I met Rachel early in the morning as she was getting her make-up applied. She looked stunning; even more so once she had put her wedding dress on. There were some touching moments at the house, especially between daughter and farther.
The church was almost full and the service was wonderful. After the church service I went about my business capturing the documentary style photography that I like to do.
The whole wedding party then went to the reception at Orton Hall in Peterborough, one of my local venues to work at. I have a good photographic knowledge of this wedding venue, which helps in many respects. We had plenty of time for group photos, some more structured but most included the fun element, which I love to incorporate on wedding days. The more people laugh the more fun they have, and the less the worry about being photographed.
The speeches were some of the best I have heard, they had everything, emotion, embracement, humour and tenderness.
I took the bride and groom out after the speeches for some intimate photography; the grounds at Orton hall are particularly good for this, especially in May when the bluebells are in bloom.
The guest didn’t need much encouragement to hop onto the dance floor, which is always great to see.
No matter the time of year the photographic scope is endless at Orton Hall in Peterborough. Its impressive appearance makes a naturally great backdrop for photographs. The main advantage of this venue is the superb grounds. All around Orton Hall there is potential for creative and beautiful wedding photos.
There is ample space in the bridal suite to photograph your preparations. The staircase and landing prove to be photographic hotspots on the day.
The ceremony is conducted in the conservatory. I prefer to stand behind the registrar’s to capture the pictures of the bride and father coming down the aisle. During the ceremony photography is limited; you are allowed to take exchanging of rings and then the first kiss. A mock signing of the register is then set-up. The only down side to the room is on a bright day the sunlight cast shadows and unwanted highlights on the wedding party, but this is a minor factor.
Taking the bride and groom away for a brief spell or two is a definite must, this gives them space and time to themselves and it also gives you the opportunity to capture some intimate photography.
I tend to go up into one of the rooms for the larger group photos and look down over all your family and guest. For the smaller group pictures they’re a variety of good locations depending on weather and lighting.
Even at night Orton Hall looks great, the grandness of the building takes on a new effect when the sun goes down.
