When Laura and Neil first came to see me to discuss their wedding plans just under twelve months before their wedding, I knew that the relaxed, unobtrusive and storytelling approach I like to bring to wedding photography was exactly what they were both looking for, and with wonderful touches including Neil’s uncle conducting the wedding ceremony, and of course choosing a fabulous venue in Hawkesyard Hall, I knew it would be a great wedding to be part of.
Come the day of the wedding, fortunately the weather was with us and we were blessed with a fantastic spring day, with clear skies and wonderful warm temperatures. The day for me started with the arrival of the groom and the guests at Holy Cross Church in Lichfield, documenting the excitement of the guests, but also capturing the clear and evident nerves for Neil…nerves that only dissipated as Laura arrived at his side at the altar.
To see the raw emotion of a couple and their families during a wedding, and to capture these moments is one of the most privileged aspects of being a documentary wedding photographer; whether it be the nerves of a waiting groom, the tears of joy, or just the clear and plain excitement as Laura showed on her way back down the aisle, it really does make my job a pleasure!
Arriving at Hawkeyard Estate in Rugeley it was time to let the wedding party enjoy the drinks reception before capturing the family group portraits and making the most of the stunning grounds, bathed in beautiful spring light, as we explored the setting with the Bride and Groom for their portraits.
Laura + Neil had actually taken the opportunity to be in-front of the camera towards the end of last year, and when it came to the wedding portraits the difference really showed, with both of them being very relaxed and natural in-front of the camera, allowing their feelings and love to show through their photographs.
The emotion and feelings were all showed in fabulous fashion again at Hawkesyard Estate during the very entertaining speeches, in the wedding breakfast room, beautifully dressed by Mandy from Make My Wedding Special.
Following the speeches and the arrival of the evening guests, it was time to let the party get underway, with everyone having a fabulous time from the start of the evening.
With the clear weather staying with us into the evening, it made a fabulous opportunity to head into the gardens to make a feature of the stunning night setting, which concluded their wedding story perfectly.
Here is a look at Laura + Neil’s stunning Spring wedding by Hawkesyard Estate Wedding Photographer Stuart James: