Lucy & Matt’s cosy December wedding at the Brilliant Warwick House
It was a grey December day at the wonderful Warwick House in Southam, Warwickshire. Apart from it being a fantastic venue, I love weddings here as I live only a few miles down the road and can almost roll out of bed and into work. Obviously there is a little more to it than that, but you know what I mean…
In Warwick House, wedding photographers (and bride and grooms of course) are treated to luxurious surroundings with big windows that let in plenty of light. While not every couple’s chosen weather, with it being a grey day, I was treated to gorgeous soft light flooding through those lovely big windows. Another thing I enjoy about Warwick House is the layout. It prevents the guest from dispersing, which helps create a better atmosphere in which a reportage wedding photographer can thrive. There are plenty of interesting ways of using the reception rooms for great compositions and engaging imagery.
Upon arriving, I went straight to Matt to get the normally quite short section of the day, the groom getting ready. Luckily, Matt and his bestman Robert spared me the awkwardness of photographing almost naked men, as they were already half dressed. I was able to get on and record the goings on that us wedding photographers are more interested in, the cufflinks, cravats/ties and putting on the jacket etc etc. These are the types of things that help tell the story. You can keep the other stuff thank you!
Matt and Robert, like most chaps, struggled with their cravats. Not surprisingly, as who apart from a groom wears a cravat? Once again, my classically trained (Youtube), cravat-tying skills were called upon and I imparted this privileged knowledge upon them. To great effect I might add… They had a little giggle with it and I obtained some lovely shots. A job well done I think!
My next stop was with Lucy in the bridal preparations room. I personally think this room is a great idea. It is a good space that is tastefully furnished and gives a bride and her bridesmaids somewhere to gather and spread out as they prepare for the big day. It is a purpose built room, which is well provisioned, comfortable and is also quite a unique feature in an ever-growing wedding market. Other venues could learn a lesson here.
When I entered, I was greeted with perhaps a slightly unconventional sight. Lucy’s wedding dress, due to the design, needed to be worn prior to hair and make-up. Therefore, for the rest of the process of getting ready was conducted covered in sheets and what looked to be an Artist’s smock. With curlers in her hair, Lucy conceded this was possibly not her best look. However, it was all worth the effort, as the end result was simplistic, elegant beauty.
As we approached the time for the wedding, I met with the registrars to be given what was the most welcome news of 2013! Warwickshire has relaxed their rules on photography during the ceremony!! Where before the rules allowed for photography during three set points during the ceremony, (the bride entering, the exchange of rings and the kiss) I was now allowed to photograph at any point except during the vows. It was a silly rule but this change has opened up the possibility to capture the emotions and glances, which my itchy shutter finger was barred from capturing previously. This equates to one happy photographer!
It was a smashing day from start to finish. While I was only there until just after the speeches, I managed to capture near enough a full day’s worth of joy, deep conversations and all the special moments associated with a wonderful wedding. Congratulations Lucy & Matt! May you have a lifetime of love and happiness…
