
I had the privilege of photographing Pierre and Sarah’s Garden Party Wedding! Bridal prep at Sara’s house was a fun and relaxed occasion. Sara and her family were Spanish and while Sara’s English was excellent, her parents knew very little so Sara and her friends needed to translate for me. They were really friendly parents and I spent most of the day fending off bottles of beer which they kept trying to thrust into my hand.
I was able to use a mirror to capture a natural photo of Sara as she prepared to put on her wedding dress. The bride enjoyed a laugh with her bridesmaids as she did her own make-up in the mirror.
Sara’s dad, the father of the bride, was already at the house and once she was ready they enjoyed a hug in the garden. Sara’s dad had a flower attached to his lapel. Sara was driven to Sale Town Hall by her brother-in-law in one of the most unique wedding cars I have ever seen – their own car! Adorned with ribbons, the little white car did look very cute!
Pierre arrived at the Town Hall just before his guests. Unlike in a traditional wedding, he waited outside to meet Sarah as she arrived. I was able to capture his reflection in the car window as Sara pulled up and their eyes met. The ceremony went without a hitch, and Sara and Pierre enjoyed exchanging rings and having a first kiss in front of their family and friends.
A group photo on steps of Sale Town Hall and then it was off to Walkden Gardens for a few couple portraits. It was the first and only time I had been drive by a bride and groom to their own photo session. Walkden Gardens is a small , pretty park area in Sale with a Japaese-esque garden section. It’s great for photos of two people in love.
By the time we returned to Sara and Peirre’s house, a marqui had been set up in their back garden with bales of straw for guests to sit on. With all the boho decorations too, it did look very retty indeed, and was an impressive use of space. There was no grand arrival or raptuous applause…the bride and groom simply joined their family and friends in a seemlessly warm and natural way. All the wedding guests chatted and enjoyed each others company and I had a great time capturing candid and unscripted moments during and in between all the laughter.
Pierre gave a short but heartfelt speech and while everyone dined on tastey paella. The caterers were real characters and wanted to be in ever photo, which was a little bizarre but funny. The cutting of the cake was fun and then it was time to party. Pierre and Sarah had hired a wired band with a twist – a father and son acoutic duo whose speciality was 90s dance classics! I had no idea that ‘I like to move it move it! could be played on the guitar and still be banging.
The dancing continued late into the night, and the first dance, was in fact actually the last dance. the crowds parted and formed a ring without any notice and Pierre and Sara took cente stage. The embrace at the end of the song and I was able to get a really nice picture just as they hugged. I loved the expression on the bride’s face and it was a great photo on which to end their wedding album. What fun I had photographing their garden party wedding!
Normally, this is the part of the blog where I give you guys links to some awesome wedding suppliers that helped make the day special – hair, makeup etc. Alas, these guys did everything themselves so the only recommendation I can give you is the wedding venue – Sale Town Hall