If there's one thing, I hear more than anything when I go out and photograph a wedding, it's phrases like this: "I hate having my photo taken".
My response is always the same. It's my job to make you look awesome, and believe it or not, even though you're probably giving yourself a big build-up about your wedding photos and looking your best, you've absolutely no need to worry.
See it's not about poses, and making sure your make-up is perfect, THE biggest thing that makes a difference to your photos is how happy you are. Although it's my job to make you look awesome, believe it or not, you guys do all the hard work for me, and it's so fulfilling to capture those genuinely happy and emotional moments.
This is exactly the conversation I had with Vanessa on Friday morning when I arrived to photograph her bridal prep ahead of her wedding with Simon later that day. You always get a feel for how the day is going to unfold when you arrive, how nervous people are, how stressed out they are about getting to the ceremony on time, and how forthcoming they are in having their photo taken. Let me be the first to tell you, Vanessa, her bridesmaids, and her dad were an absolute pleasure right from when I walked through their door, and were just some of the most fantastic and hospitable people.
I always do my best to crack a few jokes, (usually at my expense) just to break things down, and take the attention away from me actually being there to take your photos, but when I arrived at Vanessa's, within 5 minutes of me arriving, I was chatting to her dad like old friends, and capturing some really lovely moments that the bridal party were sharing ahead of their departure for The Holt Fleet in Worcester.
After getting lost on the way to the Holt fleet and ending up at a caravan park just 2 minutes away, by some miracle, I'd made it there on time, and set about grabbing a few pictures of the guests waiting, and some of Simon and his groomsmen. Simon assured me he wasn't at all nervous, but after chatting with both Vanessa and various friends and family throughout the day, I'm led to believe that there was a fair amount of dutch courage well ahead of the big day on his stag do just days before in Benidorm.
Once we'd finished with the ceremony, the couple then headed out into the conservatory for their reception drinks, while I scouted out some spots for their group shots. It would have been amazing to take advantage of the location at Holt Fleet, as it sits right at the side of the river, but unfortunately, the weather wasn't on our side. There was no way that was stopping us though, so a nice spacious (and sheltered) balcony attached to the conservatory was the perfect alternative for those much-needed group shots.
Whenever I can, a bit of playful banter (at my expense, again!) always goes a long way to making everyone feel at ease, and I had a real laugh with Vanessa and Simons's guests who just like the bridal party are just the most friendly and genuinely nice people. It's so easy to forget I'm working at weddings, and had it not been a little weird, I'd have happily stuck around for the duration of the festivities.
I seem to say it time and time again, but capturing Simon and Vanessa's wedding was a genuine pleasure, and I'm honoured to have been asked to photograph their big day. I wish them both all the luck and happiness in the world. If there's one couple who it deserve that, it's them!
Next weekend I'll be blogging all about the wedding of Laura and Lewis that myself and Rachel attended yesterday!
Peace, Love and Photos.
Jono x