Celebrating Pride Weddings

I know it’s old news now, but remember lockdowns? Well I’m still playing catch up on my blog writing from that period!! One thing that has stayed with me from that time was the influx of smaller, intimate weddings once people were allowed to gather in groups again! After years of mainly shooting massive, elaborate weddings, it was so refreshing to actually be a part of weddings that have been stripped back, the essence of love and partnership front and centre on the day. It’s recently been Pride month over here, with my local city of Brighton putting on it’s annual Pride event, triggering my “who’s on my blog list” brain…. but really, celebrating Pride Weddings is all year round, not just limited to one month!

I was looking through my archives and came across Sam and Gems wedding which has been on my list to blog for AGES!!! I met these lovely ladies via the wonderful non-contact medium of telephone calls and facetime, quickly putting into motion the plans for their wedding (as well as back up plans, incase the rules changed again!)

A couple of rescheduled dates and venue changes later their wedding date was here! The final location was Leatherhead Registry Office with a very small number of guests. Sam and Gems chose to enter the venue together rather than a big reveal walk down the aisle. Both brides looking stunning in their choice of dress, each unique to their individual style. Their wedding was full of emotion as they read their own handwritten vows to each other, and exchanged rings. This official celebration of their union proudly witnessed by their mums.

The ceremony came to a close with an opportunity for some group photos and confetti before the next part of their day continued. The grounds were perfect to compose some family shots and capture those immediate portraits with the newlyweds, especially before the rain came!!

Sam and Gems had planned an intimate dinner at The Ivy in Guildford to continue their celebrations, but before heading there, they had structured into their wedding day some time to head off for some portraits. They both loved an area of the Surrey Hills near Hindhead, where they regularly walked and hiked, so we popped that address into the satnav and headed to their favourite spot (via their home to grab some wellies and brollies as the rain was definitely making itself known!!).

I loved how Sam and Gems approached the impending rain with gusto and a sense of “we only get one wedding day let’s embrace it!” It certainly makes my view of all-weather photography more fun!!! There was mud, there was rain, there was mist and some super boggy marshes…. but there were also streams of sunlight filtering through the canopy of the trees and some gorgeous views!

During our time in the forest, we “attempted” to use the smoke bombs that usually reside in my camera bag. This was quite hilarious and ended up with painted hands and smoke going everywhere but the intended direction. Sometimes smoke bombs can just work, and other times, the elements can play havoc. Thankfully we had a great time and much hilarity as we explored this, even though the results didn’t quite go to plan! My use of smoke bombs always comes with a caveat to minimise expectations of results as it is all depending on the weather, but, boy do I love it when my couples are up for a go!

To finish the day with Sam and Gems, I accompanied them to The Ivy in Guildford to capture a little of their reception before they sat down to dine. Again, a lovely venue with a stunning upstairs room catering for large parties overlooking Guildford Castle. With family in Guildford, it’s on my list to dine there at some point!! The menu on offer looked incredible!

As with all my wedding services, my collection wasn’t complete without an Italian handmade album. It was lovely to see the choices Sam and Gems made. The album looked beautiful. A wonderful way to keep the legacy of the wedding day alive, in a tangible print form that can be looked back on for years to come.

Thank you again Sam and Gems for entrusting me to capture your beautiful wedding and helping to remind me that at the centre of it all, love is what wins on the wedding day regardless of how big, small, intimate or elaborate your wedding day is.

xX Fiona Xx

Celebrating Pride Weddings