Wiltshire Wedding Photographer - Castle Combe

So my planned winter blogathon to catch up on posting more of last years weddings didn't quite go to plan. Some last minute bookings and exceptionally high levels of enquiries in January and February took priority and the website didn't get quite the attention I had planned.

Still, I'm ahead on all processing schedules at the moment so thought I'd have one (or two) last attempts to feature some weddings from last year. I'll keep the chat to a minimum and probably include a few less images to facilitate time for getting more on!

First up is from way back in August where I was second shooting with Allister at Sarah and Neil's wedding. Sarah was getting ready at their lovely Victorian home in Bristol. The 'getting ready' stage is significant as a transitional time for a bride, and choosing to do so in your own home environment adds an extra level of personal relevance.

Leaving Sarah to finish getting ready, Allister and I jumped in the car to head to Castle Combe in Wiltshire. If you haven't been to Castle Combe before, there's a strong chance you've seen it. Regarded as one of the prettiest villages in England, it has featured in many television and film productions including most recently WarHorse and some small franchise you may have heard of - Harry Potter?

The Manor House Hotel is a stunning venue set in beautiful grounds. Having been awarded a Michelin Star and winning Wiltshire Restaurant of the Year, it makes a pretty amazing place for a wedding. Neil was on hand to meet guests arriving ahead of the ceremony.

As is the way with Wiltshire Registrars, no photography was allowed during the ceremony but the room looked impressive.

Being a pleasant English summer day (not raining), the drinks reception took place on the hotel lawns before heading inside for the wedding breakfast.

When second shooting as a documentary wedding photographer, it is important to cover angles or opportunities that the primary photographer might not capture whilst focussing on the same high quality product that the main photographer is delivering. Our unobtrusive, completely non-directing approach means that we were both able to record the day as it unfolded withouth getting in the way of each other, the couple or guests.

As always, I welcome comments and questions below if you have enjoyed reading this post.

Wedding Photojournalism - How Caple Court, Hertfordshire

Documentary Wedding Photography is a storytelling approach that relies on natural light as much as possible to create a record of the day. Winter weddings can bring certain technical challenges. The shorter days and lower sun mean that the light is at best diminished or - more usually - gone altogether.

Whatever a winter wedding in the UK may lack in light or outside temperature, they most certainly make up for with a warm cosiness. There is an unwavering focus on the occasion of the day; the event that celebrates two people in love.

I met with Shaun and his groomsmen shortly before the ceremony at How Caple Court in Hertfordshire. This country venue includes a barn, marquee and rustic courtyard setting with great character. After taking the opportunity for some naturally lit outdoor shots, the guests started arriving and the excitement built before the arrival of Jacqueline and her bridal party.

The barn looked stunning lit by candles and fairy lights. Jacqueline's friend Nadine sang a beautiful rendition of Etta James '"At Last".

Being a winter wedding, it was almost completely dark after the ceremony. The documentary photography approach favours natural light wherever possible but there are times when that just isn't possible. Bridal portraits are a one-off occasion and we have to adapt to the light, adding in a little extra where necessary to create these images.

The barn prepared and ready for the Wedding Breakfast. The cheese Wedding Cake looked amazing.

The suppliers:

Ceremony & Reception: How Caple Court
Food:  Vinehouse Catering
Wedding Dress: made for Jacqueline by a friend
Hair & Makeup: Heidi Herkes
Grooms Suit: Jeff Banks
Flowers: organised by a friend
Cake: Good Taste Cheesemongers