New... that's what a wedding means essentially; new day, new beginning, new adventure and new emotions. That's what I felt about Cecily and Kristian's wedding last Friday. Although I have been priviledge to dozens of weddings now I am always surprised at how very different they all our. This wedding felt...new.

In the morning, I dropped off my new assistant Chris at Hedsor house while I went to where Cecily was preparing with her family. I had a bit of trouble finding the house; it was literally down a very narrow unpaved road.

Cecily's father greeted me at the door. Without any drama I went straight upstairs to where the girls were getting ready. When they saw me enter, they all greeted me with a warm welcome. Everyone was very relaxed, Cecily was sitting in the corner looking very chilled out while having her make up done. A couple of the brides maids were getting themselves ready in a easy manner. In the background was an iPhone playing dance music. I always feel a wedding morning has no occasion without music.

Before I knew it, Cecily's hair and make up was complete. She was still in her morning wear. She was still very relaxed and playing with her litle sister Leticia who was adorable; all morning she was rehearsing her ballet routine for the ceremony. After a few more impromtu photos, Cecily was helped by her mother to put the dress on. When she was decent, entered the room and just had to take the shot straight away. The way the window and light was framing her was just perfect. The room was modest but I had to get all the shots I could in the limited time I had.

Cecily was specific about the photos she wanted, one of them being as she was leaving the house with her father. Because of the light rain, the car parked right next to the doorway which meant I had to situate myself very tightly between the car door and a large pot plant! After that, it was a quick dash down the M4 motorway to Hedsor House.

By the time I got to Hedsor House, most of the guests had already arrived. I setup my assistant Chris on the balcony looking over the ceremony. I waited outside in the drizzle for the Bridal car to arrive. The sun came out, and then back in again, and then out just to make my life a little tricky. It is one of those things that a Wedding Photographer has to get used to; moments of waiting then suddenly lots of things happening.

That is what happened when the Cecily arrived in the car; I must have been waiting for about 10-15 minutes, then when she arrived she got out of the car and straight into the Mansion. Then a fast stroll to the front of the ceremony so I am position to take the very important 'walking down the isle' photograph.

Cecily's sister Millie was to perform "Ava Maria" as Cecily enters the room with her father. I was in position. The first to lead the Bridal prosession was Laticia; she performed her ballet routine perfectly. It was great fun to photograph her because she was really enjoying the moment!

The ceremony was very special. There was a moment when Kristian's mother gave a reading. As she came to the front I could tell she was emotionally composing herself. Before she even finished the first line she had to wipe tears away. As she continued to read, she had to stop a few times as it became more and more moving. Yours truly could not be helped but be moved also. It was a really happy moment that I was privileged to witness.

It was actually the best man who asked me if we should proceed with the group shots; after getting the OK from Kristian I announced to the guests, in my most authoritative voice, that I would like everyone back in the ceremony room where the chairs had been quickly cleared out by the staff of Hedsor House. I have been very blessed with all my group shot moments because they have always been relatively straight forward to organize. I love interacting with all the guests, but it also a moment where I represent the Bride and Groom so I must not mess up. I must be assertive yet be friendly; if there are key guests missing then we have to wait for them which means the other guests have to wait. I have to keep everyone informed and keep them engaged. I used my trusty method for group shots (trade secret) and got the shot I wanted, but to be absolutely sure I always do the big group shots 2-3 times. I am pleased with the result.

Next was the moment where the guests file into the breakfast room. My only duty for that moment is to get the shot of them walking in. I decided to put on my big fat 14-24mm lens because I knew it was going to be cramped as I photographer in there.

The speeches were conducted after the breakfast. It is often a nervous time for the those giving the speeches but everyone did very well. Roy, the father of the bride, even sang an acoustic version of Cars by Snow Patrol.

By the early evening, the evening guests had started to arrive. The couple still wanted some photographs of just them around Hedsor House. During the rehearsal we had discussed possible locations; one was by the stairs and the other was in the bridal suite. The first was by the stairs, however I was inspired by a photo a friend took of a model so I asked Chris to be my stand in bride for a moment and took a few test shots, HURRAH it worked. So I guided Cecily and Kristian to get into the same position and took a few shots by the red wall on the staircase. I think it turned out quite well.

During the speeches, everyone spoke of Cecily's kindness and warm heart and I could not agree more. They are a perfect match for each other, and I wish them all the very best in the future.

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