Dawn and Richard Grimsdell’s wedding at Notley Tythe Barn, Long Crendon.

I never get tired of saying “I love photographing Weddings”. I may not be “cool” for a man to love weddings so much, but from a photographer’s point of view I really get into these people’s lives just for one day. And it is not a typical day either, it is the new beginning for two very special people. I get to know these people on the most special day of their lives. I get to see the bride and the friends they have chosen. I can often tell the kind of Woman the Bride is just by the way she treats her friends, in the case of Dawn Andrews I could tell instantly she is a woman of integrity and a big open kindness.

Morning Preparations, Tiddington

“She wasn’t just happy, she was beaming!!”

The day began with my assistant photographer meeting me at my house; the day before it was Chris but today it was Kelly. I had a quite briefing with her to discuss what I had learned from the rehearsal a few days ago, then it was off to Chearsley to drop her off to the grooms location. It was 9.30am when we arrived at Richard’s place. I popped in briefly to introduce Richard to Kelly and then I zoomed off to  Tiddington to see Dawn.

When I arrived at the door, I was greeting by one of the brides maids. As I entered the living area I was greeted by a very happy Dawn, it was only early in the day but she already looking fabulous! I guess some people go to sleep looking fabulous and I guess Dawn must be one of those lucky few. I could see there was a lot of activity happening in the kitchen area so after some very quick informal hellos, I unpacked my trusty Nikon cameras and began calibrating them for the various lighting conditions. The kitchen area was divided into two partitions separated by a kitchen top unit. There was a make up girl and Jenny who is another brides maid; they were both in charge of hair and make up. They seemed very relaxed around me. By actually saying to people I am just “doing test shots” they instantly relax and it allows them to come used to me without trying to hide from me.

Dawn entered the kitchen soon after; she was still in a white top and casual trousers. She wasn’t just happy, she was beaming!! She had a light skip to her step and was amazingly relaxed. Dawn sat down and had her hair done first; I would like to write more about what was actually being done to her hari, but I’m a typical bloke who doesn’t know the difference between a “bob” and a “fringe”.

I knew the hair stylist would take a bit of time so with Dawn’s permission I went to the bedroom where the dress and jewelry were. Dawn’s wedding dress is elegant in it’s modesty and beautiful in it’s simplicity. I am a very simple person so I get drawn towards simple things; this wedding dress was exquisite in every way but then it occurred to me, I hope I can capture the dress without playing down it’s charm. It was originally hanging on a wardrobe but I didn’t like the light so I moved it to another wardrobe where I felt the light did the dress justice. Photographing the Wedding Dress is a balance between being artistic, the limited time and documenting the tiniest of details. I hope I did it justice.

Once the dress was in the bag, so to speak, I moved to the jewelry. I didn’t know what Dawn was going to wear so I decided to photograph all of it. Necklaces are easy to shoot, but ear rings are a little trickier. I noticed there were a lot of cuddly toys in the room, so I grabbed a couple which I thought were the cutest and hung some of the jewelry on them just to be a little different. Later on, during the speeches, I learned Dawn really likes her cuddly toys so I hope she likes these photos when she sees them.

I was conscious not to spend too long on these items; as important as they are I had to remain focused on Dawn and everyone else downstairs. By then Dawn’s transformation was almost complete. Her mother was completely ready, as she entered the kitchen area she received much deserved adulation on her splendid outfit. She looked very proud and very nice. Naturally I took photos, but then she suggested I take a photo of her with a toy dog; I will be honest I’m not entirely sure about what the inside joke was about but it made a great moment for me to photograph!

After a bit of final checking in the mirror and with her brides maids Dawns hair and make up was finished. The light from coming in from the tall kitchen patio doors made Dawn glow… click click, captured that shot perfectly

During the morning, Dawn and everyone wanted various random group shots taken which I was happy to oblige.  Then all of a sudden there was much excitement; someone had spotted the Wedding cars arriving. I am a huge car nut so I dashed outside to see these two magnificent Morris Six cars in deep red and ivory flavours. With an ultra-wide lens I knew I had a limited time to take the shots because I needed to get back inside to cover whatever The Bride was doing. I like the classic straight on from the front view so that was the first, then the other shots just flowed after that. I was having a ball!!

By the time I got back inside, I was informed that Dawn was putting on her Wedding dress. So I waited patiently downstairs with the Father and one of the car drivers; they were talking about the Wedding industry and classic cars. I gave the girls 5 minutes before I made my way slowly upstairs (just in case they were not decent). The Bride was in the dress and already had the Vail on. I was hoping to capture some of that moment but they were too quick for me

“I had almost forgotten to take photos because I was so wrapped up in the moment.”

Dawn’s father, Barry, had not seen the wedding dress yet because she wanted to keep it as a surprise, so it was a huge moment as the Bride walked down the stairs to see her father waiting in the living room. It was a very powerful moment; Barry looked so proud as he greeted his daughter with loving arms. I had almost forgotten to take photos because I was so wrapped up in the moment.

Very soon it was time to leave. Dawn specifically wanted me to get photos of her leaving the house. However it was the car driver who suggested I get a photo of everyone in front of the car which I think makes a nice little formal shot. Then, after a few moments inside the car it was off to the church.

The Church, Chearsley

After a very quick drive, but still keeping within the governed speed limits “officer”, I made it to the church a bit out of breath; I had no idea how far behind me the Bridal car was and I had a park a little further than I would have liked. The Brides maids were first to arrive; they all got out of the car laughing and enjoying the moment. Right behind was Dawn in the Bridal car. It was a challenging because a small crowd had gathered to witness the Bride’s arrival; as well as getting the shots I needed I had to be very aware of my environment. I had to get the job done, while being respectful and professional.

Dawn and her father strolled down the path to the church, all around them were some guests and local villagers trying to get snaps of this occasion. I was taking these shots while walking backwards; while I was shooting I was hoping I wouldn’t fall over a small child or bump into an elderly person! The things I do for my passion

Kelly was already setup at the back of the church, I made my way towards the front. The Reverend was leading the procession; but he was completely in my line of shot! Argh, I had to stay in position long enough to get the crucial classic photo of the Bride coming into the church. The Reverend was leading the procession so I only had a few seconds to get that shot!!

I tucked into a little cubby hole out of the way of everyone. I couldn’t move around but I was in the best position to get the ceremony. I knew Kelly was covering the shots from the back of the church so I was very relaxed about it. Also, I knew Dawn and Richard understood the limitations in a ceremony so the pressure was off. However, that did not mean I could let my guard down.

“This system works well for Kelly and I…”

With the formalities out of the signing of the register done, the next thing was the group shots. Because of the slight chill in the air, the ladies were getting a bit cold and we hadn’t even started yet. I got the ladder from the car and setup the shot I wanted, I then put Kelly up the ladder to take the shots while I directed the people. This system works well for Kelly and I, it’s a tried and tested method for getting a large batch of group photos done in a short amount of time. The only issue was people in the background; because of the ultra wide lens I wanted to use, the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 fact fan, I had to manoeuvre guests so that they were out of the picture. This tested my people management skills because I did not want to be the bad pushy photographer but still get the photos completed in time, in focus and keeping the environment as light as possible. In the end it was mission accomplished.

The Reception, Notley Tythe Barn

Now onto the third act of the day. We had the anticipation from the morning, the love from the ceremony but now it’s time to CELEBRATE! Naturally all the guests arrived first. I had Kelly cover the inside as the guests are mingling. I waiting outside for the new Mr and Mrs Grimsdell to arrive at Notley Tythe Barn.

The rest of the evening was just a case for Kelly and I to take natural photos of everyone. Dawn was brillaintly thorough in the photos she wanted from the day, so we went through our checklist and got the shots systematically. I took a bit of time over the features of the venue including an outside shot. Even though it was cloudy (I don’t like cloudy light), I got a nice perspective shot low down from the outside. As I was taking these photos, two of Richard’s army mates were coming back from somewhere so I asked them to quickly pose for me which they kindly obliged.

Back inside, the staff of Notley Tythe Barn were preparing everyone for the breakfast. I believe it was Richard’s eldest brother who announced to everyone that breakfast was ready; he said it in such a way that I reckon he has the makings of a great photographer, well at least someone who can organize a group shot. There was a very small window of opportunity to capture everyone as they were sitting down to their assigned seats. Once again, a bit tricky because I wanted to get great moments photographed but without being in their way. Kelly and I had to balance creative photography without being an intrusion.

Once everyone had sat down, Kelly and I sat ourselves down in the adjacent marquee where the DJ and band were. There was a small table by the bar which is where we enjoyed our complimentary meal. It’s a great perk of the job that allows us enjoy a lovely meal at the weddings we cover. Because the guests were having their meal, I don’t take photos of them while they are eating, it NEVER makes a great photo anyway so I don’t do it. This is also a natural time to have a quick 20 minute break and if possible backup the photos we have taken throughout the day. I am very religious about backup my files so with a very handy device, I can put all of my Compact Flash cards backed up up on a 60GB hard drive.

With our quick break over, the guests were tucking into their desserts, being an opportunist I decided now would be a good time to get some wider shots of the Barn with the guests inside. I knew it was going to get alot busier as the evening guests arrive.

“…I turned round to see one of the Brides maids in floods of tears”

Next came the speeches. This is a very important and traditional part of any wedding so as a photographer I need to get this right. With two photographers it is easier to cover but that doesn’t make it ‘easy’. There is a trade of between document the speeches but without distracting the speaker and the guests. I also like to get right into the moment by kneeling low down next to the head table. This creates a much better intimacy in the final photos. The speeches were all very moving but it was the Richard’s which hit the right nerve; Richard is in the army and there is a high probability he will have to go abroad later in the year. He acknowledged that it will be just as hard for Dawn as it is for him during that time. It was so quiet that you could hear only heartbeats. Where I was kneeling I turned round to see one of the Brides maids in floods of tears.

With the speeches done, I knew the next thing would be the cake cutting. I had concerns about where the cake was; it’s location was in a narrow and short corridor that joins the main Barn to the marquee. I asked the staff if the cake would be moved elsewhere but they said it wouldn’t be…ahh!(?) When it came to the cake cutting, I thought Dawn and Richard would just use a normal sized silver knife, but it was a shock to see Richard use his sword to cut it! I was very close to the cake so I had to lean back to just to fit everything in! That’s a moment I won’t forget in soon

The finale was the first dance. The staff turned down all the lights and only had a small puny DJ lights to illuminate the couple. I had to resort to using my flash which produces good results but they are not as creative as I’d like. Still, the most important thing is to capture it in detail. Problem solved.

I always feel sad leaving a wedding. From my point of view I had spent the day with a Bride whom I had become to know. I watched her transformation and captured all of her moments from the most important day of her life so far. But most of all, I experienced this Bride’s enormous generosity and kindness and that is something I shall always remember.

My heart felt congratulations to Dawn and Richard Grimsdell.