The preparation
Emily and James were happy to meet over the phone to see if we were a good fit and talk about their big day. They wanted a chilled, laid back vibe for their wedding video and I assured them I could deliver that: both during the filming and in the process of working together.
Their photographer was Tim Stephenson. We’ve worked together before and get on well, so we didn’t have a prep session but just met up at the venue on the day.
I’d filmed six or so weddings at the beautiful Hunters Hall already, so I was familiar with it. They have such friendly, helpful staff who I love working with. I visited the venue again in the run up to Emily and James’ wedding to ask questions about the spaces being used and the schedule for the day.
The couple chose the Moonlight package, so I was booked to film them getting ready, their ceremony, the drinks afterwards, the speeches, the cake cutting and their first dance. This also includes an hour after to capture plenty of boogie!
Getting ready
From the moment James read out a card from Emily I was smitten. To be in the company of two people who truly love each other as they enjoy their wedding day is a privilege I treasure and respect. They were totally themselves on camera.
This was just one of many sweet moments that morning. James had an engraved watch to go with the card, while he had sent a diamond bracelet for Emily to wear.
There was also plenty of witty banter from the bridesmaids as they popped the bubbly, kicking off the celebration and supporting their friend. Once everyone was ready, Emily took a gorgeous vintage car to the ceremony.
The ceremony
It was a beautiful ceremony. The decor looked amazing and it was a joy to witness a couple very much in love exchange their vows. Outside afterwards there were plenty of giggles in the cloud of confetti getting thrown.
While the wedding party had their photos taken under a beautiful arch of white flowers, I took the opportunity to capture some behind the scenes footage of the moment.
The celebration
The food was fab – thanks Hunters Hall! The speeches were very touching and they had two amazing singers performing too.
After the speeches we walked the grounds so the photographer could take some couple shots. A nearby field provided the perfect backdrop for some romantic ‘golden hour’ portraits.
Tim and I had giggled and bantered our way through the day whilst we captured it. The couple loved our interaction as it helped them to relax and enjoy it. While Tim took the photos I just said “Ignore me, I’m not here. Talk about your day”. So they did. And the smiles of joy were such that I had more than a few tears.
Back inside the venue and onto the dancefloor. After capturing their first dance I got to witness some excellent moves from their guests, including a conga line!
I turned a camera around to the dance floor and had Emily and James’ friends and family walk up to it and wave so the couple could see all their evening guests on film.
Final thoughts
There were so many pinch-me moments during this wedding. Watching this couple was and is a joy. I can’t help getting all mushy watching it back. I do love my vocation! Thank you again to Emily and James for choosing me to be a part of your wedding day.
“Peter was an amazing addition to our wedding day. He very kindly stepped in quite last minute to capture our special day and helped us out immensely. Considering the first time we met Peter properly was on our wedding day we immediately felt at ease and as if we’d known him years.
His passion and love for what he does shone through on the day and even more so in the gorgeous wedding video we now have to cherish forever. So many wedding guests commented on how lovely Peter and our photographer were, even thinking they were brothers because they worked together so perfectly! Thank you so much Peter.”
Emily & James
