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

Comments

[Hugh Miller]

ooh nice - thats a seriously impressive marque

[John Starns]

Great collection of images Andy - so refreshing to see so many monochrome photographs!

[Peter Burkwood]

Beautifully processed Andy, the black and white sit really nicely with the colour. Great moments of the day captured too.

P

[Lesley Pattinson]

A stunning set of images as always Andy. The emotion you mange to catch is magical you actually feel like you are stood amongst it all, really helps tell the story of the day which is so nice for the bride and groom as that are the little moments they don't see, but the most important. Wonderful stuff!

[Greg]

Lovely black and whites, the narrative is strong and I love the bride and groom photos, great work as always Andy!

[Rob Dunning Photography]

andy, shaun & jacqueline must be over the moon with their photos ... they're amazing. i'd never have thought it was a winter wedding other than for your narrative at the beginning as there looks so much warmth in them.

[James Gifford-Mead Photography]

Great set of images, love your framing and processing!

[John Johnston]

Hi Andy. You have captured some fantastic natural images here, something i love to do myself. Great job mate

[Phil Nunez]

Beautiful collection of images right here. You've really captured the days story bang on the nose from the timing, composition and emotions and your processing of both colour and mono is perfect, a really solid style you got going mate.

[Neale James]

Superb story telling Andy, really superb. Love the photograph of the table being moved, bundles of context!

[steven carter hewson]

Great coverage of what looks like a great day - fine reportage wedding photography Andy!