So it sounds super dramatic, doesn't it, but this was actually one of the BEST experiences I have had in all my years as a photographer. I am just lucky enough that it happened so recently.
When an amazing photography business, Olive & Wilde, and two wonderful people, Honor & Chris, reached out to me to say their booking for tomorrow was for two photographers, but Honor wasn't well, I wanted to laugh at them for asking me. Why would they ask someone who doesn't do weddings full time? Why would they ask little old me, who hasn't worked with them before? Honestly, a lot of it was probably down to timing, but they must have some trust in me, right? Pushing imposter syndrome to the side (Maybe that's what I should have titled this blog post.) was the first thing I had to do. I was so excited to jump in. After an hour or so on the phone to sort childcare, and confirm timings, it was home to organise my kit. I was doing this!
The morning was a quick fire lesson in how Chris worked, but seriously, I can't recommend spending time with someone who is primarily self taught more! I learnt so much from Chris in that short space of time. Not just how to adjust this setting, and that, but why. Everything just made sense. I still use a lot of those settings now, and it's made my life a tonne easier in the post processing stages.
I met the Bride and Groom, and their families over the next little while, and they were so kind. The Venue was beautiful too, and I realised later in the day that I had been there years before as a guest at another wedding. The ceremony was being set for outside which excited me. The first wedding I ever photographed was outside.
Chris asked me to tackle the Groom prep so he could spend time focused on the Bride. I had only ever done the mock Groom prep before, where we adjust a tie, and I ask the best man to re-do the Grooms buttonhole. It was a great way to properly meet the Groom and his best man. It was also reassuring that no Groom, in the history of weddings has ever managed to do their tie or bow-tie independently, or first time.
The pair finished their beer and I could see the nerves setting in. It was amazing to watch them walk together to greet their guests who were arriving fast. I managed to snap this on their way down, and it quicky became a favourite. I was so pleased it made the final gallery.
The ceremony was a beautiful, traditional ceremony, with the added gorgeous element that the Brides Mum was their registrar! That was amazing. Chris asked me to focus on the wider shots, and the guests. That was generally the theme for the day in terms of my focus, and it's something I had never had the opportunity to really knuckle down and give that much time and attention to. So much goes into a wedding, and those little details are often lost in the grandure of the day, when without them, the grandure wouldn't be so... well.... Grand.
All the small details of the day were just perfectly placed, and each bit really made the right impact without overpowering. It was so nice to be the second, and be able to spend a little more time than usual making sure those bits were captured and properly appreciated. I love all the tiny parts of a table decoration, and the signage and stationery. The menus were probably one of my favourite pieces of stationery. So many times have I seen people panic becaue they forgot what they asked for for their dinner. This was such a great idea.
The rest of the day was pretty much a blur. After we had a break for dinner, the speeches were underway and this is where I really got to appreciate the beauty of being the second shooter. All the guests, and their emotions, and the stories from the couple, this is where you see it. The ceremony, although it's always full of emotion, the speeches allow more movement, and guests become much more animated, and involved. It gave me so much to capture from a part of a wedding that until this day I always found pretty bland.
After dinner, it was time for cake, dancing, more drinks, and everybody having a good time. Chris was able to spend some time helping me better understand my own equipment, and he shared some amazing tips for shooting the dance floor. Thank god he did too, because this lot were right up for a party! Being able to shoot in low light is no easy task anyway, but then add flashing, coloured lights, people moving a hundred miles an hour, and being in VERY close proximity to really be able to get the edgyness of a dance move (24mm anyone?!) I needed all the help I could get, and I am SO grateful that after 10 minutes with Chris explaining it all (and me being able to confidently get right up close and personal with a few people), it clicked.
I can't really "Sum up" what I learnt at this wedding, because it was so much. Loads of basic technical info that I should have had in my arsenal anyway, but it wasn't anything I had to necesarily use day to day. Being able to have a school day, but still produce some work I am super proud of is something I won't ever be able to thank Chris & Honor for properly. Their work is amazing, and I would be more than happy to support them again! I also owe a massive thank you to the couple who were so happy with me coming on board last minute. All in all, this is for certain one of my favourite weddings I have had the honour of being a part of.
*Disclaimer - Whilst I am certain I captured all of the photos here, there is a chance some of them were in fact Chris' shots.
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