Hannah and Sam are from Corby and came to discuss their wedding photography with us back in May 2010. From the off it was clear that they both were very organised people. To this end they had already thought about what they wanted from their wedding photographer and had clearly researched the topic well before arranging to meet with us. From our point of view this was great as straight away we could discuss what we could provide and how we could make their photography work for them. As we mention on our website, good wedding photography does not just happen, it needs to be thoroughly planned and well executed.

Like many couples they had opted for a civil ceremony, choosing The Courtyard Hotel at Stanwick, nr Wellingborough, to host their big day. The venue boasts a luxury house that can be used the night before for by the Bride, well maintained gardens with a large lawn surrounded by trees and mature flower beds (ideal for photography and a play area for children), and a purpose built hall with exposed beams used for the ceremony and the wedding breakfast. Hannah and Sam however chose to have their ceremony in the conservatory, ideal for us as we could not only shoot from the back of the room but also from outside through the open doors.

All eyes gazed backwards down the aisle to get the first glimpse of Hannah as she walked towards the conservatory through the lavender bushes. Hannah was beaming from ear to ear with anticipation, whereas Sam, a little less composed, had to bite his lip and hold it together when he turned and saw Hannah for the first time. A touching moment, the first of many with the two of them continually looking and reassuring each other throughout the ceremony. With the ceremony over, and ready to walk down the aisle as Husband and Wife I thought Hannah was going to explode with excitement as she cheered, a lovely finale.

After the welcome drinks and group photographs it was onto the wedding breakfast which started with the speeches. The highlight of the speeches was given by the Best Man Paul, Sam’s brother, with a slideshow documenting both Hannah and Sam’s childhood and time together. Touching, funny, maybe a bit embarrassing (in a nice way) would be a few choice words to describe the show which had guests and family joining in with Hannah and Sam’s laughing and crying. As Best Man speeches go this was a memorable one, probably one which could only be delivered by a brother, very personal and affectionate.

From there on it was all surprises, fun, entertainment.

The surprise was guests had to collect their own dessert, which was welcomed by all, when they realised Hannah and Sam had organised a local icecream van, Rural Ices from Wellingborough, to serve dessert,

The entertainment was provided by Matt Johnson the Wedding Singer. Some of you may remember Matt from Popstars The Rivals, making it into the boy band One True Voice with the rival girl band being Girls Aloud. Matt has gone onto supporting Westlife and Sugababes in their concerts and you can hire him to DJ and sing at your wedding.

The fun was a firework display in the evening provided by Bob Pilkington and followed by releasing chinese lanterns.

Action packed and fun for everyone, Hannah and Sam’s wedding was a pleasure to be a part of. Congratulations to both of you, a well matched couple if ever I saw one. Here are a few of your best bits, enjoy.....

Suppliers:
Venue: The Courtyard Hotel - Stanwick
Flowers: Maison Fleur - Higham Ferrers
Cake: Lesley Emberson - Corby - 07504 052507
Entertainment: Matt Johnson

Tags: The Courtyard at Stanwick, The Courtyard Hotel, Northamptonshire, Wedding photographer, Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, Northants

Carol and Craig will be Husband and Wife on Saturday 10th September. In preparation for their big day I met Carol and Craig, together with young Ryan and baby Lauren for a relaxed Engagement Shoot at Kettering Scout Centre. It will come as no surprise that we were watching the weather closely but an overcast early evening was not going to stop the proceedings. The great thing about these Engagement shoots is that there is no pressure, simply an opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera and to learn some basic posing techniques to bring the best out of you on the special day. Needless to say Carol & Craig breezed through the shoot which also lead to us having a bit of fun with the kids to help them feel a part of it (although I think Lauren was oblivious to most of it). Role on Saturday, which starts with photographing the girls at the hairdressers (with champagne I hope!!).

It would be rude not to share some of the best bits from the shoot, so here you go ......

Tags: Engagement shoot, Wedding photographer, andrew cresswell, ASC Photography Solutions Ltd, award winning photographer, Northamptonshire wedding photographer, Kettering, Corby, Northampton