Durham Wedding - Laura and James' Wedding

 "Hmmmm.  Not liking that picture much!" came the voice from behind me as I was pottering away on my exhibition stand at a wedding fayre last year.  I looked at the picture on the screen of one of my weddings at Newcastle United's Sports Direct Arena.  I turned to see a group standing looking at my albums.  "I'm a Sunderland supporter.....oh that's better, you've done Stadium of Light too"  said the lady as an image from one of my weddings at SAFC came up on my slideshow.  There were two couples in the group, one being the bride and groom to be and the other, the brides parents....it was the mother of the bride who had been talking.

"Yes, I've done both grounds....although I have no preference as I don't support either.  Now give me a wedding at Upton Park and I'll be in heaven" I said.  All eyes turned to the groom who it turns out was also a fellow West Ham supporter.

Now I'm not for a second saying that James' and Laura chose me purely and simply because of football reasons, but it was certainly a factor!  A couple of months later we met up at a West Ham game (it's all part of the service!).

This was going to be an interesting return for me as James and Laura were going to be getting married at St Mary's Church in Chester le Street which was the venue for the second wedding I ever shot several years ago!  Now one thing I was told about this time round was a little window at the top of the bell tower which allows you to look into the church from roof height....with my fear of heights!!!!!  Despite this, I have to admit the view into the church from up there was spectacular and gave me a wonderful viewpoint for the service.

In the build up to the wedding, James had explained that he is a big Beatles fan, so with a zebra crossing outside the church I suggested we recreate the Abbey Road album cover.  I jokingly said that somebody would have to go bare foot as Macca did on the cover.  But James was serious when he said he'd do it!

The reception was held at Durham Masonic Hall, a beautiful building nestled in amongst a main street just outside Durham City Centre.  We were fortunate enough to be able to use the ceremonies room for some informal shots of James and Laura.  And with a throne like chair in place James couldn't resist re-enacting Bradley Wiggins' famous pose as he awaited the confirmation of his Gold medal at the 2012 Olympics. (This was the first of two Wiggo references on the day).

The Photographers Olympic Torch

The second Wiggo reference came as James began his speech "The winning raffle numbers are.....", harking back to the beginning of Bradley's speech in Paris after his Tour de France victory this year.

And that was that.  A very pleasant day.  No fuss, no hassle set in two beautiful buildings.  I hope you have a wonderful honeymoon James and Laura....and thanks for a fantastic day!

Alnwick Garden Wedding - Elizabeth and SJs Korean Fusion Wedding

"We doubt you would have covered a wedding like ours before."  That's what SJ and Elizabeth said when I first met them.  Try me!......and then when they finished telling me about their wedding plans my response was "No, I haven't covered anything quite like that!"

This was going to be a two part day.  Traditional Church of England wedding in Tynemouth with reception at Alnwick Garden, followed  by a Korean Wedding Service in the evening.  Everything they said about the day blew me away!

On the morning of the wedding, Elizabeth and SJ were getting ready in flats at opposit ends of the green in Tynemouth.  They could potentially see each other if they had wanted.  Elizabeth admitted that the previous night she had seen SJ wandering about in the flat he was staying.

In both flats it was all very light hearted, lots of jokes and silliness.  Perfect to remove those pre-wedding nerves!  Now I felt quite at home with Elizabeth's family because they're from Essex where my family originate from.  So I found myself slipping into the Essex twang every so often....and some were West Ham supporters too.

At the church the guests were arriving and were joined by the two pageboys who were kitted out in traditional Korean outfits.  They were so colourful!

At The Alnwick Garden, the guests mingled in the Pavillion while Elizabeth, SJ and I wandered around the Garden.  I never tire of the place and I am so fortunate to be one of the preferred photographers there.  I always find something new there!  And the other handy thing is that the paying public are always so respectful when they see the camera....they always move out the way so you can get your shot.  

By now the blue skies had disappeared and spots of rain were starting to fall.  However, despite my worries about her getting wet, Elizabeth insisted she was fine without the umbrella.  The walled garden was stunning and a fantastic backdrop for the images.

The Korean Ceremony was fascinating and at times I had to remind myself that I was there to do a job.  The offering of gifts and tea to the parents and the throwing of fruit at the bride to signify how many children they'd have were all part of the ceremony....and they outfits!!!  Wow!!!!!!!  When the ceremony finished, as per tradition, SJ gave Elizabeth a piggyback back up the aisle.  * I will make sure I get some literature from SJ about the intricacies of the ceremony and also the meaning of the different symbols on the favours for the female guests.* 

Following the Korean ceremony, it was back into the white gown and first dance accompanied by Elizabeth's brother's band.  With the light fading outside, The Pavilion took on a whole new lease of life.  And with the paying public now long gone from The Garden, I took the opportunity to have a wander about in the fading light.  It is a truly haunting place and so tranquil.  We are so fortunate to have such a jewel here in the North East.

All the best for the future Elizabeth and SJ......It was a pleasure working with you and capturing your stunningly brilliant magic day!