Hannah and I spent a great day with Mark and Kate this Bank Holiday Sunday at Willerby Manor Hotel. hey They had an amazing celebration their coming together as husband and wife.
Taming the weather
The day started off with us arriving at the groom’s in what can only be described as near-Monsoon conditions! I’m always giggling a little inside when it rains on a wedding day. I’m not mean, but I do love the challenge of creating ace images in objectionable conditions. I started my career as a wedding photographer in Montreal, Canada. It’s a city that gets down to -35 degrees in the winter. Not something you want to venture out in. So, I learnt how to use light early on in what could often be very adverse conditions and turn it around to my advantage. I love it when it rains although of course I do prefer a bright sunny day for my client’s sake!
The boys
With this in mind, Hannah and I dressed in our finest waterproofs. Once safely inside Mark’s best man’s house, we began to photograph his preparations. We were on hand to help with cravats, button holes, waist coat belts and trouser buckles. It’s all standard and par for the course for us. The majority of our shots were don e inside. But a short break in the downpour allowed us to snatch a handful of outdoor patio pics.
The girls
We bid our farewells and headed back across town to photograph our bride Kate’s preparations at her house in Brough. Unity and Amy from Bows Hair were just finishing up their immaculate job of styling hair and makeup. It’s so great to work with artists like them. They help give a flawless look for photography and I really appreciate their work. Kate’s dress and accessories were all exquisite and were a joy to photograph. I always make sure to document all of the details, however small. Our brides have been thinking about these things since they were about 7 years old so we have to make sure we preserve these memories. The details always make great ‘filler images’ in wedding albums too.
The ceremony
Once we’d finished bridal preps, it was just a short drive to St Mary’s Church in Elloughton. A lovely wedding service was hosted by Revd Justine. Mark’s reaction when he saw his wife-to-be walking down the aisle was priceless. I can’t wait to share those images with him and his Mrs!
I’d planned a contingency for wet weather and had already pulled our studio flash gear into the church before things kicked off. This allowed us to shoot the formal group pictures inside the church. Having an alternative plan is essential for me. It prevents my clients from panicking about their pictures and keeps me calm and in control. But, as we popped our head out of the church door at the end of the ceremony, we could see blue clouds! I had to make a judgement call and make it quickly as I didn’t want to bring guests outside only to bring them straight back in. My ‘spider sense’ took over and we decided to go for it and move on to Willerby Manor Hotel.
The evening
We managed to get through the formals and get everyone back inside before the heavens opened. When I say opened I mean it – there was a torrential downpour. Once again, I sniggered to myself and declared Insight Photography 1 – Mother Nature 0! A delightful wedding breakfast was served followed by hilarious speeches. A perfectly polished performance was given by the groom and his brother, Frank.
As the evening guests began to arrive, I took the bride and groom for a second ‘Penny Drop Session’. I shot some of my signature ‘lit’ portraits using features of the hotel lobby and staircase. I was really happy with these and will look great in Kate and Mark’s album.
I left the bride and groom just after 9pm with a full dance floor and a very popular chocolate fountain. I hope you’ve enjoyed this sneak insight into Mark and Kate’s Willerby Manor Hotel wedding. If you like what you see, check out the rest of my wedding portfolio and get in touch about your special day.
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