My current predilection for posting images in chronological order was bound to lead to apparent narrative dissonance eventually but despite this not being Mark, certainly not Kate, it was the first photograph I took on their wedding day and it does lead us to one of a number of important aspects of the story of that occasion. Nick flew all the way from Australia, arriving the day before, to be there for Kate & Mark’s special day. He then flew all the way back again, to Australia, a mere three days later. I think that’s somewhat heroic and I salute him with my opening image which I’m certain is nowhere near the most flattering he’s been featured in but I’m down with the ‘fresh’ off the back of a 24 hour flight look myself; I think it’ll be all the rage at weddings next year.
On to the main narrative track. A Dorset wedding with a Hampshire celebration. Kate forewent photographic coverage of her bridal preparations and sent me along to cover the Ushers’ Lunch at The Nelson Tavern in Mudeford, Christchurch (Thai cuisine and Dorset cream teas, beer and wine, ushers’ lunches. All under one roof).
Mark had at his disposal a veritable army of groomsmen to ensure that everything ran like clockwork on the big day. Men, controlling the time-line, on a wedding day.
:~)
It’s great to have the moral support though and a splendid bunch they all were too, from beginning to end.
Mark sets about the issuing of orders, instructions and guidelines for the day. Best Man Jason engages with the notion that things will run on time. F.O.G. Bob understands these things fully.
The collective decide it's time for a post-mortem of the stag do. Mark volunteers to present the first piece of anecdotal evidence. I couldn't hear anything he said; my camera shutter was keeping my ears fully occupied. Had I heard anything, or indeed everything, I'd have forgotten by now anyway. Had I heard it all and remembered though, I'd not be saying anything (other than it was funny :~)
... as everyone else gathered there agreed.
Sometimes body language isn't saying what it might appear to be saying.
A hearty lunch served and despatched, it was only a short walk up the road to All Saints Church where Kate & Mark would come together later. First off it was time for a small army of groomsmen to engage in battle with a confusion of buttonholes.
Buttonholes tamed, all there was left to do was wait. And wait some more. Then sit down to wait.
And stand up again. As good a way to wait as sitting down.
Checking for bride smuggling activity.
And here they come! The bridal party were lined up to arrive in a four car fleet of Minis, Kate in a cream number. I counted three; no cream. But then, over the horizon (around the corner strictly speaking), the fleet special appeared...
Well. Worth. The wait.
Contact Bournemouth wedding photographer Phillip Allen : phill@misterphill.com : 07870 696248
by Phillip Allen
show hide 9 comments
Jonathan Roberts - The BW are so nice. The little kid shots are so telling. Truly inspiring.
Kim Hawkins - Love your stuff, Phill and your blog posts are always great fun to read! :)
Saskia - You captured such great moments. I love the one of the little man getting his boutineer on.
alexis sweet - Very nice. I like your BW process.
Becca - I adore the one of the little boy waiting patiently while the woman in the hat (his mother?) puts on his flower for him. As always, the commentary rivals the photography, but the pictures emerge victorious :)
Csanad - Great set and a splendid teaser in itself. can’t wait to see Part II. i love the image of the groomsmen walking down the street.
Jason Lloyd - I really like your candid, documentary style. Nice work!!
Amy French - Love the minis! What a great idea. You captured it all so well. I love the last shot.
Thomas Lester - Man… you get some pretty hot couples. Love the Mini Coopers. You captured a lot of great emotions. These are fantastic.