Details, details, details, my love.

Wedding breakfast place settings with a slightly rustic twist

A marriage will survive any storm if lovers pay attention to the details. It is always a great sign, in my opinion then, when the wedding day itself is a display of the couple's attention to the small details. Those perfect peripheral items which enhance the wedding and capture the guests' interest.

A declaration of love, framed, bearing the words "I have completely fallen for you"

Whether it's the matching stationery, the flowers, the bride's choice of footwear, or the table settings, it is the job of the photographer to freeze these items in a moment of time so that they will always be remembered. I still have in my possession the original box from my parents' wedding day in 1957 which contains the traditional black cat and silver horse shoe with which my mum was presented for good luck. Her luck endured for 50 years before she was separated from my dad by the only thing which they had pledged would ever render them asunder, her death.

The 'just married' bunting which adorned this barn was made from hessian and string and could not have been more perfect

In these modern times, wedding breakfasts are increasingly adorned with (P)interesting touches; decorative items which add to the ambience of the event and make bridal dreams come to life. It is small wonder then that wedding budgets have to stretch further than Elastigirl's knickers these days. 

His and hers vintage champagne glasses awaited the happy couple

For me, the best details are those which come from the heart, not necessarily a wealthy pocket. A hand crafted bunting display says more about the soul of the bride who requested (or indeed crafted) it than a gob-smacking chandelier. Even if they both give us clues about the brides who bought them, I know which one I'd rather have as my BFF.

A mossy spot proved perfect placement for the wedding rings
The bridal footwear is often one of the big expense ticket items of the day and should definitely be captured in a pretty setting

It's not about the DIY necessarily, it's about the romance. A great deal of effort goes in to sourcing the items that replicate the look that a bride desires in any situation, but a great deal more passion goes in to creating something that reflects who you are and what you believe in. It is a manifestation of your personality.

A gilded birdcage just for fun was a funky focal point for a table setting
A simple platter of drinking straws for guests' children to use, in a matching colour to the wedding palette

Details, my love, are therefore paramount. I will always do my absolute best to do yours justice. 

The all important dress details. Simply unmissable

For more wedding type stuff, try these blog posts. If family is your thing, here are some others

An al-fresco engagement session in the Lake District with John & Sophia

An engagement or pre-wedding shoot poses an interesting dilemma for a lot of couples. On the one hand it has the advantage of familiarising them with their photographer, and also extends the period of anticipation and excitement in the lead up to the big day. On the other hand, it can add a lot of pounds to an already overweight wedding budget.

A quiet cafe corner provides an opportunity for refreshment and a chat for John & Sophia

A relatively new phenomenon from across The Pond, the engagement shoot isn't really what it says, as most couples are engaged well before this event takes place. Rather, it is a 'let's-have-a-practice-before-the-wedding-day' shoot, and this, for me, is the greatest advantage of all. It offers the couple the chance to both 'warm up' in front of the camera, and also to extend their wedding collection with photos that are a little more reflective of how they behave in real life (i.e. not carrying flowers and being followed by a bunch of girls in matching frocks).

One of many kisses exchanged by our engaged duo, a sign of wedded bliss to come

John and Sophia could not have been more cool about being in front of my lens. There were so many kissing stops that I almost called the fire brigade at one point. Man, was it hot out there!

so comfortable in each other's company, our couple get cosy on the log pile

Amongst other 'game' things, John and Sophia thought nothing of walking through the odd cow pat or mud bath to find a decent destination for a portrait. Love is like that.

Tramping through cow pats and mud not a problem when you're in love

We chose several different locations, including the picturesque town of Kirkby Lonsdale, with its cafes and pretty streets. A couple of refreshment breaks provided the perfect opportunity for our couple to catch up over a cappuccino. 

a brief stop for coffee and cuddles at the pub in Kirkby Lonsdale

Rarely more than an inch apart, I was left in little doubt that this couple will have an amazing life together. Their comfort in each other's company was clear for most of the residents of the Lake District to see, and even the passers-by (who were intrigued enough by the public posing to ask whether there was a celebrity in town) commented on how freely John & Sophia gave and received affection with so many eyes upon them.

never more than an inch apart, love was in the air all day long

The long grass (and thistles) is always a great spot for kissing, even if you have to stand up.

love in the long grass, helped by magnificent light
kissing in doorways - a wonderful passtime
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public canoodling at the public house

There was public canoodling at the public house, kissing in doorways, snogging against the railings, and I LOVED it!

such closeness was lovely to witness in this awesome couple

Major thanks to the adorable, perfect subjects that are John & Sophia, and here's to many long years of love and lust. Wherever.

more kissing and any opportunity to show their affection on this special engagement

If you like kissing, try more wedding posts!

Thanks are due to Aspire who found John and Sophia and these awesome locations.