Alex & Chris Wedding Day

I spent the whole week obsessively checking the weather for this one, as it kept flip-flopping between rain, blazing sun, and crazy storms. I was crossing my fingers and hoping for the best. Classic English weather, right? It promised sunny days right before and after the wedding day! When it comes to photos, I absolutely adore shooting on cloudy days. The soft light gives everything this dreamy, magical vibe and makes people look absolutely stunning. So, rain or shine, I was super confident that the shots would turn out amazing. And let me tell you, this wedding didn't disappoint! I'm so proud of these pictures.

The wedding was held at the charming Suffolk wedding venue called The Ivy House Country Hotel. I've had the pleasure of shooting here numerous times and absolutely adore. As usual, my day began by arriving early to meet the hardworking staff and the dedicated vendors busy with their preparations. I find immense joy in capturing these precious moments before the festivities commence. Starting early not only allows me to avoid potential traffic jams or delays, but it also gives me the opportunity to seize those unexpected, unplanned moments that often become the most cherished. For instance, I had the privilege of capturing a heartwarming scene where the groom's mother lovingly helped him attach his buttonhole. It was one of those tender, spontaneous moments that truly make a wedding day special.

This is the first time I've photographed a wedding where the groom is in his smart R.A.F uniform. A really cool touch to their day.

While we were waiting for the bride to arrive I got to spend some time with the Wedding singer as he was preparing his big moment to sing during the aisle walk. I also got to hang out with the best man & maid of honour, we had such a laugh as we eagerly await Alex's arrival.

In no time, there she was, making a grand entrance in a sleek white Porsche. Talk about a memorable first encounter with Alex! She absolutely rocked that stunning white dress, flowing like a dream. And hey, we were in luck because the rain decided to give us a break just in time!

When shooting alone at the Ivy house I usually ask the couple if they would prefer my usual approach if if they wanted any different angles, we opted for my best of both, where I start off at the front of the aisle so I can capture them walking towards the "alter" and once they're there and had a little smile to each other I head to back and shoot the dress from behind.

The moment the Wedding singer started to sing and Alex walked down the aisle the clouds parted and a beautiful glow lit up the room! I'm not sure they noticed in the moment what with the nerves and excitement but it truly was a perfect moment.

This shot is always one of my favourites to get, and it is impossible to get if you're stuck at the front, and don't have a 2nd photographer. So I'm always happy when I can give this to my couples. (It's always best to ask the bride and groom beforehand if they're up for the kiss shot on the way out.) But when they're game it's usually a mega shot! Especially if everyone else is facing the camera cheering!

Once they soaked up a few warm hugs from their loved ones, it was time to dive right into capturing those precious family moments. We had to work efficiently because, wouldn't you know it, those pesky dark clouds decided to pay us another visit the moment we stepped outside! We wanted to make sure the family portraits were wrapped up quickly so that the bar staff could start serving the thirsty guests in no time. Unfortunately, my go-to spot for family photos was off-limits due to the soggy grass from the previous night's rain. But you know what? Surprisingly, I absolutely adored how they turned out!

My whole approach to this wedding ( and most weddings for that matter) s to be the least amount of trouble for the couple. Think of me as a fly on the wall, but a super tidy one wearing a snazzy shirt! You see, unlike some photographers who hover and boss the couple around for pictures, I prefer to mix and mingle with the guests. I want to share a good laugh and listen to their incredible stories, all while being on the lookout for those precious spontaneous moments that make a wedding truly special.

This wedding was full of lovely people, everyone was so kind and really made my job a joy. You could tell every single person at that wedding was chosen to be there because they meant so much to the couple. The love and happiness filled the room.

Once again the wedding singer livened everyone up again and got everyone singing "SWEEEEEEET CARLIIIINE DUN DUNNN DUNNNNN!" always seems to work.

A lot of photographers fall asleep during the speeches. But honestly they're one of my favourite parts. It's during these that you get to really learn so much about the couple. ( Sometimes a little too much! haha! ) But these awesome guys kept it clean and were both very funny. Each son was from each side of the family, but to hear how much and how happy they were to become one big family was so touching. The Father of the grooms speech was both heartfelt and funny! I love how he included one of my dads go to jokes in his speech! I couldn't help but laugh out loud.

I was so happy to see that they had hired Edd Crafer the Magician. He also arrived early during the family photos, but his true moment to shine and show off his amazing tricks is when we popped outside for 15 or so minutes, This was the perfect time for some couple photos and get some genuine laughs and amazed faces while Edd does his stuff! (I've got a whole blog on Edd and his amazing work, if it's genuine smiles and laughs you want captured on your day he's the man to create them so I can capture them!

I absolutely LOVED how Alex & Chris used local Norfolk cheeses for their literal Cheesecake! An idea I have in my blog about keeping things local, although I can't take credit for this, it was all them and their creativity! It might have made the cutting a little harder but I've never seen so many people rush to get a slice!

ah, the first dance. What a beautiful moment, at first it was so hard for them to take their eyes off each other, so many smiles and little words spoken to each other. These are some of my favourite photos from the day.

Before you know it the day is almost over, I can only imagine how it must have gone in a flash for them. It was such a memorable wedding, and both Alex & Chris truly were a dream to work with. I truly wish them the absolute best for their future together and all their future business they run.

I really want to thank everyone for yet another great wedding at the Ivy House. All the staff there were a good laugh and help. And Thanks to Edd Crafer & James Barlow for making my job so much easier with all the smiles, laughs and cheers they created. And mostly I've got to thank Alex & Chris for giving me the honour of capturing their big day.

If you're getting married or know someone who is, I've got a whole load of tips, planners,

ideas and advice packed into easy to read blogs on my website. You can find them here www.nicholsweddings.co.uk/blog Stay Awesome Folks! - Dale