Fun. Bags of it. That’s what Lidia and Charles were after - and they most certainly achieved their aim.
This commission was such a pleasure. I think back to a very cold winter’s evening when I met the couple for the first time at their stunning home near Sloane Square. That was such a warm experience and this lovely atmosphere continued right through to saying goodbye to them late on a June night after their wedding. I remember thinking that this is the reason I shoot weddings: to capture lovely people enjoying themselves in an open, genuine way.
Of the many notable elements I recall from the day, aside from the wonderful surroundings of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, two remain in my mind; one technical and the other personal.
First up, the technical; it dawned on me midway through the shoot that most of what I was doing would only work in colour. While there were a handful of shots which would work well converted to monochrome, this wedding was all about rich atmosphere and tasteful colour. This realisation often presents itself during the editing process, but rarely while on location physically producing the work. Everything about these guys shouts joy - and a kind of joy which necessitated technicolour.
On the personal note, Lidia and Charles graciously allowed me free reign to work in my preferred style. No lengthy brief here - I was permitted to largely shoot what I witnessed. I’m so lucky this is a growing trend with my client base. Any good photographer will tell you they have a style in which they work and the best compliment any client can pay a creative person is to encourage their instincts. When this freedom is granted you must treat it with the respect it deserves. If you do, it pays dividends for all concerned.
Luckily for me I will shortly immerse myself in Lidia and Charles’ day once again during the production of what looks like being a 120 page A3 book. Containing well over 300 images, this will be a chance to further hone their wedding’s narrative and use printed pages (which when opened are nearly 100cm wide) to display 12 hours of intense photography which I’d very happily relive.
Below is a fraction of the final set. Click any thumbnail to enlarge...
