One evening I was working through my editing when I noticed I suddenly had a bunch of notifications on my Facebook, Ruth had made a post looking for a local photographer and it absolutely made my night to see so many comments being made recommending me! Ruth then reached out on Instagram saying she loved my work and was waiting with bated breath for me to reply. We talked about their plans to host their wedding at Heaton House Farm in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. I love this part of the booking process when the couples are so excited and you can start to build a picture of their day in your head. I have a list of questions I always ask, the when's, where's, what's etc but I like to keep them simple so that the consultation can flow and we can really get to know each other.
About two months before each wedding I will get in touch and book in another consultation to go over any last minute changes or updates. Sometimes weddings can be booked two years in advance and a long time can go by without much interaction, I feel this is a great way to check in and make sure I have all of my information correct and up to date so that I am where I need to be on the day!
I arrived at Heaton House Farm and was met by the lovely event planner who took me straight to meet Ruth. Ruth was already looking wonderful with her hair and make up done and in her bridal robe. As more and more of Ruth's close friends and family arrived the more emotions spilled over, I always make sure to capture these moments, after all, one of the most important parts of a wedding are the people you choose to share it with. Sarah Dunn, was working on Ruth's daughter's make up as I arrived and she did such a beautiful job, this was my second time working with Sarah and I'm excited for future projects together.
During this part of the day I like to borrow the brides jewellery, shoes, flowers and any other sentimental bits they have for a little photoshoot. I love the way the sun glistens off the sparkly accents and the wedding rings!
Ruth and Alex asked for both Bridal prep and Groom prep to be covered so I was really pleased to find that the rooms were right next to each other and I was able to pop in and out making sure I didn't miss any special moments!
Alex and his groomsmen looked impressive in their traditional kits and accessories, with Alex's adorable little groomsman stealing the show!
I arrived back into Ruth's room just in time for her father to arrive, this was a very special moment and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. It always make me giggle when a grown up, old enough to get married with almost grown up children of their own is nervous about their dad seeing their tattoos for the first time and the moment did not disappoint! There is something about artwork on skin against the whiteness of a wedding dress that just makes my artist brain dance. Its just beautiful.
Before long it was time to get ready for the ceremony, Ruth took the last few minutes with her bridesmaids to breathe and steady her nerves, of course, I was there in the background snapping away making sure I get those little moments, the ones that people don't even realise are happening but they are the moments that really build the story of your day when you are looking back over your photos.
Walking in to the ceremony room I was introduced to Alice Roberts on the Harp and their chosen celebrant, Karene from Calluna Ceremonies. Karene had reached out to me before the wedding to make sure I was fully up to date with everything that would be happening, including a ring warming ceremony she had suggested. I hadn't witnessed a ring warming ceremony before but it was such a sweet part of the wedding, it involved the rings being passed from person to person until they make their way back round to the front, it means every single guest is able to touch the rings and be a part of the ceremony.
Following the ceremony Ruth and Alex lead their guests out to the front of the venue for a confetti walk, these are always one of my favourite parts of the day, chaotic and crazy but such an explosion of colour and joy! We then took all of the pre agreed group shots, one of the pieces of paperwork I send over after confirming your booking is an organized photo list, it includes all different groupings of people that you can add to or remove from so that I have a list to work with on the day to help keep things as organized as possible!
Heaton house Farm has a huge open lawn area at the back where guests can relax and play games. Ruth and Alex opted for a Highland bagpipe player, Andrew Brian to play with the stunning back drop making his music incredibly impactful. I stole the newlyweds away for a quiet moment to be alone together (with me of course) for the first time as husband and wife. We were shown to a private garden that boasted stunning flowers and a beautiful large pond.
I followed Ruth and Alex into their reception room as they got their first look at everything, its always a lovely thing to see my couples as they get to see all of the hard work they have put in over the last year or more. The amazing cake, the incredible cheese stack from The Cheese Shop in Nantwich and the cute little touches they had.
After a delicious meal, all of the speeches and more games on the lawn we were treated by mother nature to the most impressive sunset. Heaton house farm is an amazing venue to watch the sunset from with the sprawling countryside all around. We took full advantage and captured some photos I am so happy with.
The dancefloor opened up for Ruth and Alex to have their first dance in front of their nearest and dearest with an acoustic guitarist. The guests were then invited onto the dancefloor to join in the fun and I love to be right in the thick of it for close up images that really show the joy and energy of the evening. After a while I make my exists saying my goodbyes to everyone I feel like I haven't gotten to know so well all throughout the day.
