Having got to know the delightful Karen and Matt, who asked me to be their wedding photographer at Nunsmere Hall, there is no doubt that they tick a lot of boxes of what one might describe 'a modern, married couple.' What's a modern way to meet people and find love? Online dating, check. What do all the cool kids like to do most nowadays? Instagram, check. Looking after yourself and keeping in shape? Joe Wicks fitness challenges and football team coach, check check. However, I'm not entirely sure that 'modern' is the most important way to describe them... having had the pleasure of photographing them on their special day, as well as getting to know them, I think the main element I took away and remember is what a lovely family they are, and I'm not sure there are many better things to be...
... and I think you'll agree from the shots below, they're a stunning couple as well. However, on the subject of family, I must make a note of their delightful children, Oliver and Finley, both of whom helped me create some amazing memories on film as the designated wedding photographer for the day. Now, they do say, 'never work with children or animals,' don't they? And bless his heart, young Finley had different ideas in mind when it came to the original plan of walking ahead of his mum Karen, down the aisle, with his brother Oliver alongside him. With emotions running high, Finley felt that he would be better placed sitting with Nana, and so our hero of the hour Oliver, bravely went it alone... and what a job he did too! There were so many moments during that day that stood out for me as the wedding photographer, and indeed both Karen and Matt had memories they'll long remember. I have to agree with Matt when he describes just what an 'overwhelming memory of feeling happy all day,' that he experienced... I think everyone could see that. Of course, when he first laid eyes on his beautiful bride to be, as she walked down the aisle towards him, stands out straight away when he reminisces... as our dashing groom himself said, 'she looked incredible.' Now on the note of that glance down the aisle, Karen felt similar emotions and I think she says it best herself...
"[I remember] feeling so nervous and emotional before walking down the aisle with my dad but then as I stood at the top of the aisle, I felt so happy to see family and friends in one room (due to the pandemic of the year), and Matt at the end (with a tear in his eye), that I couldn’t stop smiling and my nerves disappeared! I just remember grinning and laughing for the rest of the day. Everything was perfect!"
And so back to the wedding day itself... and what a wonderful day it was. I always enjoy visiting venues around the country, and the place that our bride and groom to be chose on this occasion was the delightful Nunsmere Hall, in Cheshire. Describing itself as quintessentially quaint, with an English country romance, I don't think they are far off at all. In fact, when the venue was discussed with our newlyweds, they mentioned the exclusive use as being important to them, which allowed them to really relax and enjoy the day... surrounded by a stunning lakeside view. Now as a wedding photographer, they got a big thumbs up from me, and I was so pleased with the photography as the backdrop of this gorgeous hall added a certain added extra, to what already felt like a magical day. The team were a huge help throughout and I thoroughly enjoyed photographing the wedding here.
Now what wedding blog can be complete without details about the engagement? We had it all by the sounds of it. Romance, a hundred lit candles, high winds, hangovers... yes, I have just double checked, hangovers and high winds are definitely on the list! Whilst enjoying a holiday in Cascais, Portugal, our lovely couple decided to take part in a drinking game or two with friends and let's just say that our bride to be Karen felt a little worse for wear the next day. However, with unusually high winds causing havoc with Matt's proposal plans all week, 'hangover night' was THE night that the weather had subsided, leaving our groom to be with no other option but to take the bull by the horns and arrange over one hundred tea lights, all lit, around the pool... keeping everything crossed that the wind didn't whip up again and ruin the romantic moment. Thankfully it didn't, and Karen, hangover in tow, said the all important 'yes' as the two began their first steps en route to the 3rd of August 2021, where they eventually married, and little old me turned up to capture it all for them as their wedding photographer.
I wish them every happiness in the world, and it was an absolute delight to be chosen as their wedding photographer for the day! Congratulations, Karen and Matt!
