What a blinder of a day - hot, hot, hot....and about time too. Charlene is somewhat a character I soon began to find out from her friends. Yeah she had a few lists, yeah there were timings that had to be met, yet amazingly we had such a laugh, despite my more laid back approach. We even did the group photos with the minimal of fuss - fab!
Clearwell Castle staff looked after me well too, so big them up..... and thanks to Charlene for priming them of my need to eat!
It was a wedding at St Peter's Church, Clearwell first, followed by the reception at Clearwell Castle.
So here's a snippet of the photos taken... hope you enjoy.
St Peter's Church, Clearwell. What a good day for a wedding huh?
Back in Clearwell Castle for make-up and that white item most ladies wear on a wedding day!
A list. Did I mention lists?
I love the bridal Suite in Clearwell Castle. It has great light and good size to move about in.
Last minute adjustments before heading into the church.
It's cool inside St Peter's. Pity I could only take photos from the back though!
I really like this photo. I think his name was Gordon - what a fun chap.
A short walk back to Clearwell Castle. As seen from many angles; curtsy of me running around like a loon!
Most years I set aside some money in my business to buy new equipment, which typically comprises computer stuff or camera stuff - that is to be expected of a digital photographer right?
Earlier this year I went wild and splashed out on a uber slick 24" imac, which is the perfect piece of kit for any design based business. Then today I parted with my hard earned cash again in return for a sweet new lens and a third camera body. Three cameras I hear you ask? (yeah, one to shoot with, one as a back-up and one to send off for servicing... there you have it!)
For anyone wishing to know, my new lens investment is this peachy EF 85mm f1.2L II USM (that's the tecchie bit)
So what you ask? This means nothing to us? Well..... you'll be on the receiving end of this puppy soon no doubt, as when it comes to portraits this IS the daddy. It can also shoot in super low light situations so becomes the perfect partner for all my upcoming December weddings. There you have it - that's my tecchie talk over with. Anyone wishing to know a little more can visit here to see what Canon have to say about it.... but it will be way to boring for the average punter so be warned!
Wowzers, it's been a busy weekend for me just gone with 3 weddings shot in 4 days, and I've got the same again this weekend coming. Posts on my blog may therefore be a little thin on the ground, certainly anything other than work is (note to self: post something about life outside of work, come on Matthew, you have a life outside of work right?)
Anyway I had to post this one as it's the first gay wedding I've shot and what a bash it was too. They went away from any form of tradition and just made the day their own. So, a picnic it was with an Oscars ceremony hosted in the evening by a very pimped up Mark & Simon (plus some hoes - their words not mine!). As a straight guy you just couldn't have scripted it, but knowing these two they'd have had it no other way.
Well here are a few of the shots taken from their day, which thankfully remained dry - as you'd hope for a picnic & outdoor ceremony (brave brave people!)
This is one of my all time favourite photos. Love the one hat up, one hat down symbolism!
Even the dog enjoyed the wedding picnic.
Wedding photos in a hay barn - good plan? It's made my all time favourite photo list, so must be alright!
Outdoor wedding ceremony at Friars Court - works really well in my opinion.
Wedding reception entertainment. Simple.
Only a gay wedding would have a faux Oscar's awards ceremony.
and the slideshow.....
Just had a few words from Mark so thought I'd include them too.....
Amazing pix mate, you are very talented. I knew we hired the right guy! - Mark
Now I'm sure I'm not meant to have favourite weddings but I rather enjoyed my day with Michael, Natalie & all their guests (although a long one at around 15 hours....yawn!). Not only was the day VERY well thought out; in terms of interest, style, and above all it's relaxed nature, but the guests were all very accommodating towards me. Is it just the Ozzie & Kiwi nature, or are all Michael & Natalie's friends just the best ever? I certainly felt part of the day (if not a working day though) and even added the extra bonus service of taxiing to my duties - now that's a good way to get to know guests!
So I could go on and on and on and on, but I'll try not to. As you'll see from the photos, this wedding had a little of everything, laughter & tears, rain & shine, religion & history, rustic kitch & gastro cuisine..... the list goes on. I hope I covered the lot and you'll love the photos. There are certainly many favs of mine in amongst them, and for the guest who asked about 'The Cover Shot', well...... it's the Castle kiss - just has to be.
Enjoy.
PS - I should also mention any bride wishing to go to a friendly hairdressers who have make-up on site then Stuart Holmes Hairdressers in Cheltenham would be my recommendation. Fab place, great staff and a host of pampering options available. Check it out. Stuart Holmes
Ohh and lets put the Gastro Pub in too - that was wonderful as well...... The Foxhunter, Nr Usk
Anyhow, here are a few photos form their wedding day.
10:14 - not long to go now!
Oxenton Church, Gloucestershire. Just a short stop from Cheltenham so perfectly situated for the wedding day.
Three bridesmaids, no matching dresses - nice touch.
Grinning like a cheshire cat.
How cool to have your wedding reception in the village hall.
After the drinks reception I had a quick stop off back home in Cheltenham, before the evening entertainment.
Raglan Castle - with moody sky! I got there just at the right time. 2 mins later it started to rain.
Wedding photos in the rain. Who said you can't have a wet wedding and still get great photos. This is easily amongst one of my favourite all time photos.
Wedding reception at the Foxhunter
It's hard work getting those antlers to fit perfectly above his head - stop moving Michael.
wedding slideshow follows......
Ohh some kind words from Jane - I'll include these...it's always good for PR. Even better if I need additional income as a taxi driver... I now come reccomended.
Hello Matt,
I was one of your taxi guests on Michael & Natalie's wedding day. Jane, Michael's sister. Thank you so much for your taxi services on the day.
My real point of the email is to say that I was once again moved to tears when I saw the exceptional job you have done with the wedding photos. They are great memories to have & you are a superstar.
It was a great day & you have captured it all. Thank you.
