My gorgeous bride and groom were married at Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire. I had met Catherine and Harry a few times before at Harry’s sister’s wedding and their subsequent Christening. However, I was so happy to be making their acquaintance as Bride and Groom!
I drove up to Ely the night before to recce and familiarise myself with the cathedral. Trusting SatNav to take me to the Cathedral, I drove over a hill and there it was! The cathedral was awe-inspiring - and HUGE! The exterior of the building was dominating, the interior, however, was just stunning. Taking pictures of the amazing vaulted ceiling and having said "Wow!" too many times to repeat, I did my sun dance and looked forward to the next day. I introduced myself to one of the lovely Vergers who was more than friendly and showed me around her Cathedral.
In the morning, I started my day as usual, with the bride, who had chosen to get ready at her parental home in Ely. Catherine had attended the school attached to Ely Cathedral so this was familiar territory. The wedding marquee was perfectly set up in the garden around her parent’s orchard. Last minute touches were being added by Catherine’s Mum.
Catherine was transformed into the perfect summer bride with the help of Kate Hughes make up and hair artistry. As Catherine finished dressing her sister and mum stood in the door. Even Catherine was speechless.
Catherine was adamant that she only wanted her Dad only to see her when she was completely ready. As she descended the stairs for the grand reveal, to her father, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house! It is wonderful to be able to record these moments for my bride and Harry, my groom to see later. I want those emotions to be experienced again and again.
Not breaking any speed limits, I quickly drove to the Ely Cathedral for the wedding. I was in perfect position to capture the arrival of the bridesmaids, who all wore the same colour of dress but cut to their design. I chatted to my Groom, Harry. Ensuring that a little bit of discrete alter photography was allowed after a quick liaise with Harry and the Vicar - it was back to the front of the cathedral for the arrival of the Bride!
Catherine arrived, perfectly on time. Her mum met her in the bridal car and tears immediately welled up. After a last minute dress adjustment and a kiss on the cheek from her sister,
After a last minute dress adjustment and a kiss on the cheek from her sister, the Bride’s father accompanied Catherine down the incredibly long Nave towards her Groom.
The service was beautiful! Immense as the Cathedral is, the intimacy of the wedding was wonderful. All eyes were on the happy couple who seemed to only see each other as they exchanged their wedding vows.
After the service the Bride and Groom left through a sea of confetti and headed to their wedding breakfast in their vintage car.
The Wedding Reception was held at the Bride’s home.
One of the Groomsmen blew his trusted Bugle and the Bride and Groom made their entrance!
They list their daughter’s proud achievements but really they’re saying to everyone how much they love and adore them in a way only Dads can. The Best Man’s speech was hilarious and cannot be printed here. .
After dinner the speeches began. My favourite speech is often the father of the bride.
After the cutting of the cheese cake, the couple enjoyed their first dance as man and wife and the party continued into the night.
Catherine and Harry’s review said:
“We knew we were in safe hands with Gill as she was the photographer at my sister in laws wedding prior to us getting married. Gill always made everyone she was shooting feel totally relaxed. She focused on non stage photos too, as we requested, so we could have natural photos to capture the true atmosphere of the day. We were married in Ely Cathedral and Gill’s attention to detail meant she got some incredible shots of the setting too. Gill then created an incredible photo album, which is a great memento of the day. Would highly recommend her x”