Craig is a talented musician and Claudia is a business owner and talented Make-Up Artist, there was no doubt that, with such creative careers, they were going to turn out an utterly beautiful day.
This couple, from Northern Ireland, had decided to celebrate their union at Claudia’s family home in Devon…unfortunately, these circumstances meant that the chance to meet beforehand was non-existant! Fortunately, our families have heaps of history together as our parents grew up alongside one-another so I was always expecting it to feel like a family wedding and it didn’t disappoint. We found ourselves almost instantly ensconced in an array of smiling faces and warm hugs and knew that it was going to be a beautiful and memorable day.
Whilst being the given the tour of the house and garden, my eyes lit up at the sight of a gorgeous marquee in the garden! Inside, I found tables decorated with rustic log centerpieces, candles and a delicate array of roses and meadow flowers; there was a stunning four tier cake and a personalised wooden guest book (crafted by Craig’s own fair hands!) I didn’t know what to photograph first! This was my first traditional Handfasting so I was enthralled to hear about the significance of the various rituals within the ceremony… I was also very conscious of the presence of swords and daggers so really felt this was an occasion to be on my best behaviour!! 🙂
Claudia and Craig had a very laid back approach to the day, I shall admit that even I found myself glancing at the time and thinking… ‘wow…this is one relaxed couple!!’ However, this relaxed nature was definitely in my favour as I discovered that their ‘go with the flow’ attitude made for a wonderful environment to photograph in.
I could gabble on at length about how included we felt, about what a treat it was to have such a gorgeous afternoon tea followed by a fabulous Hog Roast buffet in the evening. I could tell you how blown away I was by how great these guys were to photograph and how watching them spinning around on the dancefloor made me giddy with happiness for them. I could share with you how the day was so full of positivity and energy that once my work was done, I found myself laying down my camera and eagerly joining the masses on the dance floor. And, if that wasn’t enough, I could say how this was a day I would happily re-photograph again and again…but instead, let me show you how fabulous it was in the best way I know how…
Enjoy
x
