I'll start this blog post with a confession... in the 14 years I've spent shooting weddings, I don't think I've EVER felt so nervous than I did before Andrew and Katie's. On paper there was no need to feel nervous, I'd met Katie and Andrew beforehand, they were the nicest, most relaxed couple and we got on great. I've been to Rufflets many times in every weather condition. But.... this was my first wedding since lockdown and covid, my first in the best part of a year, I had no idea what to expect and I was scared ..... but also very EXCITED!
When I entered the hotel, there were a few "new normal" procedures in place and less people around than usual, but everything felt safe and familiar and once I saw Katie getting ready, everything just felt exciting and my nerves had gone.... she wasn't nervous at all!
The beautiful gardens were set up for an outdoor ceremony and the sun was out! You might notice below, there are two wedding dates on their details, they were meant to get married in April but like many couples, moved their wedding to later in the year!
Katie was walked down the aisle by her Dad to meet her groom.
After the ceremony, everyone went indoors for drinks and canapes, this was during the restrictions where proper receptions with a sit down meal weren't allowed so the Groom and Father of the Bride took the opportunity to give their speeches. It was a lovely moment and felt really informal and natural.
They cut their cake for guests to take home and we headed outside for a photo shoot in the gardens and in the field across the road.
In the late afternoon, Andrew and Katie headed home for a drink in their garden together. It might not have been the wedding they had planned for two years beforehand, but it was just as special. Weddings may look a little different now but the important parts of what they stand for, remain the same. I witnessed that day, what I have seen at weddings before and since then ..... love, happiness, two families joining together, new beginnings, laughter ... and champagne. What more does anyone really need?