Dawn + Mike’s Lichfield Wedding with Walsall Wedding Photographers
Creative Documentary Wedding Photography Story by Walsall Wedding Photographers Stuart James
I always find it funny how rarely we visit the most local venues, and especially local churches. I drive past Dawn + Mike’s house and their church several times a week on the way to the gym, but it had been years since I’d been to All Saints Church.
Dawn + Mike first found me from a venue recommendation. As soon as we met in February, over 18 months before their wedding, everything felt great, and I knew I would love capturing their wedding.
I love the variety of couples I get to work with, all at different times of life, and talking with Dawn + Mike I just loved their story. One thing that sticks with me is the connection to the transport from the day – the London bus that they hired for the wedding day, Mike would have travelled on as a child in London!
Ahead of the big day, I had the chance to spend a lovely evening with Dawn + Mike, capturing a few relaxed portraits utilising the field and pool right next to their house. Their dog, Bella, made a show-stealing performance too! :)
Come the day of the wedding my coverage started in the early afternoon capturing the preparations of Dawn and the girls. Karen Chesters was on Bridal Makeup Duties, with Dawn’s friend Jo on hair duty. Bella didn’t seem impressed the day wasn’t about her!
With Dawn and Mike getting ready tightly together, it was beautiful to be able to capture both parties preparations for the wedding.
As the boys were ready, I let to see how the final preparations were coming together for Dawn and the bridal party, where the excitement of the wedding transport stole the attention!
Arriving at All Saints Church in perfect time to capture our groom’s arrival with Love Wedding Cars, and of course, the London Bus from the Aldridge Transport Museum.
Creative Photography at Bloxwich Church by Walsall Wedding Photographers Stuart James
I love Dawn and her Father’s expression here – so excited the big day was here! Dawn looked stunning in her dress from Designs on You, with the flowers from Entwined complimenting the dress and the bridesmaid’s dressing from Wedding Belles of Four Oaks perfectly.
I loved the freedom the priest allowed me in the church to capture the wedding ceremony for Dawn and Mike! It makes such a difference to be able to catch the story entirely.
From the church door, it was out in the light rain for a specially recreated photograph – to mirror the same image Dawn’s mom and dad had taken many years before :)
Packington Moor Lichfield Barn Wedding Photographer
Packington Moor has always been an absolute favourite venue of mine, and I loved capturing the photographs in the late afternoon for Dawn + Mike around the beautiful gardens.
I love how Dawn + Mike added live music to their wedding, with the Wigornia String Quartet entertaining the guests during the drinks reception.
The barn at Packington Moor never fails to look amazing for the wedding breakfast, and with the floral displays from Entwined Flowers, it looked extraordinary!
Entering into the groom to rapturous applause, it was straight into the fabulous speeches with the Father of the Bride Bill and Mike’s brother opening as Best Man, before handing over to Mike.
Mike is a man with words – in fact, he’s recently published a book entitled ‘Poems for my Wife’ (which you can find on Amazon) raising money for the Birmingham Dogs Home, where they found Bella. The speech was a real highlight, and I loved that Dawn closed the speeches out herself!
Relaxed Natural Wedding Photography
With Dawn + Mike choosing a late afternoon wedding, their decision of a Slow Roasted Self-Serve Wedding Breakfast was inspired! And of course, with Galloping Gourmet providing the catering, it looked and tasted amazing!
Creative Evening Portraits by Walsall Wedding Photographers Stuart James
Ahead of the evening reception getting underway – with fantastic entertainment by Gary Grace and the Swing Kings – I stole a couple of minutes with Dawn and Mike for our signature nighttime portraits, adding the “wow” to the story.
Ahead of opening the dancefloor, it was time to cut the fabulous cake by Elite Cake Design. Tradition and stunning – matching the styling of the day perfectly!
Alas, all too soon my coverage had to come to an end, with my signature portrait concluding the story:
Dawn and Mike, can I say once again what an absolute privilege it was to capture your wedding at Packington Moor. You are two beautiful people, and becoming part of everything with you and your families was a huge honour. Thank you for entrusting your day to me :)
If you wanted to hear the String Quartet and the Band in live action, check out the slideshow below:
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If you are looking for the perfect Walsall Wedding Photographers for your day or you’re bringing together your plans for a Barn Wedding in Lichfield or Staffordshire, please do get in touch – I would love to talk to you about your day!
Contact Walsall Wedding Photographers Stuart James : info@stuartjamesphoto.co.uk : 0800 331 7741 : 07834 978905
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