As soon as I met Jennie and Brian, I knew that they were a couple who would appreciate my personality and energetic approach to my work, happy for me to suggest and apply my style along with the fun factor that I try and bring to their special day. ( I guess that’s why they chose me).
Leasowe Castle, a venue I know like the back of my hand and being their preferred go to photographer.
The weather forecast for the day was not the greatest, so the previous evening brollies, which I always carry for rainy days! All six of them packed, along with my full battery operated studio set up for those days when the bride just will not venture out, boxed and ready.
Fortunately as a surprise the forecast was incorrect and the day ahead was to be clear with the odd drizzle, but that was not going to ruin a fun filled day.
Jennie had made the great choice of hiring the lodge the night before ( if you decide to visit the castle, the lodge is a fantastic stand alone house in the grounds “Amazing”)
Spacious and many rooms a wedding photographers dream.
Knocking on the door and being greeted by a barrage of ladies in pre-wedding bridesmaids attire, I knew the day was going to be fun!
I always look forward to the ceremony at Leasowe as it takes place in “The Keep “ a room filled with light due to the glass roof; so no need for artificial light, which I try to avoid at all costs, the ceremony went well with smiles, laughter and applause echoed throughout the room.
After receiving their celebratory champagne I directed the couple to the front of the castle where the red carpet awaits, whilst the guests take the route through the wreckers bar to avoid them interrupting the first shots of the newly married couple.
Then leaving the couple to be congratulated by the smiling guests, gives me time to get the drone in the air to take those all important group shots. I find the drone a great addition to my kit as you tend to not see the faces on group shots especially at the back, the drone fixes this problem to a tee!
Group shots taken and a few others of special friends then off we go around the grounds at all the sweet spots the castle has to offer, the stone and ironwork pergola, rustic wall, and wooded area with arch. Jennie and Brian were happy to explore all these wonderful photo opportunities and were a great couple to direct.
We headed back to the castle as the wedding breakfast was about to be called for service, just in time to do a few candid guest shots, and the happy couple to have a break from my lens and my ugly mug.
After listening to the main characters give their thanks and funny stories at the speeches before food was served, I retreated to the Star Chamber for a well earned rest.
The one shot Jennie and Brian hoped for was a sunset shot and the castle is perfectly situated next to the beach at Leasowe, we were in luck as the weather was good and clouds were clearing in readiness for the sunset at 8pm just before cake cutting and the first dance. But before that I had an hour or so to use the magnificent castle staircase to take some arty images using the large mirror situated on the first floor of the curling staircase and the beautiful ballistrade. 8pm was approaching so we made our way across the open golf course to the small wall where Jennie was gracious in climbing over, even with the amazing dress she was wearing.
The sky was perfect so a few test shots and exposures set and I was ready, using a snooted Godox V1-C as my light source as I needed just to illuminate Jennie and Brian’s faces enough to counteract the back light setting sun. Several shots later and we were done.
We headed back to the castle where the cake was cut and first dance danced, and I caught some lovely shots of all the family with amazing laser lights adding to the image.
