by adrian thomas
Cardiff Welsh Wedding
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!
Supplier List:
Dress supplied by Laura May boutique in Cardiff.
Cakes provided from Cakes By Hilary
Gents suits supplied by Impeccable
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by adrian thomas
Clearwell Castle Wedding Photography
Award Winning Wedding Venue in Gloucestershire
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)
Wedding Dress from All About Eve Chepstow store.
Wedding Invites & Table Plan by Cardiff Invitations.
Flowers by Emma Norton in Bristol
Wedding decor by Little Wedding Helper based in Bristol
Cake supplied by Pretty Amazing Cakes in Bristol
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by adrian thomas
New House Hotel Wedding Venue Photography
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
Church Ceremony / Service : St Catherines in Pontypridd
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by adrian thomas
Wedding Photography at Buckland Hall
Emotional Start
Sara’s bridal preparations started early at Buckland Hall wedding venue. A remarkable country mansion set in one of the most scenic parts of the Brecon Beacons. I spent several hours simply floating around documenting the joyful and relaxed atmosphere. Then it was time, time for dad to see his precious daughter for the first time in her wedding dress. In all the years I’ve been photographing weddings I have never seen, felt or heard a dad’s reaction like this one. It was tears and gasps all around (and that included me!). We say images speak for themselves so please take a look at that moment when Sara’s dad saw his beautiful daughter in her wedding gown and you’ll see what I mean.
Ninja mode
It was then on to St Brynach’s Church in the quaint countryside village of Llanfrynach to photograph James & guests. The bridesmaids along with Sara and dad arm in arm arrived shortly after. Their time had come. I’d met with the church Reverend earlier that week and thankfully he had granted me permission to capture the wedding ceremony. I had to be in Ninja mode but I had a prime spot to witness such a joyful and loving event.
Nibble and drinks
After the vows they spent several minutes being hugged and congratulated by their guests. The rain was due any minute so we didn’t stick around for too long and headed back to their wedding venue where the guests were welcomed with nibbles and drinks. Buckland Hall specialises in only vegetarian food and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Everything was perfect including the food, venue and fantastic service.
Rain didn’t stop play so we gathered a few groups on the lawn and took time away on to the grounds for a short portrait shoot. Then on to the wedding breakfast, followed by the speeches and finally the meaningful and personalised song written and sang by Katya. Simply breathtaking.
What a phenomenal wedding day!! Full of fun, laughter, tears and love from one of the most sincere couples I have ever had the pleasure to photograph. Thank you both.
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Suppliers list:
