Luke and Rebecca’s Hensol Castle wedding

Luke and Rebecca had a beautiful Autumnal wedding in September 2023. It was my second time photographing at the beautiful Hensol castle and I couldn’t wait, I had been watching the weather apps all week and unfortunately it was going to be a very grey day, but we weren’t going to let that hamper anything as this was going to be a beautiful wedding regardless.

I arrived at Rebecca and Luke’s house for bridal prep three hours before the ceremony to capture all the beautiful details and build up to the day.

I got to meet their little fur baby – and you know how much I love a kitty.

I left a little earlier than the bridal party to ensure I could get there, park and be ready to photograph them arriving. This can be so difficult as a lot of the time churches were built so long ago that there isn’t anywhere to park, or only a few spaces – and of course as I’m with the bride I arrive there last.

In the church I was given a spot to stand to photograph the wedding, and told not to move from that area. Regardless of any rules that are given I will do my absolute best to photograph gorgeous photos, and have long lenses for instances such as this. At this point during the day someone else is in charge, so its about capturing the memories that are happening in front of me. Some of the time I quietly sneaked into the middle so I could see the Rebecca’s face. Its worth mentioning here to ask your vicar if they have similar rules, so you know what to expect.

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They had the most wonderful confetti aisle, lots of confetti, lots of smiles and expressions – perfect!

We then made our way to Hensol Castle. I started by photographing lots of beautiful candid shots of people chatting, hugging and being themselves. A lot of the best photos tend to come from the ‘in the moment’ candid shots.

So in the time between the end of ceremony and sit down for food I will allocate a time to pop into the reception room to photograph the tables, flowers, cake, table plan etc. If the ceremony is elsewhere the room is normally ready early as they’ve had lots of time to dress it – but if its the same room it can take time to turn it around, so I pop in just before the call through for guests.

After a while I had to start the groups as I had quite the list to complete, and luckily I had help from a brilliant group of groomsmen who would call people for me. This always helps as I don’t know the family and friends, and of course they do.

Once we’d finished I captured a few portraits over by the steps leaving to the castle, the classic shot.

On this occasion speeches were after food and they were so heartfelt and beautiful, with lots of laughs along the way of course.

We popped out for portraits after speeches. If you can its always best to do it in the evening as you’re more relaxed, the lighting is better for portraits and if you have a nice day you may even get a sunset. Trying to fit everything in earlier in the day makes it rushed, so this way we utilise that little lull in the evening instead. Although saying that it all depends on what time of year you’re getting married as late Autumn, Winter and early Spring the sun sets earlier.