Wow. There is nothing more than can describe Jess and Sóstenes’ wedding day and their visual declarations of love for one another other than wow, but I will try!
A fairly normal start to a wedding morning, Lee and I hotfooting it to Jess’ parents house. Amongst the tea and pancakes that were being devoured we were able to capture the moments as Jess was transformed from a stunning, make-up-free young woman in her checkered pyjamas to a glamour-puss siren immaculately styled from her hair and make up to her dress, shoes and jewels in what can only be described as befitting for the red carpet, on Oscars night, and the Bafta’s and every other ceremonial event that screams glamour and style! There was a definite Cinderella theme going on here, those shoes got featured a lot!!
Jess and Sóstenes share an incredibly strong faith, so were determined to spend some time together before the ceremony in prayer with one another without either clasping eyes on each other or sneaking a giveaway peak as to what colours Sóstenes had decided to wear. This coupled with a cheeky flower girl and paige boy led to some fun photos capturing both the seriousness and happiness that was present. This took some fun juggling to ensure Jess & Sóstenes didn’t accidentally cross paths!
While Jess was spending some final moments with her family, Lee and I took Sóstenes to Aldwick Baptist Church to await their ceremony. It was a very moving and joyful ceremony. Jess & Sós had legally married prior to this ceremony so were able to unleash their creativity in their declarations of love. Sóstenes had written his own vows for Jess, while Jess had been taking secret singing lessons and sung a song to him in Portuguese. This surprise brought Sós to tears of emotion as Jess had predicted! After lighting candles to represent their joining in lieu of signing the register, they danced out of the church to the sound of Uptown Funk!
After a brief detour to Hotham Park to capture a few small family portraits the new Mr & Mrs Bezerra swiftly came to Bishops Palace Gardens, Chichester to have their portraits taken in the grounds of the beautiful cathedral. The setting here is fantastic, a fabulous array of backdrops. We could have spent far longer, but here are some of my favourite shots from the afternoon…including a quick Cinderella and Prince Charming recreation!
The evening reception was also full of vibrancy and fun. As the newlyweds arrived at their reception venue, Jess’ home church, Opengate, it was Jess’ turn to be surprised as instead of a first dance, Sóstenes sung to her in the middle of the crowded hall. During dinner there were party games, lip-synch battles and a mass of homemade desserts which went down fast and easily. Interspersed with music and dancing, some of the guests took advantage of a studio booth we had popped up and continued the fun!
Congratulations Mr & Mrs Bezerra, it was an absolute pleasure to have been a part of your wedding day by being your wedding photographer in Chichester and I wish you every blessing as you embark on this next stage of your journey together. Fiona xxx
