It's the age old question when it comes to couples, young or old, newly starting or seasoned professionals... 'was it love at first sight?' So as my wonderful couple, Sam and Matt chatted to me about their journey to the aisle, for which I would be the designated wedding photographer, it was great to hear a new twist on the famous saying. Having been seemingly intertwined through friendships and places of note, it seemed inevitable that they would meet at some point, and perhaps catch each others eye... or as they so much more eloquently put it than I could, 'love at first sight.... may need a double take!'
And I suppose there must have been the odd one or two times that Sam and Matt crossed paths before that double take occurred, with a number of links between the two that lead them to that first meet. Both Staffordshire University graduates, interlinked friendship circles... it certainly seemed like they were destined to meet from the start, leading to that all important question almost 11 years later, on the beautiful island of Tenerife, during a winter break away. However, hopes weren't high for our soon to be, bride to be Sam having felt as though the moment had passed, following an amazing trip to Mexico in the recent past to this getaway. Sam had been sure that as 10 years had been clocked up, THIS was the trip where a certain question was to be popped... but it wasn't to be. However, our groom to be asked his Sami for her hand in marriage on the Spanish isle, a short time later, with emotions flooding in from both sides... Matt with a breaking voice, and of course Sam, eager to reply the only way that made sense at that romantic moment, 'show me the goods first'... a quick look at the box from Matt helped him realise that he had two things he needed to do. Pop the question, and pop open the ring box... one out of two isn't bad hey?
With the engagement now official, a wedding photographer (most important obviously) and a wedding venue were the top prioirities for a soon to be wedded couple. You can probably guess who had been chosen to be their wedding photographer for the day, but I'll help you with their chosen venue. In Sam's words, 'the beautiful Weston Hall'...
"The venue is perfection. The décor, the staff, everything – it is a dream wedding [venue], where you feel like a princess."
And I must really echo those sentiments... a sensational place, and a photographers dream. The venue itself as a backdrop to your wedding photos is simply stunning, and it is combined with some wonderful people there, that help make the day truly magical... a huge help to me throughout, and so a recommendation from me, should you be looking for a wedding venue... Weston Hall, Staffordshire, take a look.
It's always so lovely to ask couples what their highlight was, and to hear an endless list... a true sign of a fantastic day. From some 'athletic' displays on the dancefloor for the wedding 'challenges', the steps of Weston Hall as Sam made her way to meet Matt, the tears in our grooms eyes as he saw his bride approach and the visit of Dan, Matt's father from the USA who completed a family reunion, with everyone together for the first time in 20 years... there were moments after moments throughout. Whilst I'm sure these moments will live long in the memory, I am sure that one part of the day will never be forgotton, and he went by the name of Buster. I managed to get some truly lovely shots of the small family of Sam, Matt and Buster together, as you'll see below. And for all of the happiness those photos will bring, it is with such a sad heart to say that these were the last they managed to have together as one. I absolutely loved being able to work with him on the day, a true little old gentleman, that sadly passed away shortly after the wedding. In Sam's words...
"...these photos are not only a highlight of the day, but our last chance to have a family photoshoot with him. Truly a cherished moment that we are so thankful for."
And so, I think it only right to end on a note of congratulations to our gorgeous couple, and a tribute to a lovely little fella, who I had the privilege to photograph on such a special occasion... to Sam, Matt and Buster!
Wedding photography by Jon Thorne at Weston Hall, Staffordshire.
