Photographing a Christian wedding is the most special to me because of my Faith, so it was a very magical day in September where I found myself preparing to cover my friends’ Ashleigh and Michael Stroud.

A Church all to myself

It was a late start for me, Ashleigh did not want me to arrive at her parents’ house until early afternoon. I am more accustomed to a 9AM start to photograph the Bride getting ready. BUT, I was too excited, I wanted to get the wedding morning started. By 10am I just couldn’t just sit at home waiting for the day to start so I grabbed all my kit and headed off the Ceremony venue which was the charming St Mary’s Church in the little village of Quainton.

At the Bride's house

I had spent almost 2 hours at St Mary’s Church just contemplating angles and positioning. Then it was a short drive to Ashleigh’s parents home. As I approached their home, I saw her parents outside doing the usual Wedding bustling that is normal for such an occasion. As I went inside I saw a few welcome familiar faces which put me in a very good mood; especially nice to see a friend who has been doing great work in America.

First time I saw Ashleigh she was very calm; the front room was converted to be the make-up room so there was alot going on there. As is normal for this period, I took wide angle shoots not concentrating too closely on the Bride as I knew she wouldn’t be ready yet. Her bridesmaids were getting their makeup done so I used that opportunity to get some shots of those ladies then get those essential angles of the dress, shoes and jewelry.

There was not much time for me to take my time in my shots, it was approaching the time I was scheduled to leave for the church ahead of Ashleigh but she was yet in her dress. I had to make a decision of staying with Ashleigh to get that very important “in the dress” shot. I so glad I did, there was a magical moment where her Dad saw Ashleigh in her dress for the first time and I got that shot!

Back to the Church

A short drive to the Church later, I rushed around getting shots of the congregation in the church, Michael interacting with guests, external shots, the musicians, close up shots of the parents as well as keeping any eye out for the the Bridal party’s arrival. Job done.

The Ceremony was amazing. It was simply humbling to see so many friends from my old church there, everyone was looking very proud and yours truly was moved to be in such an amazing position to be there photographing this very special moment.

Next was the group shots which was tricky. There was not alot of space around the church to do the shots, fortunately Michael’s best man, Josh, stepped up his game and assisted me in rounding up the guests so a special thanks to him.

Before you know it, the morning, the preparations and the ceremony was over and it was soon time to head over to the reception which was just 2 miles away at Buckinghamshire’s Railway Centre.

Taking the Train

The only official duties I had left were to shoot the Couple shots, so when I saw a moment, which wasn’t easy as they were being pulled in all directions, I moved them to get shots around the Railway grounds. The light was fading fast but I managed to get some external shots done and still have time to fit in some internal poses.

Finally, I could relax and take some natural shots. No more poses or fixed group shots were required from me so I spent the next few hours mingling and getting more involved with the reception while still keeping close tabs on what was going on around me. I never forgot my place; I was there as a photographer first and not a guest.

Three Weddings and A...

By the end of it all, it was such a perfect day (I even managed to get my shot of the Sunset). The Strouds wedding had been the last of three consecutive days of weddings, or as I like to call it my “Treble”. I had never done so many weddings so closely together before however I was very sad those three days were over, but I could not think of a better way to end it than with my friends.

I am so very happy for Ashleigh and Mike, and I wish them the very best for the future.