Orchardleigh House is an outstanding UK wedding venue
I’m almost tempted to call this post ‘behind the scenes at a wedding’, or ‘a really real wedding’ because it is a perfect documentary style: I found it on Joshua Archer’s blog and loved it immediately, the photography has something very special indeed. If you were wondering what documentary style wedding photography was, you’re about to see the best example I’ve ever come across.
It’s a perfect record of a wedding in my eyes, and focuses on the little events that take place during the day. This is one to settle down with and read quietly – you’ll love the photos and it’s a truly beautiful wedding.
Ciara and William on their wedding day. Ciara's smile as she glances at the camera is just so happy.
Over to Joshua Archer, who very kindly shared his story of the wedding day in words too!
“Ciara and William were married in Glastonbury in May this year. This was a gorgeous traditional wedding with a very relaxed atmosphere. Unfortunately the weather didn’t hold up for the first part of the day and Ciara had to be escorted into the church under the cover of an umbrella, but true to form, she took it all in her stride.
“The reception was held a short drive away at the stunning Orchardleigh House near Frome in Somerset. This is a gorgeous venue and thankfully the weather improved and we were treated to some amazing views of the grounds and house.
“The most important part of this wedding however was the people. It is a privilege to document a wedding where the guests and family are so open and warm and this wedding was no exception. Building a rapport with people at the wedding is an important part of the documentary approach and allows me to capture intimate moments I couldn’t otherwise. Thankfully, Ciara and William’s family and guests made this easy and it was great fun to join them on their day.”
Calm and tranquil before the wedding, last minute preparations are made at home
Two mirrors, natural lighting, absolute concentration and a perfect picture
The hub of all the activity is this dressing table - daylight, mirror and flowers create a scene that the camera interprets as truly beautiful. Ciara's dress is sculpted from delicate lace with a ribbon sash detail below the bust - she's every bit the timeless bride.
A bridesmaid makes final touches to her lipstick, making sure everything's 'just so' for Ciara's wedding
The classic wedding car arrives...
... and is decorated while the girls get ready inside
Orders of Service are made ready in the church
As Ciara arrives, rain falls but the wedding dress is kept nice and dry. The church is St Mary's Church, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury
A bird's eye view of Ciara's walk down the aisle
Inside the church, grown ups do grown up stuff and the little'uns read a book
The chief confetti thrower is at waist height today! Guests' arms are raised in celebration and the bride and groom hardly seem aware of the confetti
Cheering the wedding car on its way
Ciara and William arrive at Orchardleigh House to make their entrance
A crowd scene at Orchardleigh - I love the informality in such grand settings
You can almost feel the atmosphere and hear the chit chat echoing around the room.
I'd like one too, please.
Capturing the grandeur of Orchardleigh House
Guests mingle outside the wedding venue
Right, this looks like fun. What do you want to play?
Caught unawares, this page boy looks so cute in all his wedding day finery
Ciara's eyes are full of love during the first dance. The guests are the backdrop for a magical and emotional moment - a powerful picture...
This is what love is all about
Smiling and smiling and smiling and smiling
The laughter, the atmosphere, the moment... the picture on the wall
So that’s the perfect example of documentary wedding photography. And from the best – Joshua Archer is Associate Photographer for Allister Freeman Photography. He has a strong philosophy and focus on quality over quantity. He told me, “I always look to create a unique approach or style that doesn’t seek to copy anyone else and combines a little humour into my photography, helping to keep an element of fun involved.
“I like to stay as unobtrusive as possible during the wedding day, which is not to say I hide behind bushes or under tables, but I work around the bride, groom and guests without controlling or dictating how the day unfolds. I find this allows me to capture much more honest, powerful moments and allows me to get close to the ‘action’ without getting in the way.”
Quoted from renowned UK wedding photographer Allister Freeman:
“Joshua places great importance on having intuitive people skills, his easy manner enables him to be part of and, most importantly, be able to identify with, very personal and private moments….. his strong interest in fine art and social documentary photography means he approaches weddings in an unconventional way and continues to produce our trademark, thought provoking documentary coverage”
www.documentaryweddingphotographer.co.uk
The post A Glastonbury wedding appeared first on The English Wedding Blog.