I used to be in the habit of opening a wedding feature with a peak image from the day, typically featuring both Bride and Groom. Of late however I’ve felt more inclined to follow the narrative progress of the day, from the outset, as it naturally unfolds. As such I introduce you to Sarah’s knee. Her right hand too. Maybe even the tip of a toe.
Nigel’s nowhere in sight yet. Of course not. These are the bridal preparations (and the bride always goes last so it’s just a knee, a hand and a toe tip for now).
At this point in the day he’ll be, well, somewhere else. Doing something else. Maybe working on his speech, polishing his cuff-links, wrestling with his buttonhole (not in any way an observation on Nigel but on just about all men when it comes to wedding days).
If you’d like a quick peek at how the two, Sarah & Nigel, look together though you can pop over to their pre-wedding shoot in Bournemouth back in mid-April of this year.
Or indeed just go with the narrative flow.
Introducing left to right: Bridesmaid Julia, Ms Make-up Artist, Bridesmaid Cat (Sarah's cousin), Ms Hair Artist. Cat couldn't wait for the World to see her in rollers.
Later that day Sarah & Nigel would come together and marry at the astounding Church of St. Cross on the outskirts of Winchester. Fearing getting caught in traffic en route to the church she booked out the lounge and living room of the nearby Ranelagh Guest House. A good call.
And now for the rest of her, the star of the show herself, Sarah.
This week's answer to The Existential Crisis of Being a Wedding Photographer. I appear to be drinking from a large mug.
Time to decorate the F.O.B.
An anthropological first for me!
Get me to the church on time. Preferably before the Bride at least. I hoped that Sarah would find her shoes where I'd last left them!
Co-star of the show: Sarah & Nigel's pride & joy.
There's no disguising Nigel's reaction as he sees Sarah approach. His brother and Best Man Nic appears to be having certain feelings too, towards my camera. I'm rather fond of it myself I suppose.
A beautiful church and photographer friendly clergy that gave me relatively free range to roam, the architecture itself around the altar area wasn't quite so obliging. Still, great image making material abounded.
Time for an array of group photographs out on the lawns of the Hospital of St. Cross. The baking hot June lawns. This was going to be thirsty work.
Sarah & Nigel braved the beating Sun heroically for the better part of an hour. Much of that was rounding up the boys :~) With everyone else on their way to Bournemouth for the reception it was time to bathe them in shade.
The reception, wedding breakfast and evening party took place back across the border into Dorset, at The Chine Hotel in Bournemouth.
The cake. Beautifully created by Nigel's work colleague Marion.
Had the focus not been on the dessert, and why wouldn't it be indeed, there'd be a familiar name showing on the place card. My heartfelt culinary thanks to Sarah & Nigel for the good feed (sat amongst a great set of guests to boot!)
Nigel's nephews are well prepared for the imminent speeches.
The Chine boasts an enchanting cluster of tiered gardens that descend towards the sea. As sunset approached we followed their path.
I had to close my eyes.
I must say that I like Nigel's style. The avant garde approach to focus is highly evocative.
Pure photo-journalism all the way. No staging. All real scenes, real moments, as they occur.
And back to The Chine we headed...
Something I've not personally encountered at a wedding for quite some time, and a pity that is. The bouquet toss. A grand tradition and potential source of new clients!
The winner of the bouquet. I sensed something in the cards, so I handed them one of mine. I've even got a place-holder in my image stamp for them :~)
I can't recall having a second shooter along on this commission. We had a good chat about vegetables though.
If you were a guest at Sarah & Nigel’s wedding and would like to be notified when the full gallery has been uploaded, please do drop me a note, perhaps even in the Comment section below. It’s become a standard ploy; all part of my battle against the existential crisis :~)
- Dress: Brides of Bournemouth
- Suits: Graham Gibbs of Southbourne
- Flowers: Southbourne Florist
- Hair & Make-up: Hair Time
- Car: Silver Service
- Cake: Marion Birtles
- DJ: Dr. Disco (the second time I’ve worked alongside David and his wife; brilliant as expected and congratulations again on your forthcoming bundle of joy!)
Contact Bournemouth wedding photographer Phillip Allen : phill@misterphill.com : 07870 696248
by Phillip Allen
show hide 11 comments
MAURONSTER - You told in a unique way this beautiful love story … you are a
great photographer, congratulations Phillip
Ben Godkin - Beautiful wedding… you have some great PJ skillz!
Kyle - Looks like a really awesome day! The shot of the bride looking off into the ocean (you can’t see her face) is my favorite. I always love the faceless ones…makes you look deeper into the photo.
James Pearson - Sarah & Nigel’s wedding has blown me away – I’m in awe; wonderful images! I particularly enjoyed the preparation shots – the B&W makeup and hair being done on each side of the room; gorgeous light and wonderful composition. Love the use of the two doors to frame the colour image too. The images of the F.O.B. being decorated, the two bridesmaids’ dresses being sorted, followed by the bridesmaid sitting on the floor – LOVE these!! (There are too many gems to comment on!)
What an amazing church and you’ve captured the architecture and moments beautifully. Great moments during the speeches, stunning portraits – love the beach shots especially the lean in for a kiss impromptu moment.
Seriously wonderful wedding – one of my all time favourites! I’m totally inspired by it and I bet Sarah and Nigel absolutely love how you’ve captured their wonderful day.
Sarah Hawksley - Stunning! I love the photos they are totally amazing and we are extremely lucky that you were our wedding photographer. You have captured our special day fantastically and we will treasure the memories and of course pictures for a lifetime. Thank you so much.
Wes Brown - You really told a wonderful story of this day. Tremendous work in this imagery and a really appealing style. Very well done.
Jen deVos - I love the black and white shots at the beach, especially the bride and groom looking out to sea. Very romantic!
Amanda Hoffman - You did such an amazing job capturing their day! So beautiful!
Jennifer - Breathtaking! Really! The bride, her details, the locations are phenomenal, but your images are truly fantastic. Inspiring compositions: her arrival, his beach arabesque, the green hymnals. W O W.
Nikki Welch - These are simply incredibly. I really love your style. I feel like I was at the wedding after viewing this blog post. Bravo!
Carrie - I love your posts Phill – not only do they make me laugh, but the photography is so fantastic I feel like I’m there! I do hope ? + ? contact you with regards to their upcoming nuptials?!