I first met Ariel Downe and Justin Lock back in the early eighties when we used to play together. I haven’t seen them for many years so imagine my delight when they asked me to photograph their wedding.

Justin and Ariel have been cooped up for a long time so decided they wanted a Spring Wedding where they could enjoy the outdoors for a while. Their wish came true and we were given a beautiful warm day for their wedding.

Ariel had her hair and makeup done and I busied myself photographing her dress and flowers.

The dress itself was from Marks & Spencers lingerie section, a beautiful white lace made up from 80% cotton which must be kept away from fire.

The flowers were picked and hand tied from the garden.

So while I was enjoying the bride preps my award winning second shooter Dave was busy photographing the groom and groomsmen.

With the bride ready there’s just time for a couple of portrait photos before we head off to watch this beautiful girl become a Mrs.

Justin & Ariel had a very romantic ceremony with tears and laughter throughout. Yay, you did it, congratulations !!

Straight outside to make the most of this glorious sunny day, the guests were asked to form 2 lines, this took a while as they wanted to enjoy the canapes and free drinks on arrival but in true “herding cats” form we eventually got them sorted for a confetti tunnel.

Ariel was a tad annoyed as one guest shoved confetti down her dress, and later informed me “that bloody potpourri gets everywhere! Am sure she’ll be delighted with the photos though.

So while we have a captive audience Dave assists me in lining up for the formal photo shoot. We’re very efficient and get this part done in minutes.

At this point this lovely couple tell me about all the pinterest photos they’ve been looking at over the past few weeks. They’ve seen a really cool photo of the bride, groom and guests running away from a dinosaur, so I happily oblige.

We can now ask the guests to go back inside where Justin and Ariel have arranged for Andy the Magician to entertain them with some amazing card tricks. Dave heads on in to photograph this part while I take the bride and groom for a portrait session of their own.

Ariel & Justin have more pinterest ideas and would like a photo on a train track. I explain that no photographer would ever entertain such an idea but because of my great knowledge of the local area I know of a disused railway close by.

Time to jump in the car and go for a short drive, I was delighted by the couples choice of a Landrover for their wedding car.

Ariel has chosen to wear a long veil specifically to have a veil toss photo.

with the sun beginning to set and warm up the sky it was the perfect chance for a silhouette photograph too.

For their first dance they steered away from the norm and chose Patience by Take That.

As our evening draws to a close I notice there is a light rain shower outside so quickly grab them both for a brolly shot.

Congratulations Justin, Ariel Lock-Downe.

Angela xxx