Clearwell Castle Wedding Photography

Andrew & Jay Clearwell Castle Wedding Photography

 

Fanta Bubbles the Ninja Nan and a Stormy Castle Wedding

As I drove through the picturesque landscape of the Forest of Dean on route to the wedding of Andrew and Jay,  I already sensed the day would have an air of quintessential English about it. It did not disappoint.  Anyone choosing a wedding to be held at a castle must have a sense of style. As I drove up, I spotted Andrew gently polishing his car while adorning it with purple ribbon in preparation for his smooth get away the next day with the new Mrs Whewell.  Attention to detail was going to be important. It was my first wedding at Clearwell Castle, and I was potentially as eager to explore the venue as the guests.

A new venue is always a challenge but in an exciting way. Which angle would prove to be the best for capturing that tender moment with the bride and groom, or which architectural feature would help capture the essence of the day?  With a history dating back to the mid 15th century it was clear that this venue would over deliver on providing a dramatic backdrop to the wedding of Andrew and Jay.  

The changeable weather provided a never-ending opportunity of moments to heighten the drama which, topped with the stunning portcullis and castle turrets, meant I really did get to experience a fairy tale wedding.  

As I joined Jay in her bridal preparations, she was enjoying her own take on the traditional glass of bubbles.  At 7 months pregnant, Jay’s choice of drink was Orange Fanta. Bright, fruity and a favourite amongst many, her drink gave me a good indication of how things were to pan out in the bridal suite.  The bigeest topic of the morning surprisingly was what underwear Jay's mum was going to wear ( if any ),  it truely is amazing the conversations I get to lsiten in on during mornign preperations.   I never did find out whether Jay’s Mum was wearing any knickers or not…

Laughter followed the couple throughout the day. Even during the ceremony, the vows were broken with the sound of amusement from the guests as they assumed Jay had forgotten her fiancé’s name. This was no baby brain moment for Jay, she was nervously intent on making sure she pronounced Whewell in the exact way that would gain Andrew’s approval.

My favourite smile of the day was from Andrew’s Grandma. The antithesis of the modern-day photo bomber, legend has it that Grandma’s smile had never been captured on camera. Despite being the nimblest grandparent I’ve possibly encountered, I was determined to capture her beauty and was eventually rewarded with a magical smile.

Speeches are always emotional and after Mum confidently took over the Father of the Bride’s speech due to an abundance of paternal tears, it didn’t take much longer for Mum to follow with more tears.

However, my most magical moment of the day was when Andrew and Jay shared a moment with ‘They’, their little bundle of joy growing inside Jay. ‘They’ was determined to show its approval by actively joining in the celebrations throughout the day with regular kicking intervals. Capturing the moment of a loving parent’s hand on the bump of a pregnant lady is an absolute privilege.

Wishing Andrew, Jay and ‘They’ all the happiness for the future. 

Thanks for an awesone day guys, your wedding rocked :)

 

.

Clearwell Castle Wedding Photography   - Find my favourite photos from Andrew and Jay's wedding day below.

If you're looking for Clearwell Castle Wedding Photography, then contact me today  to discuss.