Wedding Photos of Mr & Mrs Smith
“And here we are in heaven, for you are mine at last”
Poignant lyrics from the song At Last by Etta James that the bride sang as part of her speech to her new husband. Yes, not only was the bride exceptionally beautiful, she could sing too!
Sole Mates
Liz Williams and Lee Smith met and felt an instant connection over 13 years ago when Lee, as a Regional Manager for Clarks, visited the shoe store Liz was working at (see the title makes sense now!!).
But life is complicated and at that point in time, both their life’s were on different trajectories. Their paths continued to weave and cross until eventually, the stars aligned and they got to be together. Lee proposed at the end of last year with the help of their baby son, Finnley.
Have camera, will travel
You may be wondering why a wedding photographer from Scotland ended up capturing their special day in the middle of England? Well, Lee is my baby brother so they really had no option other than to let me shoot them!
Rollers at the ready
Liz had an early start with her six bridesmaids. JDaw Salon already had a party atmosphere going on when I arrived just before 8 am as Jerry the owner (and one of the six ‘maids’) celebrated Liz’s last morning as a Miss with bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon, fresh pastries and enough Bucks Fizz to fill a lake! All whilst doing everyone’s hair and makeup.
The groom had a more leisurely morning getting ready with Finnley and then off to the pub to meet his groomsmen.
Lee’s wedding outfit along with the Father of the Bride and his Groomsmen was hired from Moss Bros and was navy to tie in with the navy and blush pink colour scheme of the day.
The ceremony
All wedding ceremonies are special but this one was particularly so. Liz’s dad Noel had been battling with cancer, and at one point thought he wouldn’t get to walk his daughter down the aisle. Thankfully he proudly did, much to everyone’s joy.
Liz looked absolutely radiant as she walked towards her future husband. Her dress from Wed2B looked stunning and her flowers from The Little Florist in Swadlincote looked and smelt gorgeous.
Lee couldn’t stop smiling as his bride walked down the aisle towards him. The service was emotional and heartfelt with a beautiful reading of the poem Love by Roy Croft, given by Liz’s sister Annette. Lee and Liz’s vows rang out loud and true for all to hear as they became Mr and Mrs. Smith, at last.
More of those beautiful flowers along with diamond engagement ring and matching diamond wedding bling, sorry ring, from Ernest Jones.
Pimms o’clock
Then it was off to the reception at The Riverside Inn in Branston where guests were welcomed in with a glass of Pimms. The venue was chosen for its stunning riverside location and I had a great number of plans for photographs in the various beautiful areas around it…the weather had other plans! I have never worked so quickly to get group photos before the storm came in!!
Makes for an impressive sky though!
After a lovely meal came the speeches. Noel, or should I say the ‘Weather Man’, was a tough act to follow as he gave a great Father of the Bride Speech. Then came Alec the Best Man…he’d had a LOT of dutch courage to overcome his nerves but was very funny, referring to Lee as a 6ft toddler and a ‘Project’ for Liz to manage!
Lee spoke next and thanked everyone that had helped make the day the success it was. It truly was a family affair from Liz’s mum decorating the church to Lee’s mum making and icing the beautiful three tier wedding cake. Liz’s sister giving the reading to my Mr JB driving the happy couple to the reception. And as well as mentioning the scar I gave him as kids (you really need to get over that Bro!), Lee thanked me for taking the pictures 😉
It was when he started to talk about his sons that Lee started to get emotional. It meant a big deal to him that his 11-year-old son William was at the wedding as well as little Finnley. Both boys were exceptionally well behaved and did him proud.
If trying to take pictures whilst my brother gave one of the best speeches of his life wasn’t hard enough (I had something in my eye – okay!), then Liz ended her speech with a touching rendition of Etta James’ At Last! I think everybody had something in their eyes by the end of it. My new little sister has some serious talent!
Everyone then went on to party the night away but not before I managed to sneak the bride and groom outside for a few more photos just before sunset.
It was an incredible day, full of love and joy. As much as I enjoy every wedding I capture, there is something very special about capturing memories for your own loved ones. It was an absolute honour and a privilege to capture your wedding moments for you Mr and Mrs Smith. I’m proud to call you my little brother, Lee and I am made up beyond belief to have a little sister in law that makes you so happy…at last.
