Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Evans.

I have a few unfinished blogs saved in my drafts, due to my inability to come to any conclusions about things like whether I prefer black and white or colour, so in the meantime, here is something I can write about with a conclusion that I have recently been to what was possibly my favourite wedding.  I’ve been to 3 this year so far, two as photographer or assistant, and one as a guest, ranging from a fairly low budget to a lavish affair at the Vale Hotel, and this one sits somewhere between the two, but this is the only one I’ve been to as a guest and friend of the happy couple. In the beautiful setting of the Mill at Gordleton, we knew as soon as we got to the venue the day before that it was going to be something special.

The wedding planning had gone through so many twists and turns with such unfortunate circumstances that it was just nice the ceremony was upon us, but to be in the lovely setting of the Mill, with what was probably the most perfect weather you could hope for on your wedding day, everything had finally gone right.

We arrived the day before and met up at the venue, then went for some food. Dan, the best man, and myself went for a wander around the local area, then found a a park with some swings and a roundabout which we had to test drive for my niece. I would have taken photos but I was too busy going “WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.”

pre wedding night walk for the best man

Aaaanyway, Helen and her mum came over on the morning of the wedding, bringing Leigh with them so he could stay with us to get ready while Helen got ready at the venue. Being the thoughtful friend I am I didn’t want to over do it with the photos, so we did a few last minute chores/ errands and waited at the flat, until the time was upon us.

The Bride to be and her mum arrive at our flat with Leigh (out of shot)

Leigh listens as Julie goes through her reading for the ceremony.

My brother and my niece

So we eventually went to the venue an hour or so after Leigh and Dan, and we met them at the bar. I left my camera in the boot of the car and let the paid photographers do their job and had a pint before the ceremony, which was quickly upon us.  Helen came down the aisle to “Here Comes the Sun” and she looked amazing, the sun was shining bright and Leigh was down the front, apparently bawling his eyes out. A few moments and vows later, they walked back to the sounds of Sebastien Tellier’s La Ritournelle and applause from the crowd (and crying from one 3 year old niece of mine). So, Pimms anyone? Yes please. More Pimms? Yes please. More Pimms? Yes please! More Pimms? Ohhh I shdn’t. More Pimms?  shkujhspleass. More Pimms? yssshhplsss. More Pimms? NooIbetternot. It’s the last jug. Oh I better had then. Amazing how the fear of the last jug of Pimms can sober you up, temporarily. So, the photographers have gone, I need the loo due to the amount of Pimms I’ve had and apparently delay the entrance of the bride and groom.  Oh, and I’ve got my camera. The rest is a bit hazy, but most excellent. Amazing food, great people, a really good band, dancing, lovely weather, Bailey’s, cake, cheese and biscuits and a drunk man with a camera- everything you could want.

Dan being the Doctor

Father of the Bride

Mmmmmmmm caaaaaaaaake.

Yeah, it’s a bit odd ending on a picture of the cake after it’s been cut isn’t it?

It’s because I’m hungry.  Anyway, big hearty congratulations to Leigh and Helen.  That wedding will take a lot of beating.

Well done guys, have an amazing future together.x

Maybe I won’t end on the cake.