Picture the scene. A wedding photographer, in Shakespeare's county of Warwickshire, equipment hanging off each shoulder, a splash or two of rain in the air... the last thing I expected I'd be doing on the 21st October 2017 was to be waiting around for a bus. They say you wait around forever for one to come along, and then three appear. However, whilst I kept a keen eye on the sky, a vision of red appeared in the distance... not three, but two-ish buses began to come into focus. As Francis made her way from the double decker, and with camera in hand, I knew this was going to be a day where waiting for the big red bus was most definitely worth it...
Now I'm not the world's biggest fan of public transport. Granted, it provides a magnificent service for huge proportions of people across the globe, but I however, I am one of those people that always seems to get let down by it. Be it leaves on the track or a broken down 'Number 6', I'm that person that it happens to. I can hand on heart say that photographing this big red beauty was an exception to my rule. So as the designated wedding photographer for the day, I stood and waited for the fabulous Francis to disembark the Number 48 and make her way down the aisle to meet her husband to be, Daniel at St. John Vianney Church. Before the beautiful bride to be became the focus of the wedding photographs, I had also managed to meet up with plasterer Daniel, looking overalls free, and dapper from head to toe, along with his party of friends and family. Such a smart looking bunch and a huge help to me on many occasions. So I must say a big thank you to best man Martin, as well as ushers Paul, Jamie, Chris, Hayden and Neil. As you'll see from the photos below, a certain little someone was missed off that list, so a special thank you and "didn't he look handsome" to page boy, and son, Harrison.
Now back to the bride and continuing the theme of family members, the gorgeous Francis was escorted down the aisle by another couple of very special people, daughters Grace and Olivia, who looked beautiful throughout, such lovely girls. There is a photo below of all five of them that came out so well, and I was genuinely delighted to have been able to photograph them all together.
So with the ceremony complete, confetti thrown and applause dying down, I must admit, I began to feel a bit of a thirst coming on. So how is everyone getting to the venue? "We're all going on the bus!" Oh great, I thought. No eating or drinking allowed, so the sign usually says. But of course this was no ordinary bus, this was a double decker wedding day delight! So as the guests all made their way onboard, they were each given their ticket (a nice touch) and then a glass of bubbly for the trip (an even nicer touch!).
The whole wedding day was such a joy to photograph, and I must say what a fantastic couple both Francis and Daniel are. It was their day, and from start to finish you could feel the warmth from them both. Rain, wind, whatever... nothing dampened their spirits, as their faces beamed with smiles all day long... and even longer into the night, as they partied the evening away. Congratulations to you both!
On the mention of the party, I must obviously mention the reception venue, Mallory Court. From a wedding photographers point of venue, a God send! The evening lighting on the exterior, the amazing architecture... a real treat for the eyes. Beautifully setup for the day and such attention to detail from all the staff (of which there are far too many to name individually). Wonderful people who helped the day run smoothly from start to finish, and with a certain touch of class. Whatever was needed, there was always someone to help. And from a personal point of view, I was really well looked after. So a big thanks to Team Mallory Court as well. Thinking of a venue for your big day in Warwickshire? Absolutely worth a look, especially for Winter weddings (have a look online to see of their snowed draped images). Any time of the year, this manor house hotel in Leamington Spa is highly recommended by myself. Lots of rooms for your guests, gorgeous grounds for your wedding photographs and offering elegance and style at every turn.
Wedding photography by Jon Thorne at Mallory Court, Warwickshire.
