A perfect day for wedding photography despite the rain – Holly and John

We agreed to meet at ‘The Bell’ bistro pub in Alderminster, Stratford-upon-Avon, to discuss a brief for wedding photography. The bar, a big wide open space amongst white-washed wooden seating and masses of cushions.  The couple ordered lattes. I always have way too many papers, technology and books to negotiate liquids and so I declined as usual.  The pub interior was a modern take on a traditional place steeped in history.  The couple’s wedding would be the same.

We started to chat and so relaxed  a little. Holly and John then started to talk about their wedding photography. It became clear that this would be a wedding of contrasts. I can only assume many influences from within the family had fixed upon conventional meets contemporary.

Wedding Photography on the day

A traditional church wedding and an electric blue violin solo playing Beyonce’s ‘Halo’.  The bride and her grandparents arrived in a white stretch limo.

Holly is incredibly close to her family. Many young couples select their final photos indulging around the best images of themselves. This couple’s wedding photography included images mainly of family members, especially Holly’s Dad and Gran. I loved the fact the family were all so close and had great respect for each other across all the family generations, young and old.

It was a misty damp November day, leaves of gold, bright and cheerful  and still visible, wet and shiny upon the ground and  a light drizzle in the air. We had to photograph predominantly inside, but prepared with white umbrellas, a ‘can do’ attitude and careful choice of location to shoot.

Arches and architecture provided not only shelter but framing for photos and also great outward views of Winter gardens. Large gothic windows gave light and views of soft green watercolour fields and a bright conservatory, a different scene without feeling the rain.  We also shot using a white umbrella, as well as holding off the rain, it created perfect couple framing and a sense of a private together moment.

We always wish for the sun to shine but sometimes with a careful plan and creative photography images can still be light and airy and full of the best of memories, even if it rains.

 

Photographer: Suzanne Fells
Couple: Holly & John
Date: November 2015
Location: Ettington Park Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon