend the night beforehand in and get all their make up and hair done before the wedding. Again "Thicket Lodge" as it was called was so well suited for photography it was brilliant.
I turned up nice and early as I usually do if doing the bridal prep photo's, luckily I did as there had been a big crash on the M6 motorway not long after I got there which did delay quite a few people on the day.
Everyone was in a jolly mood, the weather was perfect and Chelsea seemed so calm its was unreal. The girls got their hair and make up all done with no major upsets so we were off to a good start.
Hair and Make up by "Heather"
Chelsea and Dan had thought of everything for the day to keep everyone entertained. They had hired a young lady violinist from String In fusion to play whilst guests arrived and also during the ceremony. She was absolutely amazing, played modern day classics as well as newer songs.
The boys soon turned up, again not really delayed by the road accident, so we had a bit of fun with them in the grounds of Bartle hall.
In the mean time the ladies had left Thicket Lodge and had been relocated in the bridal suite inside the main hall for the final stages of getting ready. This room complete with four poster bed also had an amazing free standing bath in the bay window which made for some fantastic photos.
Chelsea got her Grandad to escort her down the stairs to where her dad was waiting to take her to the ceremony room.
We had a slight delay as one of the registrars had been caught up in the traffic jam but nothing to serious to effect the day. Chelsea looked absolutely amazing as she walked down the isle towards her husband to be Dan. I am sure I saw a tear or two in the grooms eyes.
Wonderful service, everything went as it should have with no hick ups.
Straight into the confetti shoot then a few drinks and then straight into the formal photos. Now these usually take a while which does drag but they are the photos that all the aunties and uncles and grandparents want, luckily because I knew Dan I could be a bit more cheeky with the guests to get them to conform, even had to get one of Chelsea's sisters in toe. One word ( Sunglasses) She know what I mean. Ha ha.
During the wedding breakfast Dan and Chelsea had organised entertainment for the guests, he played guitar and sang whilst guest had their meal. I was lucky enough o get a meal and I must admit the food was amazing. Bartle Hall, your stuffing is amazing.
Both Dan's father and Chelsea's father and Grandfather gave a speech as well as Dan's son and best man Lewis, and the groom of course.
A first for me but towards the end of the wedding breakfast. Chelsea had organised with the DJ to play the song Marry You by Bruno Mars which then in turn, Dan and Chelsea had to run around every table in the room and get a selfie with each one in the time limit of the song. Now no one mentioned about been athletic for this shoot but needs must and off we went. Carnage pursued, the sight of Chelsea in her long dress with long veil dragging her new husband from table to table diving over people and chairs to get a silly photo, closely followed by a super unfit photographer and a surprised videographer as well must have looked crazy to anyone looking in. Hate to admit it but best fun I have had in ages. All this then followed by a mass group photo on the dance floor. Before you ask, yes we did manage to get all the photos done before Bruno had finished....Just...
Entertainment supplied by RMS Entertainment.
Food finished I took Chelsea and Dan outside for their personal photos around the grounds of Bartle Hall. While we did this Dan had organised more entertainment, a super Motown singer named "TK"who soon got people up dancing on the dancefloor.
By the time we had got back most of the evening guests had arrived and the party was well on its way with the dj.
The grounds at Bartle Hall are kept in immaculate order and to walk round with Chelsea and Dan was a pleasure, has such a laugh with them which helps get the natural photos which I prefer and it definitely helps that the place is so well designed for weddings.
Finally we came to the Cake cut and last dance. At this point most people are glad to see the back of me, it's funny how at weddings everyone suddenly becomes camera shy.
Would just like to thank Dan & Chelsea for letting me be the one to capture their big day for them.
I had a wonderful time and by the time I left all the guests felt like best friends.
Photo booth by " Dreams & Themes"
Sweet Cart by " Trulie's Delights"
Decorations by Creative Design
