Abel’s Harp Wedding Photographer

Abel’s Harp Wedding Photographer

This wedding! Colin called me during the summer whilst I was stranded at Bordeaux airport after an emergency landing, waiting for my redirected flight to Spain to be announced. Colin & Danielle booked me pretty much as soon as they’d seen my work and I was stoked as they sounded so nice as did their vintage themed wedfest in the Shropshire hills. So mid September I made the long drive up to Able’s Harp in the middle of nowhere near Bromlow Callow, Minsterley. The drive up through the narrow winding lanes, uphill all the way through the beautiful countryside gave me an idea of what awaited me. Everyone was arriving like me, the day before the wedding and I made it just as Danielle and her family and gals were unpacking cars. And wow, what a stunning view – I could totally see why they booked this place!  They’d hoped for an outdoor wedding overlooking the rolling hills so I was keeping my fingers crossed for good weather. It wasn’t long before Colin arrived with his groomsmen and a few vintage motorbikes, which he’d hoped would be part of the wedding somehow. Other family and friends arrived in dribs and drabs and gathered at Able’s Harp for a big boozy supper to get their wedfest off to the right start.

Documentary wedding photographer

After a good night’s sleep, I arrived bright and early the next morning  and despite a some rain, everyone was up doing their bit setting things up for the day. Danielle was getting ready in one of the hotel bedrooms which was crammed full with friends, bridesmaids and both their mothers. It didn’t take long before someone was passing around some wine – let me tell you, this lot were an absolute scream from the minute I got there! Unbeknownst to Danielle, Colin had been pretty sick all night – not sure what from, a bug or something, but he was still sleeping. So the guys stepped up with everyone doing the things on Colin’s pre wedding list so he could rest with strict instructions not to tell Danielle. The place was buzzing with bunting going up, flowers being arranged, bouquets being tied, furniture being moved, props being put up in the garden. Meanwhile back with the girls, Danielle was looking a million dollars and the dress was ON. A few hours later than planned, Colin finally felt well enough to get up and ready – THANK GOD WE HAD A GROOM!!! Dressed and ready to go, everyone made their way up to the outdoor ceremony area, awaiting the bride’s arrival so the wedding could begin. As you can see from my coverage, my style is candid, relaxed and unstaged. Most couples don’t really know what style of photography they want and that’s why it’s important to look at full weddings from any photographer you’re considering. Anyone can produce a few hero shots but want you really want to look for is consistency throughout the day. I get right into the middle of a wedding and the events of the day to capture the moments like I have below. Check out the following weddings for more on my style Eleanor & Jacky’s London wedding, and Xin-Wang & Tom’s Brighton seaside wedding.

Hand-fasting Outdoor Ceremony

Straight after their short registrar wedding, one of Danielle & Colin’s best friends who also happens to be a Pagan Priest, conducted a beautiful hand-fasting ceremony. That was moving. And so they were married! After confetti, lots of hugs and congratulations, we took a short walk for some romantic photos. Big cheers and a standing ovation as they went into dinner with all their guests welcoming them, and then the speech they had all been waiting for from Colin’s best man who SANG!!! Yep – all the way – you had to be there! After a vintage tea party everyone was in party mode. Music was really important to these two and they’d arranged a few different singers for the afternoon including a stellar performance by Colin and his band! There was also legendary Gino from Glasto with his hula hoops/ balloons and outstanding dancing skills 🙂 Then more dancing inside with a Ceilidh.. this party just kept rolling, followed by a hog roast for hungry revellers. This day was special. Super special. There were tears, tears and more tears from this lot. So many highs, so many laughs and emotions it was a rollercoaster of a day. Special, not just because Danielle & Colin were so flipping amazing to work with, but everyone was welcoming and fabulously real. They totally knew how to enjoy themselves and you could see how many strong friendships there were between them all. I had the best time with them all and it was clear that so did everyone else. Abel’s Harp is quite a small venue but these guys filled it right up with their love. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer for your wedding wherever it may be (have wheel’s will travel anywhere) get in touch here via my contact form and tell me about your exciting plans. Danielle & Colin, you superstars!!! Thank you a zillion times for booking me to capture your fantastic day. Much love to you both xxx