Submitted by Darren on
Tom and Emma's Berkeley Castle Wedding Photography
It’s rare that I have a direct relationship with the groom, but I was fortunate to start my journey with Tom over 3 years ago.
As a keen photographer, Tom enthusiastically approached me while I was shooting at a wedding. It was clear that he was eager to learn more, and it wasn’t long before he was questioning me about my off-camera flash lighting techniques.
Now I don’t want to get technical with this stuff but it’s one of my secrets to bringing a winter wedding alive on camera. I love the challenge that this time of year brings; it’s rare that the weather is on my side and coupled with issues around light, you can quickly end up with a very grey set of photographs, or even worse having the bride and groom disappear into the darkness if you’re not careful.
The World Cup Final and a Whiskey Bar !!!
With Tom and Emma getting married at Berkley Castle in Gloucestershire, I’m not sure who was more excited about implementing my off-camera flash lighting techniques, me or Tom?! It meant we could capture some punchy portraits of the couple dramatically lit in front of the ambient lighting of the battlements.
Enough about my geeky insight into lighting, let me start at the beginning of the day. This was no ordinary day. England was playing in the Rugby World Cup Final which meant tensions were even higher than normal from the very crack of dawn. It was no surprise to find the boys anxiously waiting in the bar, hoping that England was going to show the same performance as they had against New Zealand.
Emma was keen to show her support by ensuring the game was on during her bridal party preparations. Did this heighten the emotional connection between father of the bride and his daughter as they both shed many a tear before she ventured to the ceremony in the classic Rolls Royce?
It was evident that Tom had been involved in other parts of the wedding preparation too as he climbed out of one of the original Aston Martin’s that had featured in the James Bond films. Tom was keen to ensure that I also captured his beautiful wife in front of the majestic car later that day.
Berkley Castle is steeped in over 900 years of history and was built as a medieval fortress. Yet despite the dramatic setting, the ceremony itself felt like an intimate affair with the congregation keen to congratulate the couple with showers of confetti. As the guests moved into the grandiose setting of the Grand Hall to enjoy the wedding breakfast, I could understand why the bride and groom had picked this venue. There really was a perfect room for every part of the celebrations.
Tom and Emma certainly mastered the art of keeping their guests entertained. From the delectable beef in Yorkshire puddings to the time spent appreciating the ‘water of life’ in the whisky cellar, I’ve never seen so many guests on the dance floor so early on in the evening. And while it might not have been England’s day, it was certainly a perfect day for the couple and to add to the celebrations, Tom was lifted onto the shoulders of his friends and family at the end of the night.
It was a pleasure working with this couple for such a long period of time and I can’t wait to see some of Tom’s photography in the future. Perhaps he’s managed to capture some of my lighting secrets?
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Berkely Castle Wedding Photography - Find my favourite photos from Tom and Emma's wedding day below.
If you're looking for Berkley Castle Wedding Photography, please contact me at https://www.everybodysmilephotography.co.uk/contact
