Judges Wedding Photography: Michelle and Steven

So Michelle and Steven's wedding saw me travel up to North Yorkshire from Essex. I'd already shot their pre wedding shoot locally to me in London and this would see a complete contrast in backdrop. It was a warm sticky day. The grounds were full of trees, shrubs and plants which were now starting to bud and bloom. I'd never shot at Judges before so I got there early to have a look around. I spot a few places I fancied in the grounds, turned a corner and there in front of me with a sea of the most vivid pink blossom; some on the trees, some on the ground forming a stunning carpet! THAT was the shot I wanted! Talking to the staff, the day before the blossom was barely noticeable. I'm reliably informed the day after it had been washed away by the overnight rain.

This wasn't a massive wedding. It was a relatively small intimate wedding featuring close friends and family of Michelle and Steven. Michelle was relaxed and taking things in her stride as she had her make up and hair done. Steven though looked a bag of nerves. "How you feeling?" I asked him. "Sh*tting it!!!" was his response!

He soon calmed as more guests arrived and was able to chat with people. A swift drink helped too. He then took his place under the gazebo and waited. The guests sat down and waited. One by one the bridesmaids made their entrance into the garden followed by Michelle and her dad. Steven turned and the tears started. A release of emotion.

Throughout the ceremony there were giggles. This was the first wedding I'd attended since my own wedding on New Years Eve after taking a well earned break from wedding photography. I was taken back to my own day and all the emotions came flooding back.. These guys went through their ceremony exactly the same as Louise and I did. Locked on each other, smiling from ear to ear and caught by giggles.

From the end of the ceremony it was fun fun fun. This was a light hearted day. These guys, Steven in particular, wasn't afraid to poke fun at himself. Everyone relaxed in the gardens before being ushered into the wedding breakfast and the speeches.

Whilst everyone was eating, the rain arrived and it got steadily heavier as the night went on (the drive back to Essex after the wedding was interesting but that's another story). As the room was turned around everyone mingled in the lounge before taking their places once more ahead of the first dance. In front of giant lit up Mr & Mrs signs, the newlyweds bobbed and jigged away before frantically waving everyone up onto the dancefloor to join them. This lot were fun and this was a party that would go on late into the night.

I made my farewells and set off into the night and torrential rain, arriving home around midnight, still buzzing from an amazing day. This was the first of what I hope will be many more weddings at Judges. Wonderful venue. Wonderful day. Wonderful couple!