Wedding Photography The Ashes Venue Staffordshire
This was the first wedding I’d shot at ‘The Ashes’ in Staffordshire and as Helen was getting ready there in the morning I arrived early so to have a good look around and take some detail shots of the venue itself , and also to introduce myself to the staff and coordinator to let them see what they are in for on the ‘photographer front’ .. Hopefully a positive experience ..
Helen and Ben had attended a wedding I’d shot in Shrigley Hall Cheshire and Helen was a bridesmaid, so she was already used to the way I worked ( always nice to work from recommendation). The ceremony and the wedding breakfast were all at The Ashes which, admittedly, makes it a little easier for myself, as there’s no rushing around to get to each place before the bride does ( just to clarify I always do get there by the way , for all you brides having a church wedding) .
Helen arrived (on time..) and shots of her getting ready were underway , whilst on the other side Ben arrived to greet the guests looking calm and relaxed .. Well sort of ……
Pre wedding ceremony photography done,the main event had arrived and thankfully the registrar had no problem with me taking pictures of the wedding vows. I’d like to think I’d worked my charm but I was told that this was always the case … I’m sticking with the charm thing …
After the wedding ceremony it was drinks in the courtyard, which gave me ample opportunity to take some relaxed and informal photography without getting in the way, bossy just isn’t my thing.
A short walk to the grounds and groups were done, I like to put a little life into them with a bit of fun instead of people ‘standing to Attention!’ … again, not my thing.
Some informal shots of the couple next with great textures and backgrounds all within meters of each other so not too much time spent,as I personally think the last thing a bride and groom need on their wedding day is to be stolen away from their guests for hours and pose for pictures they don’t feel comfortable doing … Although that said I have a suspicion Helen rather enjoyed the photography side as can clearly be seen, not a shy bride and great fun, as was Ben of course.
With the wedding breakfast and the speeches photographed, my day was at an end and an enjoyable one it was , then it was home and to start going through the images of a great couple to photograph along with a great venue and equally helpful staff …
