Always great to be back shooting a St Martin’s Church Caerphilly wedding. I’ve been shooting there for almost 30 years and it’s one of my favorites local churches to attend and shoot at. Before that though I headed over to Hannah’s preparations. The flowers and the bridesmaids had arrived before Hannah who was still away getting pampered at the hairdressers. I also had many requested images to crack on with, such as her wedding jewellery, shoes, wedding dress and a gift of a sparkly earring set gift from husband to be Richard.
Soon Hannah was back and prompted the girls to get dressed before her so they could help her into her dress.
We all had such a fantastic day. St Martins church through to the reception at Maes Manor Hotel over in Blackwood. Fantastic there, always has been.Its like a second home for me.
The decor was made by my mum Lesley. She did all the centrepiece and the pictures and the guestbook. The candy cart was given to her from a friend and Beverly Dickinson made the cakes.
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I’ve got a soft spot for this young adorable bride as we once worked closely together in previous years. The gorgeous Mia and Richard took their celebrations to The Miskin Manor wedding venue in Pontyclun, near Cardiff. Firstly, their ceremony was held at Ystrad Mynach Church. Mia contacted me many moons ago to ask about my availability. At this time they had not confirmed their reception venue and coincidentally I bumped into them viewing The Miskin Manor whilst I was covering another wedding. Their choice of venue did them proud. It is a remarkable venue. One of the best in South Wales.
Catching Some Rays
I arrived early at Mia’s bridal preparations greeted by a very excitable family dog named Moby. I soon heard Mia’s distinguished giggle joined in with the laughter of her bridesmaids as they all relaxed on the decking of the the sunny back garden. They were tucking into a banquette breakfast fit for royalty. As expected, this day was going to be epic. A day I have looked forward to capturing for sometime.
Give and Receive
On my arrival at Ystrad Mynach Church I was greeted by a very welcoming groom, Richard. I took this opportunity to capture Richard along with his best man and the arrival of a few guests and bridesmaids beforehand. Mia and her proud father arrived in good time and we moved up the church path to get the ceremony underway. The in-house rules of this church refrain photographers from capturing wedding ceremonies but soon Mia & Richard appeared outside the church under the sunny skies within the hour as husband and wife. The happily married couple and their guests mingled outside for a short while and I documented the atmosphere before we all made the short distance onto their Miskin Manor wedding reception.
Country House Hotel Wedding
On arrival to the Miskin Manor wedding venue we were treated to the amazing sound of bagpipes from John Campbell, a true gent. I love the sound of bagpipes, they give me goosebumps. The guests congregated on the rear lawn of The Miskin Manor’s beautiful grounds where drinks were being served and Mia and Richard soon arrived being led in style with John’s bagpipes. Such a remarkable scene.
Wonderful Welsh Wedding
Their whole wedding day was amazing. Everything went to plan and ran perfectly. Thanks to the Miskin Manor wedding coordinator Jennifer and her staff who sure know how to run a tight ship. Also, big respect to Perfect Day Cars too. It was great to see myself, John our Bagpiper, The Miskin Manor wedding venue and Perfect Day Cars all working together again. We’re all members of My Wonderful Welsh Wedding a group of suppliers brought together to ensure your wedding day experience runs smoothly. Thanks for your teamwork on the day guys and I look forward to working alongside you all again soon. Suppliers list:
Jodie and Laurence returned from London to Jodie’s Welsh routes for their Jewish wedding City Hall Cardiff. Its so epic I’ve split their blog post in two. Watch this space and I’ll share the link here shortly.
Jodie’s preparations took place back at her parent’s home in Cyncoed. I was joined by the dynamic duo, my good friends, Helen & Alan from Grove Video Services. Always a pleasure to shoot alongside them.
On my arrival, I could see there was plenty of movement and chatter going on in the house from outside. You could tell everyone was excited about the day ahead. Jodie was taken aside by her mum to sit and relax for 5 minutes. A cunning plan, as this was when Jodie was given a gift to open from Laurence. It was a lovely gesture and Jodie was surprised and overjoyed to receive a beautiful necklace and pendant. In return, Jodie’s bridesmaids were also surprised with gifts to thank them for their duties on her special day. Time passed quickly at the house so I had to move swiftly to catch the arrival of Laurence for their Jewish wedding City Hall Cardiff.
Groom’s Tisch
Following Jewish wedding tradition, the groom, his groomsmen, male friends and family carried out celebrations called the Tisch. This took place around a table laden with food and drink where everyone raised a toast to the groom and sang and danced. Here the Mincha prayer was read out by Rabbi Jesner. It was a truly enchanting experience to witness. Everyone was in such good spirits and it was the perfect warm up for the events ahead of their epic Jewish wedding City Hall Cardiff.
The Veiling Ceremony
Once Jodie arrived she was also taken to a private room where the Bedeken took place. Also following tradition, Jodie’s veil was lifted to reveal her face to Laurence when she approached him. This was evidently a truly emotional time for Laurence. Jodie’s father then carried out a Priestly Blessing by holding his hands over Jodie’s head whilst offering his prayers and his blessing.
Jewish wedding City Hall Cardiff
Their time had finally arrived. Laurence was first down the aisle walking toward the Chuppa where the ceremony would take place. Jodie soon followed, escorted down the aisle by her very proud father. Laurence struggled to hold back his tears of pride and joy. His reaction even brought a lump to my throat. Soon Laurence was back on form receiving many lovingly glances from his beautiful bride Jodie. I captured the meaningful moment when Laurence traditionally broke a glass covered in cloth in one fine swoop of his right foot. Once the ceremony was complete our married couple took several minutes to hug and kiss each other, along with many congratulations from their families and guests. Shortly later Jodie and Laurence headed off for their Yichid where they had a few moments together before returning back to their guests.
Let The Games Begin
This is where the party really got started. The guests where mingling and drinking downstairs whilst being entertained by the the amazing caricaturist Picasso Griffiths. He’s the best in his business and a true gent. He stayed for most of the day and made an appearance in part two of this epic wedding during the evening celebrations. There was so much going on we were all working to an extremely productive timescale. After capturing several group images inside we then headed out in the late afternoon sun to set off the confetti canons and take a few shots of the wedding car before the driver finished for the day. We then moved swiftly back inside for Jodie & Laurence’s wedding reception entrance. This is not to be missed and all will shortly be revealed in part two of this epic blog.
If Jodie and Laurence have provided you with their private gallery password you can access and view them by clicking this Gallery Access link.
Wedding Suppliers Wales
It was also great to see and work alongside so many colleagues and professionals on this day. Alongside myself, there were also members of My Wonderful Welsh Wedding. A group of suppliers recommended by each other ensuring your wedding day experience runs smoothly. Just to name a few Jodie and Laurence had also booked Grove Video Services, caricaturist Picasso Griffiths, room decor & bridesmaids bouquets by Emma Hall, flowers supplied by Hilarys Floral Design. Thanks for your support on the day to all involved. Everything was perfect.
To Be Continued….. Jewish wedding City Hall Cardiff Part Two Coming Soon!
New House Hotel Wedding Photography – Kelly & Carl
Pulled out all the stops
In the week previous to Kelly & Carl’s wedding I met with them at their chosen New House Hotel wedding venue to run through their final plans of their day. Cool, calm and gorgeous was an understatement. I couldn’t have asked for a finer couple. It was such a pleasure to be invited to capture your ceremony and reception celebrations. On the day you pulled out all the stops. There was no stopping you. Thank you both, you were amazing.
Do you? I Do!
I was greeted by one very calm and collective Kelly, along with her sisters and family. Everyone was in good spirits and it didn’t take long before the bottles of bubbly were popping. I spent an hour or so floating around Kelly documenting the minutes as they unfolded.
Carl arrived at the New House in style in an Aston Martin. He was certainly the man of the moment when he was greeted by his ushers and friends. Soon their wedding ceremony was about to start and Carl stood nervously with his Best Man down the aisle inside the New House Hotel wedding marquee.
Out in the Field
Our wedding couple portrait session took place within the overgrown grass to the front of New House Hotel wedding venue. Kelly and Carl were willing to do what it takes to get some great photographs. We climbed fences, fought off flies and battled through the long grass. My hat goes off to Kelly for doing all this in her wedding dress. Thank you both, we couldn’t have achieved these images without your willingness.
Shout Outs
Always great to shoot alongside the trustworthy and gorgeous cinematographers and great friends Richard and Rhys from Aurora Wedding Film. Thanks as always guys for your support on the day.
Great to see and hear the ladies from Taliesin String Quartet , who played the afternoon whilst the wedding party soaked up the sun and drinks.
Also, thank you to the New House Hotel wedding venue’s staff. Great team players and definitely at the top of their game.
Similar to New House Hotel Wedding:
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New House Hotel Wedding Photography - Kelly & Carl
Photography for The Miskin Manor Hotel Wedding Venue- Clair & Chris
New House Hotel Wedding Venue - Emma-Jay & Joel
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It is a pleasure to present you with a few highlights from Eleanor and Chris’s recent Clearwell Castle wedding ceremony and celebrations.
The months had counted down, the planning was done and they could do no more. The storms had passed the night before and their day had come. It had been a long time coming and I’ve been just as excited as our bride and groom as this is one of my favourite venues to shoot at. The fairytale Clearwell Castle wedding venue is located in Gloucestershire, set within the stunning scenery of the Forest of Dean.
There’s No Place Like Home
Eleanor and Chris are currently living in Salisbury but Eleanor returned back to her routes to her mother’s house in Caldicott for her preparations. Here, Eleanor was presented with a wedding gift from Chris. A delicately engraved champagne flute with their names and wedding date upon it. Eleanor and her bridesmaids were so impressed that Chris had thought of this they soon had to put the glass to the test. Yes, the champagne was finally flowing.
Once the preparation photos had been covered, it was a quick 30 minute dash onto Clearwell Castle where I was greeted by a slightly anxious groom and bestman. Both Chris and his brother Alex were in demand and everyone wanted to meet, greet, hug and kiss them so I left them to their own devices until after the ceremony.
What Goes Up Must Come Down
Eleanor arrived in style and sat outside the venue until their wedding co-ordinator Zoe gave the nod to head in. Heading up the Castle steps the wind did its usual trick and whisked Eleanor’s veil off. Luckily her Chauffeur from Henrietta Hire had his goalie hat on and managed to save it before it flew down the driveway.
Eleanor’s mum had the honour of giving her daughter’s hand in marriage to Chris. Their smiles walking down the aisle said it all. It was their time. Firstly a legal ceremony and registry signing was undertaken by the local registrars followed by a religious ceremony by the families local vicar. Traditionally there were hymns and a blessing. A first for me to see both at a Clearwell Castle wedding.
Quick Quick Shoot
The guests then mingled in the main rooms of the Castle, enjoying the nibbles and drinks while Eleanor and Chris went for a spin in their wedding car. On their return, everyone was asked to head outside to greet and wave the newlyweds back in. It was a cold windy day so we didn’t hang around too long. A handful of confetti and group images and it was straight back into the warmth.
Shortly the guests were asked to take their seat for the wedding breakfast. One thing that I never forget about Clearwell Castle weddings is that their food is amazing. To be fair, it’s the best!
Night Fever
It was turning out to be one hell of a party. If you’ve had the pleasure to attend a Clearwell Castle wedding you will know about its gem of a reception room. It’s hidden beneath below the main building and is more like a dance club set up.
Thank You’s
Unknown to Chris, Eleanor’s mum had arranged a surprise videographer to capture their wedding day. My professional sidekicks Stephen and Gareth were hired from Embrace Weddings. A dream team who I always love shooting alongside. They know exactly how I work and vice versa so we know how to get the best results for our brides and grooms.
I must thank Zoe for her support and kindness she gave to myself and everyone on the day. Its great to work alongside someone who puts more than 100% into their job and thrives for what’s best for the bride, groom and wedding guests. Thank you Zoe for all you help during their most elegant Clearwell Castle wedding.
(Additional supplier list at the end of this post)
New House Hotel Wedding Venue in Thornhill was the setting for Emma-Jay and Joel’s wedding reception celebrations, one of the finest Cardiff Wedding receptions. Their ceremony was held at St Catherine’s Church in Pontypridd.
Bridal preparations giggles
I arrived at Emma-Jay’s family home in Pantygraigwen to the sounds of laughter and bottles of champagne popping. This was going to be epic and they didn’t disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed photographing their joys of laughter and celebrations which continued throughout the day! Myself and Steve (the head honcho behind Embrace video) left the bridal party after capturing the bridal preparations and headed over to join Joel and his groomsmen (and dog) at the church. They were also in the same spirit and it was an absolute pleasure to witness all their family and friends join together to celebrate their special day.
Hot with Sunny Skies
After their service we stayed at the Church grounds for a short time whilst I documented and captured the wonderful atmosphere before heading off to celebrate their reception at The New House Hotel wedding venue. The married couple were treated to a surprise from the family, a Kissing Tree. For once the Welsh weather was kind to us with clear blue skies and warm sunshine. Maybe a little too kind for some (that’s a cheeky little private joke that only Emma-Jay, Joel and their guests will understand! ).
Feel their love
I can honestly say that the phrase ‘loved up’ would be an understatement to describe this couple’s love for one another. They were constantly smiling & laughing and were totally inseparable all day. I won’t go on describing their amazing their day as the images below illustrate their perfect wedding.
ps huge congratulations both on the birth of your baby daughter Cariad. xx
Bridal bouquet and buttonholes supplied by The Cottage Garden in Nelson
Suppliers list:
