Stephanie & James first got in touch around a year and a half before their wedding after meeting me at a wedding fayre some six months earlier. I was thrilled to be asked back to photograph their wedding at the New House Hotel in Cardiff as it is such a fantastic venue that really does tick all the boxes. Not only can you have the whole day there, from staying over the night before, getting ready, ceremony and all day celebrations, but you will be the only wedding there that day so it really will feel like your exclusive venue. Plus, their food is fabulous which always impresses.
Having the bridal preparations at the venue helps massively in reducing stress in the morning as everything is already there. Steph was super chilled anyway and took the morning in her stride. Being at the venue early meant that I could sneak out and get some shots of the wedding ceremony room all set up before anyone else as well as a cheeky couple of the groom once he was ready.
Even though it was a cold day at the end of November, the weather was dry which allowed us to explore the grounds for some lovely couple portraits. The marquee embraced the Christmas spirit and Stephanie's burgundy colour scheme matched it perfectly.
One of my all time favourite wedding moments happened when, after cutting the cake, a guest shouted "take a bite" and the bride and groom simultaneously quite literally took a bite out of the top tier of the cake. I'm not quite sure that's what the guest had intended to mean, but it was a hilarious moment none the less.
As with winter weddings, one of the best things is the extra potential the darkness brings, for some striking night time images. I love experimenting with some flash, especially creating some lovely silhouette images.
A live band really added to the atmosphere and as I left what had been a fantastic day, I reflected on how much I'd enjoyed spending time in such wonderful company. Congratulations Steph & James xx