This year, I had the pleasure of providing wedding photography for some lovely friends’ weddings. Liz & Jack were the last of them. You may have already read my blog detailing their engagement shoot…It was really nice to explore some of the same locations on their wedding day and recreate some poses. More of that to come….
So, we started the morning nice and early at Liz’s parents house in Chichester. It was surprisingly calm. Stylists were set up in the kitchen and the open hallway coiffing the bridal party to perfection, Emma was busy applying photo-ready make-up in the lounge, Sarah was comfortably attending to the youngest member of the bridal party…Marley, her 3 month old son. Liz’s sister Sarah, and Laura were busy getting ready and Liz’s mum was preparing an epic breakfast!
While all this was happening in Chichester, my trusted ‘Number Two’, Lee was busy in Bognor seeing what Jack was up to. The boys, it seemed were fairly on the ball. Washed, dressed and breakfasted it was definitely a well oiled machine chez Groomsmen. Jack took plenty of time to take some loving shots with his proud Mum who’s eyes I swear were glistening the entire day! They all hot-footed it to Opengate Church in Bognor Regis to put the finishing touches to the decoration, as well as have a little “serious” portrait time with the boys.
Liz and Jack have a definite romantic streak. This was shown through their wedding gifts to one another. Jack had handmade a box for Liz to store all the love letters they had written one another and to hold any future letters, while Liz had put together a detailed photo album charting their journey together so far. It was lovely to see the joy and emotion as these gifts were opened and enjoyed.
While Jack was standing at the alter and greeting his guests Liz was putting the finishing touches to her hair and getting dressed into a beautifully slinky ivory satin wedding gown and vertiginous, sparkly heels. I will save you from all the photographic evidence of Liz trying to elegantly (and safely!) contort herself into the awaiting Aston Martin DB7!!
Jack & Liz had chosen a woodland theme for their wedding so had arranged the church in a way that allowed for a meandering aisle rather than a straight one. The aisle chairs had been decorated with large sticks, twine and colourful flowers hanging in jars. The aisle was finished with a wooden arch and twine hearts to frame the couple. As is a brides prerogative, the ceremony started half an hour later than planned but was a wonderful event. Apart from that momentary flicker of anticipation from Jack as Liz prepared to walk down the aisle, they really could not keep the grins from their faces! Their family and friends joined in the worship with gusto, tears rolled as Liz and Jack read out their personally written vows to one another and laughter ensued as their friends Nick, Sue & Jo led them in some very visual prayers involving ribbons!
After the ceremony we had a very quick photo session with family members before Lee & I took Mr & Mrs Evitts to Brandyhole Copse where we had been before during their engagement shoot . This was to be part 1 of their wedding day portraits. It was also a great opportunity for them to catch their breath and spend some time with one another. We recreated some of the shots and poses we had taken during the engagement session….I wonder if you can spot them?! As expected, Liz and Jack were even more tactile and visibly filled with happiness, we even had to place them on separate ends of a bench to stop them kissing for a moment!!
We swiftly returned to Boxgrove Village Hall where the reception was located. Liz & Jack had arranged for a BBQ to make the most of the summer warmth and a welcome treat it was! Desert was a plethora of cake, biscuits, treats and sweets which were eagerly consumed as the speeches were delivered. Unsurprisingly, there were a few admissions from the Best Man at the tortures Jack had endured on his Stag Do which had many of us cringing and some of us crying with laughter!!
Before the evening reception was due to begin, we had some time to take the bridal party over the road to Boxgrove Priory & Ruins for some shots. True to form, there were not many moments that the guys took seriously, especially when it was time for Liz & Jack to look romantic….their amusement was evident on their faces! The Bridal Party soon returned to the Village Hall which gave us some precious minutes with Liz and Jack to capture some more portraits.
The evening party had some surprises…The worship team from the wedding ceremony had transformed themselves into the ultimate party band. Before they kicked off, Liz and Jack danced their first dance. They had taken some ballroom lessons from their friends, but were “rudely” interrupted by two of the ushers who had choreographed their own first dance! With a packed dance floor and the bar open, Lee and I were able to make use of a giant polaroid frame we had brought along and the props Liz supplied to get some of the shyer guests papped! Liz & Jack had prepared a plan of the day for all to see, and the night finished on schedule with Liz & Jack leaving to head off to their awaiting hotel under a tunnel of sparklers!
Congratuations Mr & Mrs Evitts!! Such a pleasure to know you and be part of a lovely day! I hope and pray your life together is blessed and full of love and happiness. Xxx
