Some seriously lovely people to photograph, Abbie & Brian had so much fun in front of the camera back in September 2010. Since then they have welcomed a beautiful little baby girl into their family.
With my sister getting married this year I have been on the other side of the bridal preparations. I never did the 'big dress' thing when I got married back in 1999! Instead I opted for a 1920's styled dress which I designed myself. Unfortunately my dream dress never made it out of the dressmakers! I was left to source an outfit just days before my wedding, and a court appearance later, I had justice, but sadly never a dress! It was one of those brides worst nightmare stories, but at the time it didn't worry me as much at it did my mother, who was clearly devastated for me.
Now 12 years later as a professional wedding photographer I have to admit photographing the bride in her dress, along with all the bridal preparations, is my favorite part of the day. Having the privilege to photograph a woman on her wedding day is the best part of being a wedding photographer. However stunning a dress is, it's still just a dress, until it's worn by the woman who will wed in it. There is a big difference between how a model and a bride wear a wedding dress, how they feel in that dress, because for most of us wearing a wedding dress is something we hope to do just once. Here are some of my favorite dresses from the weddings I have photographed, all stunning, all beautiful, all worn with elegance, integrity and above all overwhelming joy.
Matt & Lisa held their wedding at Harpenden House on a very cold snowy day back in December 2010. It was bitterly cold and the sky hung overcast and thick with snow all day. The roads were pretty bad in parts of the country and unfortunately prevented some of the grooms family from being able to make the journey at all. Although disappointed that not all the flower girls would be able to join in Matt's daughter made the most of being in the spotlight. The venue was warm and delightfully welcoming compared to the icy conditions outside. The beautiful painted ceiling in the main reception room added a truly elegant touch to the proceedings.
Snow and icy roads don't always make for the perfect wedding conditions but I was delighted that Lisa was brave enough to step outside for a few photographs. We all got very cold very quickly and after one quick group shot decided to get back indoors to finish off. Lisa's choice of soft pale greens were perfectly complimented by the flurry of snow that left a soft white blanket around the Hotels courtyard. White and green is often considered a fresh palette, for example the first vibrant green leaves of Spring mixed with early apply
blossom. Yet here in the icy and snow the same colours looked amazing together,
fresh and clean, contemporary and elegant.
Here are some SHOWCASE images from Matt & Lisa's completed wedding collection.
Whether you'll be celebrating your first Christmas together, getting ready for your big day next year, or even thinking of popping the question over the holidays. May I be as bold as to suggest a little Tiffany blue for the occasion. Simply the best kind of blue, any time of the year! Merry Christmas to you both.