Everyone wishes for lovely weather on their wedding day. It uplifts the soul, gives the day a positive palette and makes everything seem happier somehow. Annabel and Robin got their wish. For on the hottest day of the year, they were married. It was glorious. And very, very hot.
I arrived at Annabel’s parents’ beautiful house to photograph her getting ready with her three bridesmaids and felt instantly welcomed. Annabel’s parents were so friendly and so very proud of their daughter, it was a lovely, calm but joyous atmosphere that sunny morning. I shot Annabel and her bridesmaids’ portraits outside in their enormous garden before heading back inside for Annabel to be handed a letter written by her soon-to-be husband. It was a morning full of emotion and nerves but you could tell that Annabel couldn’t wait to be standing at Robin’s side.
Their ceremony and reception were both held at Westerham Golf Club in Kent and the whole of the inside was adorned with white drapes giving it a crisp, clean look and somehow providing a cooling relief from the outside heat. The reception tables were Vegas themed and the dancefloor was emblazoned with their initials, A&R.
The hot weather made the family photos difficult for all involved but some generous bridesmaids were on hand to provide much needed glasses of water to cool us down. We then made our way to the lake for their portraits but could only manage a few under the shelter provided by the nearby copse – the weather was just too good! We made a pact to return after a collection of emotional and hilarious speeches when it was cooler just before sun-down, and did just that. The later time gave a beautiful golden light and a much more comfortable Bride and Groom who didn’t need any prompting from me. They just kissed and cuddled and walked and laughed.
Annabel & Robin’s first dance looked great on their personalised dancefloor and when Annabel’s Dad took over from Robin for their Father/Daughter dance, the tears were not far away. It was plain to see how proud Annabel’s Dad was and it culminated in a massive group hug with Annabel, her parents and bridesmaids. Queue the DJ to turn up a different kind of heat and get the party started.
So Annabel & Robin’s family and friends will look back at their wedding day with fond memories of a positive, loving, emotional and fun day. Some would argue that the weather made it. I would argue that had it rained instead, Annabel’s bridesmaids would still have laughed all morning, her portraits with Robin would have still been natural and true and her Dad would have been just as proud whisking her around the dancefloor. Yes, of course it’s nice to have a hot, sunny day (although not so much for the wedding photographer!). But in the end, it doesn’t matter what’s happening outside. It’s how you feel on the inside.
