Back down to earth

I was supporting another Galway photographer very recently and what a wedding it was - gorgeous bride, doting father, happy groom and fantastic weather, even if it was slightly chilly but hey, it wasn't raining.

On the way from the church service to the reception, the father was involved in a car accident with some family members from the UK he was transporting. I wont go into great detail as to what happened but I am glad to say that all is well except for some cuts and bruises and a broken leg.

By the time we get to the hotel, we go outside and take pictures before heading inside to finish off. At this point the bride is still unaware of the preceding events as her sisters, who were bridesmaids, did not want her to know until the pictures had been done. So you can imagine how shitty everyone felt, the bride was in bits as her mom had died 4 years previosuly in similar circumstances.

It's at times like this that you realise just how important people are to you, how important it is to say I love you to the people closest and to appreciate everything we have. So, what am I trying to say. Well, her dad was 2 cars behind us on the way to the hotel and therefore it could have happened to us.

Dawn & Peter

I was really excited about this wedding for a number of reasons. One of them being Dawn, the bride to be, was wearing a red dress. Now I know I am easily pleased but this was a first for me with a bride not wearing the traditional colours, so bear with me whilst I try to control myself.

The ceremony and reception took place at the fantastic Offley Place Country House Hotel in Hitchin. To be honest, the Offley web site does not do the place justice at all and you would be spellbound by its old charm when there. It's the kind of place that you can not but like. Ok, so do you really want to know why I took such a shine to the place?? I know this is going to sound crazy but it was for the staircase. I have seen some amazing pictures of brides where a grand old staircase was used and I really wanted to try and capture that amazing sense of grandeur from it.

Enough of my waffling for now and check out the images below. Please don't forget to leave comments too.

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Maxine & Banny's wedding

I was fortunate to be involved with Maxine & Banny's wedding in Southport, UK on 8 September 2007. The wedding itself took place at the All Saints church in Rainford with the reception taking place at the Houghwood Golf Club. Oh and did I say it was my first ever wedding as a shooter of any sort!!!!!

One of the funniest moments was having to part the two weddings cars due to a slight mishap. The 2nd car (the one behind) got caught up in the bumper of the 1st car. Now, I know the photographers are there to help but me standing on the front bumper whilst Rob, Zoe's husband, was lifting the other to unhook them must have been a sight indeed. Thankfully there wasnt anyone there with a video camera.

Here are a few shots of the great couple. I kept saying during the day that Maxine looked so much like Grace Kelly, amazing likeness!!!