When couples hire me as their wedding photographer for a half or full day, I like to offer an engagement shoot as part of the package. I don't charge extra for this, and it gives me an opportunity to spend some time with the couple in a more relaxed setting. This means that the couple can get to know a bit more about their photographer, and I can find out in more detail about their plans for the big day. Holding the informal engagement shoot at the wedding venue also gives an opportunity for us to scout for suitable locations for pictures of the whole group, as well as more intimate pictures of the bride and groom together on their big day.
So when A & A approached me to be the photographer at their wedding, I immediately arranged for the three of us to meet at Homewood near Freshford, just outside Bath, in order to meet and photograph the couple and to find out more about them and the wedding day.
We walked around Homewood's gorgeous gardens, and had no difficulty identifying several locations which we agreed would work well for larger group shots for the actual wedding, the next time we were to meet was the wedding day, where I also took some heart shaped group pictures.
One of the first things I learned about A & A is that they are huge cycling fans. So much so that they had in fact themed and planned their wedding to reflect this passion. At one point after the ceremony they emerged from the hotel to walk through a sabers' arch.....
... made entirely from raised cycle wheels, as the confetti rained down over them. So how could the groom and his best man resist posing for the camera as if on bikes too?!
And the guests too!
I find that different groupings of people work well in a variety of settings.
Homewood's porticoed entrance also provided an attractive architectural backdrop for wedding group photos.
In fact, the whole building is gorgeous, and you can see more of my photos of Homewood here.
After the photo sessions, it was back indoors for a fabulous meal and speeches.
Congratulations to the lovely couple!
Do feel free to browse my weddings gallery to see more examples of my work.