It was a bright, dry and unseasonably warm sunny morning when I set off in one direction to do the bridal preparation photos at Tracey's Mum's and Bob set off in the other to do the groom prep pictures at Steve's.
Having been to Tracey's Mum's a few days previously when I'd been to do a recce, as I always do when I'm not sure where a place is, and found the road closed because of roadworks I was glad that my belt and braces approach to navigation meant that I knew what to expect on the day.
On the day of the wedding the roadworks had all gone and I was there with the larks! Oh well, better early that late!
The house was a hive of laid back and relaxed activity. I discovered that Tracey's Mum is a genius. It turned out that she'd made Tracey's veil and it was stunning. All lacy, vintagey (is that a word?) and cathedral length. Flipping heck, if I'd have tried to make that I'd still be doing it now!
Tracey was in the conservatory having her hair and make up one as I was in the bedroom going "Oh My God! Jimmy Choos!"
Have you ever seen the perfect pair of shoes? You have now. Here they are, gold, sparkly and gorgeous.
The flowers arrived and Tracey's Mum set to again.
This time with some ribbon which tied in exactly with the colour scheme of gold and blue. Isn't the little flower girl's basket cute? I thought it deserved a photo to itself.
Meanwhile, back at Steve's house, one of the two cats had decided to make a run for it, the other one stood on the stairs wondering what on earth was going on.
I'm not sure he was quite as excited as everyone else, he looks totally unimpressed to me.
Bob and myself made our separate ways to the church, the parish church in Higher Walton and as normal we had a chat with the vicar to ask what his rules were regarding photography in church, often a heart sink moment for us.
This vicar wins the prize for being the most obliging vicar EVER!
His views on photography during the ceremony and ours were exactly the same. We are both of the opinion that the ceremony THE most important part of the day and therefore must be captured for posterity. Yay!!.
While it's vital that the photographer doesn't cause any disruption by moving about or by using flash during the ceremony I think it's that it's the one part of the day where we really should be able to take photographs and it's very often the one part of the day we get stopped. (I'm trying really hard not to get on my soapbox and start ranting just now) so moving swiftly on....
Tracey and her Dad arrived at the church. She looked radiant.
No sign of nerves, just a happy and excited bride who couldn't wait to get inside to marry the man she loves.
I think it's fair to say Steve wasn't looking quite as radiant, I do believe there may have been a small amount of nervousness about him.
The nerves soon dissipated when Tracey got to the alter and they looked into each others eyes. I have never seen a bride look at her groom with such a look of love in her eyes. I was getting quite emotional just watching them.
The little flower girl decided that she was bored halfway through the ceremony and decided to go for a little walkabout.
All too soon the ceremony was over and after a quick kiss on the steps of the church it was off to the beautiful Samlesbury Hall for the reception.
Oh how I love Samlesbury Hall. What a magnificent venue. It's reputed to be haunted but I never saw or felt anything. Tsk. Fancy myself as a ghost hunter (not!!)
The wedding breakfast was held in the Great Hall. The fire had been lit in the huge stone fireplace, the huge chandelier was glowing, the candles had been lit in the superb candlabras and the atmosphere was altogether lovely.
There was much hilarity during the speeches but I couldn't possibly tell you what was being said. All I can tell you is that the lady looking down from that huge picture frame above the bride and groom didn't look at all amused. That made me laugh behind my camera even more!
Is it wrong of me to enjoy the weddings we shoot so much?
Normally at a wedding there is a bit of a lull after the wedding breakfast and before the evening reception.
Not so for Tracey and Steve. They decided to get in a proper casino! Wow!
Here's Tracey's Dad deep in thought watching the proceedings. Maybe he's trying to work out a winning system. When you do, let me know, I'll be your new best friend!
Looks like these two have already worked it out. Loadsa money!!
The time eventually came for the first dance. A little bird told me that it may not have gone exactly as planned but it looked good to me and everyone in the room seemed to enjoy it. Especially Steve and Tracey.
Congratulations Steve and Tracey. I'm certain you're going to have many happy years together.
