Where It All Began

I thought my first blog should be about the first wedding I shot since deciding to follow these dreams everyone is always talking about chasing!

It wasn't the first I'd ever photographed, I'd covered a couple of friends weddings and I remember about a week before the big day I'd get this overwhelming feeling of pressure and anxiety. I stopped taking photographs for a while, only to pick it up to take photographs of my pets whilst out walking, although I still felt the desire to take photographs of people.

It wasn't until 2018 that I decided to pick up the camera again and forced myself out to take photos at least once a week, taking inspiration from other photographers. Brandon Woelfel being a top offender! Then I received my first email enquiry about shooting a wedding in January 2019. I was so happy and excited that I'd had an email through my (not very well put together) website, I replied and we confirmed the booking!

I remember meeting the couple and being so incredibly nervous. What do I say? What should I ask them? Sonali and Ed could not have been more perfect for my first venture into professional wedding photography. I instantly felt relaxed around them and as I learnt more about their day my anxiety turned into excitement. 

They chose to have their ceremony in the amazing Ynyshir restaurant and rooms, in a tiny little Welsh village near Machynlleth. It was a perfect venue for such an intimate elopement which included only bride, groom, their parents and Sonalis' sister. The flowers and table displays were beautifully dried bouquets, and a wall hanging was dropped over the window behind the couple as they exchanged their vows. These flowers came from the amazing Rose Hip & Wren and the delicate colours matched the interior of Ynyshir and the feel of the day completely, even the cakes made by KB Eats had been beautifully decorated using dried flowers! Sonali’s embellished her beautiful green velvet dress from ASOS with Indian gold embroidery, and Ed wore a red suit with patent black shoes, the wedding rings made by the wonderful Deepa Tailor. Everything worked and felt effortless for this couple who wanted nothing more than a day to celebrate their love for each other with those closet to them. 

I also couldn't write this without mentioning the amazing coffee that we had during the day! It is probably still the nicest coffee I have ever had!

I felt so honoured to capture their day and learned so much that I now carry with me into all my work. It was also here that I met the wonderful videographer Truly Madly Film, who shared her experience of getting to where she is now. This gave me a boost to get out and get on with learning as much as I could, exploring all the photographic possibilities that are out there.

Below are a few of my photographs from that wonderful day along with the suppliers used.