You may be surprised to hear that winter weddings are actually more popular (for my services at least) than summer weddings.
Perhaps it’s the romance or nostalgia of Christmas, or the cosy inducement of a fur wrap, who knows? Whatever it is that draws people to booking their nuptials at this time of year, it definitely requires some forethought if you are hoping to be rewarded with beautiful photographs.
Gemma and Mark chose late November at Le Petit Chateau for their big event. Most photographers emit a silent ‘eek’ when clients offer up wedding dates which fall after the clocks have gone back and we enter the ‘dark period’. A good wedding photographer can handle most locations and situations, but there is one crucial element which we cannot work without, and that is light. So if, like bride-to-be Gemma, you have selected a date close to Britain’s shortest day of the year, I urge you to book a ceremony time that is early enough to provide.
I always do my homework. This popular venue, buried deep in the remote Northumberland moorland, is, without a doubt, every bride’s dream. It is cute, full of character and beckons couples forth with its pink and Mediterranean charms. A quick reccy prior to the big day, however, importantly revealed that almost every internal surface is painted darkest grey. And since the forecast said “Rain. Dingy. Dark. Miserable. Terrible day for a wedding. What were you thinking?” I packed a large lightbox into my boot before heading north.
Bridal preparations took place in a small apartment reserved for the main lady and her entourage. With the boys off-campus I was able to focus my full attention on this relaxed and happy group of females. With her three children and longterm best friends in attendance, Gemma had all morning to play with, and there was a quiet (but caffeine fuelled) calm in the air as the pampering began. Chinks of daylight saved me from heart failure and gave us enough ammunition to shoot with atmosphere. My bride was a trooper, edging as close as humanly possible to the windows as she could get (without being the first nearly-wed in the history of the chateau to actually fall out), and all to satisfy my nagging. Thank you, G.
Hair and make-up were meticulously and flawlessly applied by Chrys Spaulding-Chapman. The Jimmy Choos and dresses were laid out ready for me to grab, and the first whiff of emotion arrived when the peachy bridesmaids were presented with their rose-gold gifts from Tada & Toy.
Gemma chose the most beautiful Enzoani gown from Ava Rose Hamilton’s Silsden store for the occasion. Flattering her curves in all the right places, she looked exquisite. She embellished her to-die-for, Rapunzel-like mane with a sparkling crystal hairpiece from The Bobby Pin UK and a shimmering, cathedral length veil.
The wedding and engagement rings were all by Christopher Stoner, and the bridesmaids were all kitted out by Joy’s Bella Bridesmaids of York.
The whole day was carefully styled by the talented Jen from My Pretties UK who brought together the artwork and details of Gray Starling Designs, Princess Crocodile Designs, Balloonilicious and Coco Luminaire prop hire.
Cake is never far from my mind, and Dawn from The Master Cakesmith in Alnwick is a genius. Far too sad that I never actually get to taste any of them.
Gemma’s floral decorations and bouquets were a stunning combinations of blues and olive-green, designed and built by Emma from The Petal Studio in Leeds. A huge display around the chateau fireplace as well as aisle garlands added a luscious touch to ceremony proceedings.
The rain took no prisoners. It took all three of Gemma’s kids to elevate the 10 foot veil away from the sodden floor, and the dress was also forced to stay aloft for the duration of our all-too-short portrait session. Although as a result it gave us one of my fave shots of the day.
It’s worth remembering when you’re selecting the place to hold your nuptials, that the beautiful gardens you wander around in July (which may be the very reason you are choosing the venue you love) could well be rendered entirely inaccessible by November. Especially in pricey heels.
Guests were entertained before and after the ceremony by Faye Shearer who serenaded guests with a voice so smooth that it was difficult to tell whether she was actually real. Moving and discreet at the same time.
The speeches were full of belly-laughs and tears, as is right, and all to quickly the chateau’s kilted and appropriately eccentric MC was calling for the cake(s) to be cut.
All this was filmed for the bride & groom’s later delectation by Jon, from Top Table Films, who I must say provided excellent company for the duration.
The party started in style - Gemma & Mark almost disappeared from view under the enthusiastic work of the smoke machine operator. The band plugged in, and they (as well as everyone else) let rip. ‘They’, incidentally, being a versatile four-piece band named Arizona, provided by Showbott Entertainment.
In spite of the lack of daylight and crappy weather, this turned out to be a favourite for me.
A wedding is usually a full-on 12 hour, never-sit-down day as a wedding photographer, but this one went by in a flash (no pun intended). The sign of a real belter, say I. Congratulations Mr & Mrs W. It was my privilege.
Wedding dates are still available in 2020 onwards. Please get in touch via my website www.eyesomephotography.com or via email at eyesomephoto@gmail.com.
