It was such a joy to be back at Bartle Hall, especially so soon after my last visit. This time I was there for Rebecca and Liam’s incredible wedding day. Just like before, the sun was shining brightly and I had that familiar feeling that we were about to experience something truly special.
I had already spent some time with Rebecca and Liam during their pre-wedding shoot, which is something I always love doing. These sessions are a great way for couples to get a real sense of how I work, and they also help us build a connection ahead of the big day. It is not just about the photos, it is about creating a relaxed, natural atmosphere so that everything feels easy and enjoyable. By the time the wedding day comes around, we are already familiar with one another which makes such a difference.
Now, not only was this their wedding day, but it was also Father’s Day and Liam’s 40th birthday. It truly was a day full of celebration, and there was such a lovely energy right from the start with everyone in high spirits.
I spent the morning with Rebecca and her bridal team. There was plenty happening, lots of excitement, laughter, and even a little craft station as the finishing touches were being made to the table name placements. It is always so special to capture these little moments that tell the full story of the day. The morning began at Thicket Lodge, a gorgeous and peaceful space to get ready, before we moved over to the main building for the final preparations and of course getting into the dresses. I was lucky enough to be working alongside the lovely Nicola Bird MUA again, the second weekend in a row. We always have such a great time working together and it is lovely having that familiarity and friendship on the day.
Rebecca and Liam chose to include a second photographer in their package, which is something I always recommend if possible. It allows us to cover so many more angles and moments that might otherwise be missed. While I was with Rebecca and the girls, my second shooter Martin was with Liam and the lads as they got ready. It meant we could truly tell both sides of the morning story, which I think is so important.
Before we knew it, it was time for the ceremony. I just knew it was going to be filled with love and emotion, and I was absolutely right. As soon as Rebecca and Liam’s son walked into the room, the emotion hit instantly. Liam became visibly moved, and it was such a powerful moment. I am always keeping an eye out for these raw, honest moments, and this one was especially touching. Capturing genuine emotion is at the heart of what I do and this was a beautiful example of that.
One of my favourite parts of any wedding day is the couple portraits, and Rebecca and Liam absolutely smashed it, especially with the dip kiss. We managed to get a few during both the confetti moment and the couple portraits, and they nailed every single one.
The day continued to be packed with brilliant moments. One of my absolute highlights was the Hungry Hippos inflatable, which was supposed to be for the kids, although it quickly became clear that the adults were just as keen to have a go. It brought so much laughter and fun to the day. We also captured the infamous booze run shot, and let me tell you, Rebecca and her bridesmaids took it very seriously. The competitive spirit was strong and made for some brilliant photos.
A huge thank you to Rebecca and Liam for trusting me to capture their incredible day. It was full of love, laughter and unforgettable moments, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it.
If you are planning your wedding at Bartle Hall in Lancashire and are still looking for your photographer, I would love to hear from you. Let’s chat about your plans and how we can create something really special together.
