A few years ago I used to do nightclub photography to gain experience in the field and it was a great networking tool. This took me all over, Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds where I met many other photographers doing what I do, all striving to learn the trade from the ground up.

I met another photographer called James from Leeds and he knew that I did wedding photography at the time. He asked me if I minded seeing a couple he knew with view to me shooting their wedding, which I saw as a great honour. The couple, Nick and Laura, were keen to meet me and see my work. After a quick drive to Leeds, portfolio in hand, I was booked within the week.

This wedding was some years ago in my early days of being a wedding photographer and was my first paid shoot. Having done only five or six weddings for friends, I was naturally nervous but still confident in my ability and knew I could deliver exactly what Nick and Laura wanted from me.

I arrived at Laura’s parent’s home and the backdrop was beautiful! A nice big house with large windows that let the natural sunlight flood in and a lush garden complete with a model cow and water feature.

A few bridal shots around the house and the car was on the drive. We headed to two relatives homes, as they weren’t able to make the big day, for some extra family shots to make sure they were part of the big day. I headed off before the bridal car to get myself in position and ready to capture the day as it happens.

A glorious church awaited with fantastic architecture, beautiful features, and well kept grounds. We headed inside to awaiting friends and family as Laura headed down the aisle towards Nick and the altar. The service was traditional but short and sweet, and made for some fantastic shots with the sun shining through the stained glass windows onto the congregation. The newly married couple had their kiss to seal the marriage and family and friends applauded them. They signed the register then headed back down the aisle with beaming smiles and headed out into the gardens of the church. Kisses were in no short supply for the newlyweds from all the guests as the champagne was popped and glasses were shared out.

I took them to the other side away from everyone for them to share their first moments as a married couple and to capture that moment. I took some great shots and the natural loving look towards one another my my job easy. I knew that these two were a match made in heaven.

We soon got back to the guests and the function suite which was attached to the side of the church for some more champagne and even more kisses from everyone. It was time for the meal which was a luxury buffet style meal served on China plates and tea served in China cups, all bought from a charity shop. This was followed by the speeches with a power point slide show with photos of Nick and Laura as they were growing up. A good number of laughs were had watching the history unfold. Time to cut the cake, which had individual hand made fairy cakes for guests to take home with them, even I got one to take home. We had the traditional throwing of the bouquet with all the ladies eagerly waiting with hands as high as they could, but there could only be one winner.