Allan & Michelle, Cave Castle Hotel, 12th June

I have to say it was definitely one of the most amazing days wedding photography I have had so far (seems like I say that after every wedding!) I have got to know Allan, Michelle and their family really well over the last couple of months as they have been preparing for their big day and I felt just as much a guest as I did their photographer.

The day started early with Allan and his crew and after a bacon butty we got the boys ready. The gents were wearing morning suits with top hats and canes which made for amazing prep shots. Allan’s Aunty Sue (who had flown in from Bangkok) came to the rescue as she tied everybody’s cravats and made a great job of it.

I left to visit the bride on the other side of town and when I got there, I was amazed to find the bride hard at work getting everybody else ready! (Michelle is a hairdresser). The house was buzzing with gorgeous bridesmaids in shocking pink dresses and Allan & Michelle’s daughter Poppy looking every bit the princess that she is! Once we had finally peeled Michelle away from looking after everybody else she got into her gown and as she came down the stairs, her family and bridal party went absolutely bonkers, tears flowing abound – she looked stunning!

As 4 pristine white Bentleys arrived with the bridal car looking like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, I left for the church. Michelle was a fashionable 25 minutes late (and doesn’t the photographer always get the blame – oh well!) The service was lovely and poppy delivered a delightful reading for her Mum and Dad.

After the confetti had been thrown, Allan, Michelle and I took a walk around the grounds of the church for some quiet time before heading onto Cave Castle. After group shots in the castle grounds, the guests sat for an amazing meal and shortly after the speeches were over, we seemed to lose about 75% of the male guests – yes, you guessed it – the golf club was showing the England vs USA game!

Just after 8pm, an ABBA tribute band struck up and man were they good! The atmosphere was set for a great evening as the night time guests arrived and shorty after ABBA had finished their first set, Allan and Michelle cut the cake (which was like nothing I had ever seen before, truly enormous). The first dance was to one of my favourite groups, Gladys Knight and the Pips and then onto the couple’s last surprise – fireworks over the lake.

This truly was a stunning wedding, Allan and Michelle are 2 of the most down to earth people I have had the pleasure of meeting – their friends and family welcomed me with open arms and I really can’t wait to share their collection with them all. I shot over 2000 frames throughout the day and I reckon there will be at least 500 pearls to show! This wedding season is truly rocking!