I really warmed to Nick and Becky when I first met them at the Old Bridge Hotel. They had clear ideas about their day and it was music to my ears when they said they were in no doubt about wanting a very relaxed, laid back approach to the wedding photography on their big day that wouldn’t impose on the fun of the day.
So, fantastic couple, a favourite ‘boutique’ venue and the church for their ceremony a mere two minute row along the river (or a slightly longer drive by road) to the church at Hartford where on a typically English spring day Nick waited nervously for Becky to arrive. I confess that I did provide some pre wedding entertainment to two canoeists passing by on the river as I perched on a wall to take a particular shot of the church. Fairly straightforward until I mis-judged the distance down and had to do a ‘bodyguard style roll’ manoeuvre to recover my balance when I stepped off and avoid any further embarrassment; ah, the life of a wedding photographer is always full of little surprises……
Back to the real action of the day; all weddings have similar key elements of ceremony, reception and speeches and of course first dance but it’s amazing to see how each couple style and plan their day. For Nick and Becky it was traditional English elegance. Morning suits and fabulous top hats for the men and Smythson Order of Service gave the day an English aristocratic feel, whilst splendid tartan represented Becky’s Scottish ancestry. The piper that led an elegant Becky and her father (resplendent in a tartan kilt) into church was magnificent.
The ceremony (as is the norm) brought tears, smiles and laughter but for me it is always the small gestures that make the ceremony so special, a hand of friendship and thanks from the groom to his best man, a squeeze of a hand from a mum to her son and a father undeniably proud and incredibly happy as he leads his daughter into church.
With the ceremony over Nick and Becky walk down the aisle jubilant and relieved. A flash of red shoe sole in sharp relief to the cream of Becky’s dress is captured as they take a few moments to compose themselves before they stride through a riot of confetti, Becky’s priceless look of trepidation as she approaches the confetti ‘tunnel’ priceless, but the images of them enjoying those few moments are truly timeless.
The fun continued at the reception as first Nick and Becky arrived in that British classic, the Triumph Herald, complete with Nick in driving gloves. Conversation flowed and good food was enjoyed before the speeches. It was great to capture Becky’s father showering his daughter and her new husband with coins. This is quite an ancient tradition rarely seen and I believe represents the unity of the bride and groom. It was however absolutely hilarious when the bride’s fathers sporran started to ring – mobile phones do love to make their presence known don’t they!
And so with speeches complete, embarrassing moments relived, the cake ceremoniously cut and first dance finished, or was that walked? They danced to a brilliant performance by the Hope Street Band of The Proclaimers ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)’, it’s almost time for me to make my exit, but not before I have a drink as ordered by Becky and relax with a little conversation before leaving these great celebrations.
Thank you to Nick and Becky for an incredibly enjoyable day and the Old Bridge Hotel wedding staff for looking after me.
Are you planning an Old Bridge Hotel Wedding?
If you’re planning an Old Bridge Hotel wedding in Huntingdon and like this style of relaxed wedding photography why not give us a call 0370 626 5200, drop us an email, or use the Contact Form to get in touch, I’d love to hear your wedding day.
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With bases in cambridgeshire and the Cotswolds it's easy for me to travel to wherever you are having your wedding. Do get in touch, I'd love to photograph your day!
E: hello@scott-wood.uk
T: 07963 033 266
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