Michelle & Andrew's Wedding Story
The first time I met these guys was a couple weeks before their wedding. Unfortunately, Covid had made sure that a meeting earlier on in their journey was not possible. Not an ideal scenario for either of us, but it turned out well in the end. Michelle was perhaps the most anxiously excited bride that I had met, with good reason, but it didn’t take long for the anxiety to give way and we were just left with a lot of excitement.
On the big day it was perfect. Michelle was calm but still excited. The outside lighting was perfect, as was their room for getting ready at the venue: The Norfolk Mead Hotel in Coltishall, Norfolk. It was lining up to be an amazing day on the Norfolk Broads. The getting ready shots were perfect. Just a nice soft light coming through the large lead-lined windows enabled me to capture elements of attire lightly brushed with sunlight. The ceremony was such a joy to be part of. Both husband and wife-to-be were full of giggles, like excited children on a funfair ride. It was a delight capturing their faces full of smiles.
We headed into the group shots next in front of the hotel, which is a great opportunity for me to start getting to know the wider family and getting them used to the camera also. This is key on the day. It’s so important to make subjects comfortable with you and it’s essential in achieving naturally wonderful shots. After the breakfast we headed out to the riverside. Having already completed a shoot here previously, I knew there were incredible places to take photos of the bride and groom. However, I wanted to also capture a fresh take on this location. It was another gorgeous day, just as the last wedding I had done here. The light was beginning to lower in the sky and Michelle and Andrew finally had a chance to be alone, or as alone as they could be. We took a previously walked route around the stunning wild garden, but this time my focus was on my placements and the angles I shot from that would be different. This shift in positioning meant we achieved some wonderful shots. They both seemed to forget about me as I worked. They were just lost in each other. Such a happy bride and a besotted groom, it really was special. The subtle greens in the foliage of the landscape, was captured in so much detail and yet still the lovely couple stand out so beautifully against it. All the elements came together for a wonderful Norfolk Broads wedding collection of images: the reflections on the water, the tall riverside reeds and the abundant lush green backdrop. Alongside all this, the sun was at the perfect height; just skimming across the treetops and highlighting aspects of the shots.
Oh, and I can’t forget my favourite, the willow tree. Willow trees are often perfect for an opportunity to capture some magical images. The naturally weeping branches, the tone of the green and the ability to position your subjects in such a way as they appear to be having a private kiss. It’s the depth of field aspect and the opportunity to shoot through the weeping branches that makes it so special, it really does give it that hidden feel about it as if you were not there. Images produced make you feel like you are peeping into a real intimate moment. In fact, I loved the shoot so much I did something I never usually do and showed the couple one of my raw images from the back of the camera. I am glad I did though, as the smile that appeared on Michelle’s face was magical and I was certain they were going to absolutely love the collection.
It was a real treat, and I can honestly say these guys were the sorts of clients that you wish you had, every single weekend. It’s such an honour to be present on days such as these.
