The Wedding of Mike and Kim at Wasing Park

Today was the wedding of Mike and Kim at Wasing Park in Aldermaston. Dawn and I arrived just before 12 to walk around the venue and scouted for potential shooting locations in the snow and ice! Neither of us had shot a wedding in the snow so we were both excited although a little cold at the prospect! We found Kim and her Bridesmaids getting ready in one of the rooms while the guys had gone off shooting for the morning. The girls were in high spirits while Christmas songs played in the background….’Snow is falling…. All around us……’ Dawn and I photographed all the build up, then we went upstairs to the Bridal suite to take shots of the shoes and dress. Everything looked gorgeous and was laid out so well we hardly had to touch anything!

After this we met the guys who were all ready and took some shots outside as it started to snow lightly…..they had a great time shooting and were looking forward to the day aheadAfter this Dawn and I went back upstairs to photograph Kim getting into her dress, and then all their individual shots of them looking so stunning. After this we headed to the ceremony room where we found a nervous Mike chatting to guests. After introducing ourselves to the registrar, I headed up to the front of the room and Dawn stayed at the back. This is one great reason for having two photographers at a wedding because you can shoot at two great advantage points. The ceremony itself was full of laughter, emotion….and putting the ring on the wrong hand……!!!? This was swiftly corrected! The couple looked so happy and there were some lovely readings.

There was still enough light outside so we decided to start the group shots as soon as the ceremony ended. Usually we would give the couple 30 minutes or so with their guests when the ceremony ends to chat and have a drink but given that the light was fading fast we had to be flexible and move things around. I didn’t know whether the wedding party were so excited about getting through the group shots or whether the freezing temperatures had something to do with it, but we whizzed through these as everyone was so great at getting in the right shots!!

After the group shots we then took Mike and Kim away for some couple shots. Kim was an absolute legend……she wanted to carry on with the photos even though everyone else was freezing and I could hardly feel the shutter I was pressing…….it might have had something to do with the fact I ended up taking shots lying in the snow……. well…if you want ‘that’ shot!! After spending quite a great deal of time outside we briefly went to the Bridal suite to warm up and finish shooting. We then all headed back to where the drinks and canapés were being held. While Dawn took candid shots of the guests, I went to take some shots inside where the wedding breakfast was being held. After this the couple and guests sat down for their meal.

After the meal we photographed the speeches which were a mixture of laughter and humiliation for the groom…..nice pictures Mike…..we then photographed the cutting of the cake, and the first dance!

We left the happy couple rocking and a’rolling to the live band with their guests.

Have a great Christmas!

Lauren and Dawn x