One of the nice things about photographing weddings is the variety of venues you see. Some posh, some simple. It’s always quite exciting to have the opportunity to try out new ideas using new surroundings. No wedding is the same so as well as being exciting it can be challenging.
This was the first wedding I had attended where the wedding venue was a castle. Haldon Belvedere was a beautiful location for Christopher & Ella’s wedding ceremony. The wedding reception was later held at The Royal Clarence Hotel In Exeter.
I think it should be said that the couple are very good looking too.
Here’s Christopher with his Groomsmen. I only had a few minutes for these shots but the ground floor of the castle was ideal for some simple set ups. I did have to remove the no smoking sign on the door though. There is usually something in the background of some of the photos that needs to be taken out.
Both Christopher and Ella were a pleasure to pose as they were both naturals and very enthusiastic about the whole experience. It made for some photos we were all very happy with.
The room where the ceremony was held was beautiful, great big windows and on such a lovely day it just glowed. I had to set my camera to manual to prevent the back lighting being a problem though. I felt the photos of this part of the day looked most effective in black and white.
This was a very challenging photo. There is a very fine balance between keeping control of the group and coming across as a rude photographer. Thankfully with the help of a friend I was able to create this photo in only a few minutes. The Bridesmaid also, rather to my surprise gave out a loud whistle which got everyones attention. The result is a photo that both Christopher and Ella said they love. I got this printed as an 18″ x 12″ photo and it looks great showing everyone clearly.
Christopher and Ella were particularly keen on having some photos taken on the bridge at the foot of the drive. This gave a great opportunity to get some of the lovely greens in the photo whilst showing the love between them.
I wanted to create quite a dynamic shot here, showing the background and foreground as well as the couple cutting the cake. I chose a wide angle lens and converted to black and white to get the result below.
I make a habit of going around all the tables just before everyone has eaten as it is a good opportunity to get a happy photo of all the guests at the wedding without taking them away from the fun. I usually find that these photos are chosen for the album or CD. This couple of lads had other ideas when I asked them to smile, but it created a really fun photo all the same.
Before the first dance I was asked if I could get some photos in Christopher & Ella’s suite. I took a number of photos, but as soon as I saw this bath I just had to try out this photo for something a bit different. I was lucky that I was given the time I had, but I think a little time given here and there is rewarded with much more interesting photos.
This is my absolute favourite photo of the day. A beautiful expression between the two and I love the back lighting from the table lamp.
The fun continued into the night long after I left no doubt. I was keen on capturing some of the disco lighting
Well the photos have been taken, edited and tweaked. They have been ordered and printed and now delivered. A very satisfying job all round. The best bit is doing a good job and having a happy customer. I posted the photos yesterday and got an email back today”
“They arrived!
What a lovely treat for Saturday morning.
The printed photos are beautiful, we can’t wait to get them framed. It is so nice to see the photos we have chosen in such great detail too, once again, they are beautiful.
Thank you so much Ross.
Christopher”
UPDATE: It’s now December and Jamie Wonnacott, also known as Entwined Films has finished Christopher & Ella’s wedding video. I know I photographed the wedding, but it is still exciting for me to see the video as when you are behind a camera all day you don’t really see properly what goes on. It was great to see the day from another perspective. Jamie and I have worked together before at another wedding and we manage ok to stay out of each others shots.
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If you would like me to photograph your wedding, contact me by dropping me an email. You can find more information about my wedding photography on my weddings home page and you can find wedding photography prices here. You can read here why it is is important to hire a professional photographer, and also my 25 tips for getting the best wedding photography.