Katie & Tom's Wedding Story
Katie and Tom met me at Venue Cymru wedding fayre back in the autumn of 2019. They planned their wedding at the gorgeous Plas Maenan in the Conwy Valley even though they both live in Solihull.
Katie & Tom came to meet me in Prestatyn for their “Getting to Know You” shoot in June 2021 on one of their visits to the area to sort out wedding plans. We had a fun hour wondering around Barkby Beach and really did get to know each other. We hit it off and laughed for the hour! We also got some fab pics too which obviously was the point!
So, the day arrived, and James and I turned up to gorgeous September weather. Katie and Tom had booked me along with James from Woodpecker Films as our joint venture “Blue Pecker”. Cassie, hair and make-up artist from Cassie M Bridal, was already there and adding the finishing touches to Mum’s makeup. Katie and her sister were very chilled despite the warmth and had the most amazing view from the bridal suite window of the groom’s party and arriving guests. Sarah and team from Scent With Love was also working her magic in both the ceremony room and reception room.
The bridal prep was truly a very chilled occasion and we had lots of giggles all morning long. Whilst Cassie did her thing we popped down to the vast lawn for pictures with the Tom and his party. With such a fun bunch we wanted to create the perfect jumping shot. After over 10 jumps we had almost nailed it! In the finished image I have taken Katie’s dad from one shot and added him to another as timings were just not right. I hope it looks “real”? Having a crazy and fun bunch of lads is a joy to photograph. They were literally up for any ideas I threw at them.
Photographing the special items of the day is a lovely part of bridal prep. I shoot the dress, flowers, shoes, wedding gardening crocs (they need to be seen to be believed) and the rings. All wedding rings are special, but these were extra special as Katie and Tom have a good friend who is a jeweller, so they each made the other’s wedding ring. Such a beautiful and special touch!
The ceremony was perfect! Katie shed a few tears as her father walked her down the aisle and were instantly replaced by smiles and giggles as she approached Tom. Whilst shooting I was drawn to Katie’s parents sat proudly watching. I noticed that they had held hands throughout the service. I had already captured a lovely image of Tom and Katie holding hands, so I needed to do the same with Mum and Dad. It’s the little things which stay with me from weddings, this will stay with me.
Following the ceremony, we spilled out around the fountain and after candid images of all the guests having canapes we headed off for the main portraits. Plas Maenan has so many beautiful and different areas to shoot in such as the driveway, the grassed lawn and we managed to find a disused path with lots of wild grasses and trees. This part of any wedding day is my absolute favourite, it’s where all the portraits are taken, and my couples get some alone time – albeit with me there!
Following portraits we photographed the bridal party, family and many more candid images before it was time for speeches. As far as speeches go, they were honestly some of the funniest I had ever witnessed, and I wished I had been at university with them all!
The package Katie & Tom had chosen did not cover the evening reception, so we left as the wedding breakfast was served. Dr & Dr Padgett – what can I say? I genuinely loved the whole day from start to our finish. I hope you went back to England thinking of James and I as friends and we are looking forward to following your lives on social media.
Important people who made the day happen –
Photography – me!
Videography – Woodpecker Films www.woodpeckerfilms.co.uk
Hair & Make-up – Cassie M Bridal www.cassiem.co.uk
Venue – Plas Maenan www.plas-maenan-hotel.co.uk
Flowers – Scent With Love www.scentwithloveflowers.co.uk
Wedding Rings – Amber Cooper-Green www.ambercooper-green.com
Singers/Entertainment during the day – Carly & Russ www.carlyandruss.co.uk
Evening DJ – Gav’s Disco North Wales – www.gavsdisco.co.uk
Men’s suits – Moss Bros
Bride’s dress - shop local to bride’s home address.
