Small and Intimate Wedding – Chloe and Nick
Small and Intimate. That’s what you need to know now! Normally I would load up all manner of info regarding the location of the wedding. Its important for those looking for ideas (and a photographer) and for magical search engine in the sky. But on this occasion its not entirely relevant. That’s not to say it wasn’t a brilliant venue. But the odds are if you’re searching for pictures from this venue you won’t seem much of what you’re expecting. However, if you looking for pictures from a small and intimate family wedding then you’ve arrived in the right place. Even if you’re not you are still going to find it interesting to see how a wedding with 11 people (yes, that’s inclusive of the Bride and Groom) looks like. How there can be so much emotion. So many connections.
A bit of background. I was ‘discovered’ by Nick’s mum at an open day at Tithe Barn (my local and where I’m a recommended photographer). But Chloe and Nick were looking to have their day nearer to Oxford. No problem at all. I travel all over the county (and the world). The plan was to have me come along for the first day. The official marriage ceremony and family gathering. Then come back for day 2, a country garden party in a barn with lots of friends and family. There was only one hitch. I was already booked for the second day. They decided that my first person style was what they really wanted for a small wedding as we went for it.
This is one of the biggest challenges in wedding photography. It wasn’t my first time (I have done a 9 person wedding in the Lake District, half of which spoke only Chinese). So I knew how important simply blending in was going to be. No problem. Just be myself. I was right. No more than a few minutes in and I felt ENTIRELY like the family. With the Groom, the Bride, helping sort out the “music” issue, photographing dresses, making Grannies feel comfortable. There was time for it all.
Of course the other thing you might notice (besides the small number of guests) is that the vast majority of the images are in black and white. A specific request given to me by Chloe and Nick. One that I loved too. There’s something timeless about black and white photography.
I was there for what felt like only a short visit. It kind of was. But the time I was there was special to me. Warm, friendly and rich. A day I will never forget!
