I had the privilege of capturing Martha and Paul's wedding in Stoke Newington, London. They are a special couple making everyone feel a part of the celebrations. I spent the beginning of the day with Martha and her friends and family getting ready for the trip down the aisle. I tried to stay out of the way whilst still capturing as many of the special moments as I could.
I have long believed that especially in circumstances like a wedding or engagement shoot, you should be capturing as many candid and natural moments as possible and posing only for specific detail shots such as dress/flowers/accessories, etc. To that end I found myself crouching in corners and dodging children as the ladies moved from room to room and stopped momentarily only to take it all in and take a deep breath.
Whilst the focus is always on the bride and her experience of the day, I try to pay as much attention as I can to the other moments around the main event. There were kids running around and having their own version of this special day and I tried to capture as much of the family aspect as I could, managing a few candid moments with the bride's nephews, sister and father. The groom and his pals were all over at another location with another photographer covering their preparations, so I was able to focus on just this aspect and could devote as much time as there was to it.
While there was some nervous energy in the room, overall it was pleasant and relaxed as I wandered around staying as inconspicuous as I could. I tried to catch Martha and her family in candid moments but wanted to be sure I went away with some memorable images of the bride in her dress once makeup and hair were in place, so I asked that she step over to a big window to take advantage of what natural light there was available to me. I think we managed a fair few memorable images in the manic rush out of the door.
The beautiful Martha leaning in to the light. The day was fairly dull at this point in time but the big window meant that we could take advantage of what light there was.
Soon enough we were off to the ceremony and so it was coats on and out in to the chilly midday air. I rode with Martha and her dad to capture a couple more shots.
Arriving at the venue we had a bit of a run around to deal with before being let in the 'side' door. But once inside it was time for final preparation and a little bit of paperwork before Martha was led down the aisle to be married. It was an intimate space with only the butterflies and her family around, Martha went through the final steps.
And then all too quickly it might seem, or perhaps not soon enough it was time to take the walk down the aisle. I poked my head into the room just before she made the walk to see what was going on and got a quick snap of Paul waiting for his blushing bride to arrive.
And then we were on to the main event! Paul waited with a nervous energy, his smile never leaving his face. The moment that he saw Martha was one that I had hoped catch cleanly and I'm glad that I did. The look on his face was perfect.
And with the confetti settling, we were off to the reception where it was a night of smiles and dancing. I'll save most of those images for the happy couple but will include a few here.
And with that we arrive at the close. It was a wonderful day that culminated in an even better night. If the smiles on the faces around them and the fun that was had is anything to go by then both Paul and Martha have a bright and adventure filled life ahead of them.
Thanks for reading!
Stephen
