Let me pre-empt this blog by saying this little story has everything, a little bit of drama, a redecorated office, a theme park and of course, like every good story, a happy ending.
I first got introduced to Chloe and Bill when Chloe was looking for a new photographer for her big day, after being messed around by a supplier she'd already booked with. The photographer in question turned out not to have the greatest of reputations, had a history of not turning up for weddings, demanding money early and had numerous poor reviews from past customers. Needless to say, as any couple would, Chloe and Bill panicked and set about trying to cancel and get their deposit back, which they fortunately managed.
One problem though, as they now didn't have a photographer...
Fear not, as with any fairytale, naturally, we need a charming, handsome and of course modest hero photographer to step in and save the day. Turns out he wasn't available on Chloe and Bill's date though, so for this one, you'll have to make do with me. Not all heros wear capes 😉.
I got talking with Chloe and set about trying to learn as much about their big day as possible. Everything from the plans they already had in place, to the shots they were looking for and everything else in between. After a quick zoom call with them both, I knew it was a wedding I really wanted to capture and I was thrilled that they'd both decided they wanted to go ahead and book with me for their wedding at Drayton Manor Hotel.
From the very start, Chloe as brides go, has been awesome to deal with. As past couples will vouch for, I love to be organised, so as far as I'm concerned there's no such thing as too much information. The more I know about your big day before I attend, the better, as I can make sure I'm in the right place at the right time. Chloe had it all mapped out and planned right down to the very second, so if there was ever anything I needed to know, she'd be able to pull out a ring binder full of information and produce the answer within seconds. You honestly couldn't ask for more.
Going off on a bit of a tangent here, as much as the couples I work with are at the heart of the work that I do, I always do my best to champion people within my circle of friends who run their own businesses too. Working for yourself takes a certain type of person, and for those of you reading this that have been in the same position as myself will know, as well as being the most rewarding thing in the world, it can also be the most stressful.
A few months ago now, I put out a post offering a skill swap to local businesses in the area. The concept is that I offer my photography services in return for a product or service from the business I photograph. Business owners are always intensely passionate people, and their excitement for their work really does rub off on you. It's a really rewarding process and if time in my diary allows for it, I try to work with as many people as I can. I've photographed so many different businesses, from restauraunts to decorators, enter Bill.
As well as being a top tier bloke, who is also salt of the earth, Bill runs a decorating business called Bill Chase Painting and Decorating (Find him: here!). Myself and Chloe had been chatting, about my skill swap post, and we agreed we might be able to work something out between us, as I'd been considering having my office decorated for a little while, so after discussing a few ideas, we got something in the diary and myself and Rachel set about choosing some paint and wallpaper ahead of Bills arrival. Those that know me will know I have a very critical eye for detail, but Bill really did make a fantastic job, but not only that, over the course of the week he was here, it was an absolute pleasure getting to know him more.
After months of planning, numerous highly enjoyable discussions over crafting and minute details, it was finally time for Bill and Chloe's big day.
Chloe had sent over inspiration for quite a few different bridal prep shots, so we spent alot of time on the morning of the big day in the bridal suite photographing the tiny details and of course some wicked shots of Chloe and her bridesmaids getting ready. I think it's safe to say there were definitely some nerves but nevertheless, the military precision planning beforehand was definitely paying off and the day was coming together as perfectly as you could expect.
I've always said that the best possible way to make people feel relaxed and comfortable when having their photo taken is to get to know them first. When it came to photographing Bill prior to Chloe's arrival, it was just that much easier as I'd met him numerous times before. Knowing I could slip in a few inside jokes about the wallpaper coming off the walls in my office to get a few laughs made capturing those natural moments that much easier.
I adore Christmas time, and any wedding in November/December where I can fully embrace a festive theme is a win for me. Obviously when Bill and the steady stream of guests filed into the ceremony room, and I spotted the addition of a Christmas tree, there was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity to grab a few festive shots.
As opportunitys go though, the best was yet to come...
Once we'd wrapped up what was a fantastic ceremony, it was off for reception drinks, a handful of group shots, and of course the obligatory confetti shot in the grounds of Drayton Manor Hotel.
As luck would have it, on the day of Bill and Chloe's wedding, Drayton Manor Park was closed off to the public. For those of you that don't know, as well as being a fantastic place to get married, long before the hotel and wedding venue existed Drayton Mannor is probably most famous for being a theme park, full of white knuckle rides, kids attractions and even a Vintage Carousel.
Wedding + Closed Theme Park + Vintage Carousel = AMAZING Opportunity for some fantastic photos!
There was no way we could attend without getting some photos, and after Chloe had sent a few emails, not only had she organised private access to the Carousel, but she'd only gone and got us access to a golf buggy to take us around to various locations around the park for photos.
I'm sure many photographers shooting weddings at Drayton Manor before me have had exactly the same opportunity before, so I really wanted to make it my own and do something unique. So, after another few emails on Chloe's part ahead of time, we'd arranged access to the Golf Buggy and the park for a second time, but this time at night. Everyone knows Carousels look even more spectacular shrouded in darkness covered in hundreds of colourful lights!
Once we'd been for our first daytime outing, it was back to the venue so that Bill and Chloe could sit down for food with their guests. As always, we tucked ourselves away too, and sat down to enjoy the food Chloe and Bill had kindly laid on for us too, which consisted of an amazing afternoon tea!
Suitably full of sandwiches and baked goods, we joined the newlyweds and the rest of the wedding party again to photograph speeches and an impromptu duet with the live singer who was also in attendance. Back to schedule though, as before the evening party was set to begin we had a brief window to head out back into the park for those magical photos we spoke about earlier along with some long exposure sparkler photos with the happy couple, the bridesmaids and Chloe's brother.
Being in November, it's safe to say the weather was on the chilly side, and as the temperature was quickly dropping. I didn't want to keep everyone out in the cold TOO long, so I got what photos I could and got everyone back in the warm ready for a photodash, cake cutting and the first dance.
As we wrapped up those final few moments, our time with both Bill and Chloe had come to an end.
Bill and Chloe are the epitome of why I do what I do. Despite photography being my job, it's always beyond rewarding to have made so many close friends through doing what I do. I'm so privileged to have spent so much time getting to know them both, and they are both nothing short of the most lovely people who I very much hope we will stay in touch with.
With any wedding we attend, theres never any expectation for us to be looked after whatsoever, it's always appreciated, but never expected. As far as I'm concerned, weddings are expensive days, and we're paid to do a job, but I was completely blown away by everything that Chloe and Bill did for us on their big day. They'd thought of everything. Right down to both myself and Rachel having a care package full of sweets and drinks to see us through the day, and that was ontop of us being catered for. Chloe had even taken the time to make and write us both a thank you card each, which was just the most lovely guesture and completely unexpected.
I just want to round this whole blog off with a HUGE thank you to them both. I genuinely can't wait to round off the year by editing their wedding and getting the opportunity to relive their day all over again.
Peace. Love and Photos.
Jono x
Well articulated and thank you for showing those of us who wanted to be in attendance, but for geography and other obligations could not. The photos are breathtaking and you have done yourself and Bill/Chloe a dramatic service.