Highlights video
Bolton Castle Wedding Photographer.
Never have I ever worked at such a crackers wedding. And I mean crackers in the most amazing way! It’s clear that these 2 brides are meant for each other (both called Rachael by the way, just to get everyone confused – hereby referred to by their nicknames, Cookie and Rae). This post is just a very small portion of their awesome day.
I was really looking forward to this wedding. And it didn’t disappoint. Stunning venue, truly awesome people and a fun packed day from start to finish with lots of laughs.
Double bridal prep! Whoop
Rae and Cookie were both getting ready at The Kings Head in Richmond. Bridal prep is one of my favourite things to do at weddings so to get 2 in 1 go was epic! The morning was spent going between the 2 rooms, getting to know the girls, taking in the atmosphere and enjoying their craziness.
I set off ahead of Cookie and drove the short journey to Bolton Castle. I have been here before but in different circumstances. As I approached the castle I noticed an opportunity to pull in at the side of the road for the venue shot. I pulled out my camera and just at that very moment the sun shone through and spot-lit the castle for me. Excellent timing!
The ceremony was emotional, yet funny, as both girls cracked their jokes (couldn’t behave themselves for 2 minutes ha!) in between their very personal readings to each other. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The reception saw yet more fun with a surprise for the brides from Rae’s mother – singing waiters! It’s the first time I had seen anything like it. During the wedding breakfast the waiters approached me and they explained who they were. They had been waiting amongst the tables with the other catering staff to keep up appearances. Just after the desserts it was time! I made my way back into the room armed with my camera and lurked at the back. By this point I didn’t really know how it was going to happen, only that it would happen.
I’ve decided that singing waiters are quite possibly one of the best things on the planet!
I presumed that they would just sort of burst into song. Well, I was wrong. It started with an almighty crash. Trays and cutlery scattered everywhere as the waiter hit the floor. To everyone else in the room, a waiter had fallen but I knew this was it. He went down right in front of the brides and there was a rush to help him up off the floor, with the brides shouting at other members of staff to come and help him. Both confused by them not jumping to action to help their colleague. He struggled to his feet, helped up by the guests. It was great acting, he looked like he had really hurt himself.
As soon as he was upright, he pulled the microphone out and burst into song, shortly accompanied by another waiter. Everyone was amazed, and they were just fantastic. They didn’t just sing, they had the whole room involved, all on their feet and dancing. The atmosphere was just incredible (it may have even included a conga line).
Time for the twilight photos
We had already managed to find some time to head up the many (many) stairs for photos on top of the castle with a backdrop of amazing views, but I wanted to give the brides a little bit more variation. We snook out after dinner into the gardens of the castle for a few more portraits before it got totally dark. After that, the girls were just ready to party. And a party it was! It’s an absolute pleasure to be a Wedding Photographer at Bolton Castle, and I so hope the day comes where I get to do it again! But, I might put in place a strategy plan to avoid going up and down all them stairs so much! I suffered the next day!
