Warwick Wedding Photography

Sophie, Tom & Arnie's  Warwick Wedding Photography.

My first Warwick wedding since locdown.

Sophie and Tom are the first wedding couple I’ve been fortunate enough to photograph since Lockdown and what a way to kick off the new wedding season. It wasn’t only the bride who hadbutterflies on the day of the celebrations, I was really excited to get my camera out again!

It’s funny how you miss rituals, and how quickly you pick them up again. My first ritual of the day was to pick up a Fanta on route to the bridal party.  How can fizzy pop taste so good?! As I was driving through sunny Warwick, I wondered to myself, what would a wedding be like in this new world? Could a wedding really be as good as the world pre Covid-19?

Pre wedding planning and couple shoot in Warwick

When two people are in love, nothing will get in their way and I really felt this applied to Sophie and Tom. Discussing their wedding plans in detail before the big day, it was obvious that this couple had thought of everything to ensure their wedding celebrations would be as special for their guests as it was for them. They informed me they were getting married on the Thursday “ their legal part “ in Warwick before having a humanist ceremony with friends and family on the Saturday.  Knowing the venue well, Swallows Nest Barn sounded an ideal location to allow for guests to social distance with ease within the acres of woodland.

I met Sophie and Tom on their engagement shoot in Warwick, three weeks before their wedding day. At this point I realised it wasn’t just about the love between Sophie and Tom. Their biggest love was Arnie, the mini sausage dog who was born to be on camera. When they told me of Arnie’s tailored suit that had been ordered, I couldn’t wait until the big day. And so, the day of the celebrations quickly arrived. I was greeted by four very bubbly bridesmaids in a cottage in Warwick who were helping Sophie with her bridal preparations. As the champagne started flowing, I got to hear more and more stories of the days in Ireland when Sophie and her friends used to venture out. The stories certainly put a smile on my face but of course my lips are sealed with the details.

The Main Wedding Event Warwick

I drove to Swallows Nest Barn in Warwick just as the guests were arriving. I was making sure I was in position to get the one photo that Sophie had insisted on… and it’s the first request of its kind.  In order for Sophie to get to the top of the hill where the ceremony was taking place, she would travel by golf buggy and she wanted the moment captured. OK I was ready but was the bridal party? As the golf buggy set off one of the bridesmaids pretty much gambolled off the back of the buggy. This was going to be a day full of smiles and laughter! I can’t think of a more perfect setting to have a humanist wedding than on top of a hill surrounded by the beauty of nature. As Sophie walked down the aisle the light shining between the trees made for a magical setting. I enjoyed the words of the ceremony which had been written by one of their friends, although when it was time for the vows, both Sophie and Tom had prepared individual vows which led to much of the congregation getting emotional.

Throughout the day I managed to capture many photographs of the couple against the stunning natural backdrop. From the vivid green of the leaves and grass, to the pinks and purples of the evening sky. From the yellow of the fields of wheat to the oranges and reds of the fire. I couldn’t stop taking photos! I feel lucky to have captured the first intimate moment of the couple after the ceremony and some bonding time with Arnie as well (to ensure he didn’t feel left out).

As I walked around taking photographs of the guests there was such a buzz in the air. People were genuinely delighted to be out and able to see one another. Tom’s Aunt was also celebrating her birthday that day, so she had a happy glow about her being able to celebrate with those she loved. And while it was known that many guests from Ireland, America and Australia couldn’t make it, their presence was still felt with the celebrations being video streamed.

And so, into the yurt for hog roast and speeches. I hadn’t realised how much I missed wedding food. So much so that I couldn’t resist a second  pudding! The laughter got louder and louder as people enjoyed taking part in speech bingo, introduced by Tom (I lost count of the amount of shots that were poured). And while Sophie lost her bet that Tom would cry at some point during the day, I managed to capture the moment her Dad shed a tear during her speech. The father and daughter bond is so moving to see.

I believe every first dance should be outside. Not only did it encourage everyone up on their feet, it’s the perfect way for guests to enjoy themselves while keeping a safe distance. It encouraged guests to break out in song, to dance around the fire pits and to celebrate long into the night.  In fact, the bridesmaids were so keen to dance I caught two of them cutting their dresses to maximise their dancing capabilities. That’s dedication for you!
 

I have never taken so many photographs at a wedding. Was it because of my excitement about being able to photograph warwick weddings again after such a long break? Was it because of the excitement of the guests enjoying
themselves after Lockdown? Was it because of the genuine love of this beautiful couple? Was it because of the stunning natural backdrop? I don’t know what the answer is, but I have to say it felt like one of the most special weddings I’ve encountered, and I’m honoured to have been
part of the occasion. I have a positive feeling about weddings in this new world.

Bring it on…

Warwick Wedding Photography  - Find my favourite photos from Sophie, Tom & Arnie's Warwick wedding day below.

If you're looking for a Warwick Wedding Photographer, then contact me today  to discuss.