When Emma and Joe, two of my closest friends, asked me to be their photographer a year and a half ago I felt incredibly honoured. These two are a perfect couple, with a romance so sweet it could give you diabetes. They put their trust in me, a newbie wedding photographer with a whole zero weddings under her belt, and I was determined not to let them down.
On the morning of Saturday 1st September 2018, the day dawned cloudy and overcast. Emma arrived at the preparation address - 50 minutes late! - and the day got underway! Her hair and makeup were done by one of the bridesmaids to such an amazing standard.
Once the bridesmaids were dressed and Emma's hair and makeup were complete, we moved to her mother's house to get her dress on. On the way, I nipped to Joe's house to snap him and his best man sorting their final touches. After a quick few pictures, including one with Summer the dog, the bridesmaids were packed into the campervan and I followed them to Mapperley Farm.
At the farm, the marquee, bouncy castle, and helter-skelter were all set up and a few guests were milling around. I caught Joe and his groomsmen for a few minutes, and the bridesmaids all together.
The ceremony itself was beautiful. Emma was so elegant, and Joe did not stop grinning. They didn't drop the rings, they remembered to say "I will", and suddenly it was all over. The new Mr. & Mrs. Miller!
After the ceremony, the happy couple went for a ride in the campervan while the guests had nibbles. Once they returned I did their portrait shoot. They are such a naturally romantic and fun couple that they didn't need much directing. They were happy with simple photos showing the chemistry between them.
While everyone was generally mingling, there were two young men who played acoustic music for the guests. Joe grabbed Emma during one song and they danced together in their own little world.
They had a casual barbecue for the meal, and outdoor games and the bouncy castle and the helter skelter. Of course, they had to have a group shot on the castle!
The speeches were really sweet. Emma's father welcomed Joe to the family officially, the best man reminisced about some drunken times, and Joe thanked various guests, vendors, and staff for all their help making the day as perfect as can be.
The evening settled in, and in the twilight I dragged Emma & Joe back to the gazebo for one last photo. The lights twinkled among the trees.
The first dance was beautiful. They danced to a song by Alkaline Trio. Not the most traditional music, but it fitted these two perfectly.
Finally, the party was in full swing. Before I left, we did a quick cake cutting photograph - the couple did not want a big fuss made over it - and I asked them if the day was how they had imagined it. They said it was absolutely perfect. I am so glad that I was the one to capture all the moments that they will cherish in their memories forever. Congratulations guys; I wish you all the best for the future :)