It’s high summer and finally it’s the day for Ed and Natasha’s wonderful village wedding in the heart of Cambridgeshire.
When I first met Ed and Natasha I knew that their day was going to be full of fun. After a traditional ceremony at Crishall Church, it was off to a proper garden party and a marquee reception. It was the perfect English summer village wedding.
The Details: Bride Prep and Groom Prep!
Such a large wedding usually needs two photographers. Fellow wedding photographer David, was my ‘wingman’ on this one. So, whilst I stayed with Natasha and the bridesmaids he set off to locate Ed and the ushers.
Bridal prep can be pretty chaotic but I love the joy and anticipation that come with it. Champagne? of course. Laughter? In bucket loads. And tears? They’re a given on days like this.
For a wedding photojournalist there’s always a few ‘decisive moments’ during the day. Especially during bridal prep. The skill is in spotting them.
- Decisive moment number 1 – Natasha and her bridesmaids opening gifts. Emotional, uplifting and a reflection on love and enduring friendships.
- Decisive moment number 2 – Natasha getting into her stunning Philippa Lepley gown. In fact there were several moments at this point! The balance and concentration whilst being ‘done up’ is incredible to capture. And that ‘gasp’ from bridesmaids and loved ones when Natasha is finally ready – priceless.
- Decisive moment number 3 – Natasha coming down the stairs to meet her father. Capturing that moment between father and daughter as they share a touching gesture is incredible.
Meanwhile back at the pub, a usual meeting place for village wedding it seems, and house David captures the guys high spirits as they get ready to roll. Loving the moments shared between Ed and his mum. So much laughter! And then there’s the pep talk and instructions for the guys. All topped off by a groomsman juggling his task for the day with ‘Dad on Duty’.
The Wedding Ceremony at Crishall Church
At the church a nervous Ed waited with his best man as the guests congregated in the pews. It’s fair to say that by now Natasha’s nerves were gone and she arrived looking radiant and beautiful.
And the ceremony was just beautiful. As Mr and Mrs they walked down the aisle to jubilant congratulations. This was of course swiftly followed by clouds of confetti showered down on them by their guests.
One of my favourite moments is as Natasha and Ed prepare to leave for the reception by helicopter. How cool is that? Natasha should be congratulated for her elegance in getting in and out of it. The excitement of the adventure is priceless to see on younger guests faces as they watch. And I love the exuberant wave off by Ed’s mum, before she joins other guests walking to the reception.
The Reception: A Wonderful Marquee in the Garden
Arriving exhilarated and beaming with joy, Ed and Natasha got into party mood immediately. The great thing about having a relaxed village wedding is that there’s time to enjoy every moment without the hurried pace of more formal wedding venues. It’s fantastic to see Ed and Natasha enjoying time with their guests, sharing moments from their day. Oh, and there was one big surprise for them. Who would’ve thought? A ‘Hakka’ performed by their southern hemisphere rugby guests. WOW! Any other number of adjectives don’t do that surprise justice.
And so finally we reach the first dance and oh my goodness. Natasha’s Phillipa Lepley gown came into its own! As Ed and Natasha wowed everyone with their first dance as Mr and Mrs, I am sure there wasn’t a dry eye! I couldn’t believe how everything came together, before general dance floor madness took over.
Postscript: I met up with Natasha and Ed not long after writing this blog and they were ecstatic at the photos. Here’s a snippet of what they said…
“Thankyou for being such an important part of our day it was so special getting to know you and we cannot get over the pictures you have managed to capture so many gorgeous moments”
So, it just leaves me to say thank you Ed and Natasha for being an awesome cool and kind couple to work with. It was my absolute pleasure to photograph your wedding. And thank you David for being an awesome ‘wingman’!
Are you planning a Village Wedding?
If you’re planning a village wedding and like this style of relaxed wedding photography why not give me a call 0370 626 5200, drop me an email, or use the Contact Form to get in touch, I’d love to hear your wedding day.
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What a great couple, and a truly special day. Wonderfully captured in such style!