In September 2021, I photographed Emma and Jonathan’s wedding at Gileston Manor, a grade II listed Manor house in the Vale of Glamorgan.
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Emma and her family and friends got ready in the Applestore. When I arrived three hours before the ceremony, I started by photographing the details, the flowers and dresses. I absolutely loved the shoes as they had a silver sixpence for good luck and the loveliest sentiment underneath.
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When I’d finished with the bits and bobs, I photographed candid shots of the prep happening in front of me, I ensured Emma only had the finishing touches before photographing her. When Jonathan and his family arrived, I popped over to photograph them as the timing was perfect.
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I wanted to really feature the wedding dress, so decided to hang it off above the stairs. I love how the angles intersect at the dress, drawing the eye to it. Honestly, so much thought goes into the angles and composition before I actually press the shutter.
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Emma was dressed by her uncle David. It was an absolute honour to be present in this moment, hear his wonderful stories and capture Emma’s special moments – and what a special moment it was!
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Emma had a giant smile on her face walking down the aisle to Jonathan, I love that as most brides are so nervous to look up – not Emma, happy and loving it.
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Emma and Jonathan had a gorgeous ceremony, being witnessed by their friends, family and family in Australia via video call. Gileston has such a gorgeous ceremony area, the Summer House – a completely clear roof so doesn’t leave any light or dark spots which make it difficult to expose and allows all the natural light in – perfect for me.
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The happy couple.
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After walking down the aisle they waited for me to assemble a confetti aisle, always fun and the perfect opportunity for smiles and laughter.
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I decided to photograph the groups in front of the building as its hard standing and its iconic.
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Lots of smiles, laughter and happy tears, and that was just me! no honestly, it was so lovely to see.
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At Gileston theres so many areas you can use for photography, we were spoilt for choice, but I began in the walled gardens, which is honestly one fo the best looked after walled gardens I’ve seen. In the Summer it has some of the most beautiful blooms.
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We spent some time down at the lake.
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A tunnel of climbing roses, and although it was towards the end of rose season, the repetitive nature of the structure is still visually appealing – add the bride and groom and its just perfect!
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As well as all of the natural backdrops we also took advantage of the gorgeous doors, and honestly I was in my element, especially as they are my FAVOURITE colour.
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I had a blast photographing theis wonderful wedding, they truly were the most lovely families and the venue has become one of my favourites!
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Hair: Blaise Llewelyn | Makeup Artist: Kirsty Rowland MUA | Florist: The Dancing Daffodil | Shoes: Charlotte Mills | Venue: Gileston Manor | Dress: Wed2Be | Suits: Dyfed Menswear | Photography: Kate Richards Photography | Treats: Tricycle Treats | Favours: Calon Lan Cakes | Cake: DeVoli Cakes | Entertainment: JD Entertainment Ltd | Stationery: Sarah Wants | Rings: | Harpist: Lowri Phillips