For Mick and Di it all began on Christmas Day 2018, when Mick took his lovely lady totally by surprise and asked her to be his wife, they laughed fondly of this memory when they told me at our first meeting and then said, “I can’t repeat what Di said really!!” This is such a precious part of the job, getting to find out about how it all began, it’s not always just about the day, but how the couple got there too.
Ironically, even the planters outside the hotel were red too, how could we miss this perfect opportunity!? So the question was asked and Di I can only assume accepted eagerly, so what was to point in waiting? They got straight on to it and planned their wedding in just 7 months starting with the venue, they told me that The Best Western Pavilion was about the third place they enquired at and it was unexpectedly just around the corner from where they live, so this sealed the deal, they decided it must be fate. When they arrived at the venue, Craig, the wedding coordinator there was welcoming and really helpful too which made the couple sure that they had made the right choice!
Di and Mick walking back to The Pavilion Hotel, York after our impromptu photo session. The Best Western Pavilion Hotel in York. The happy couple and I took the time whilst their guests were being seated, to grab some happy shots of the two fo them in the hotel's grounds.. In July last year, they were married in the hotel with their loved ones watching over them, Mick with his son at his side as his Bestman and Di with her Uncle on her arm and Grandchildren at foot (or the ones that could walk anyway) as flower girl and pageboys. They were lucky with the weather, which meant they got to enjoy drinks and canapés in the garden whilst meeting and greeting everyone as the live music from the violinist drifted through the grounds.
Leaving the ceremony to enjoy their guests and the sunshine. Confetti, ready and waiting for everyone to get to it. Buying a whole load of confetti for your guests to throw at you is always a great idea, it makes for a stunningly, natural shot every time! The guests are always eager to join it with this type of photo. I love to capture the ground when it's been showered with confetti, I also like the shadows of the guests on this too. And then there were bubbles...EVERYWHERE!! From the inside to the outside... Di enjoying meeting here friends and family. The perfect afternoon for drinks in the garden at The Pavilion Hotel, York. What did Mick say? I love the reaction that their guest had to whatever it was :) Group shots should be as fun as possible!! This bunch look really happy and so they should be they've just officially become family. Dedicated Grandparent's, I know they think the world of these little ones! A whole party group shot, these can be a lovely memento and work well when I can get up high! Di and Mick chose a rich-red as the colour scheme for their day, a timeless colour that worked even in the height of summer and it was chosen purely because Di found the most beautiful, little, red, kitten-healed shoes…Here they are!
Them shoes, I can see why Di liked these! These was the inspiration behind the flowers, the ties, waistcoats and the room being decorated with red details such are the chair cover-wraps, the favours and the odd red rose in the country, styled floral arrangements on the tables. Don’t you just love it, girls and their shoes! The bonus was that the Pavilion Hotel’s dinning room already has lots of reds involved in the décor, so Di and Mick’s additions just added to it perfectly.
Flowers by Amanda Jopling, did she do a classical job! Di with her beloved Uncle who had the honour of giving her away. Rich, red blows garnished the aisle perfectly for Di to walk to meet Mick. The ceremony room at The Pavilion Hotel, York. Little details around the hotel, Pavilion in York Even the carpet on this impressive staircase matched their colour scheme. Table decor and details, in rich red. The room where they everyday the meal and speeches. Planning activities for them little ones, gives them something to keep them occupied, whilst the grown ups listen to speeches and enjoy their meal is a great idea! Fun props on the tables act as great ice-breakers between guest and you get some ace selfies with them too. The pair had recently started Rock and Roll dance classes together, I’m not sure if this was to get ready for the wedding and their first dance or just for fun, but it has certainly turned in to a bit of a shared passion for them both. They were proud of this and wanted their cake to represent it, Chelle Holmes from Holme Made Cakes did the most amazing job of creating and decorating their vision for them. I have honestly never seen a wedding cake like it, it even lit up!
Di and Mick decided to only have the day photographing, so we did a 'fake' cake cutting, this is always a good option with my half day package. The cake made by Chelle Holmes. The cake made by Holmes Made Cakes, York. Even the characters on the cake look realistic! Di and Mick's fondest moments from the day...
“The whole day was memorable, but if we had to pick anything we would choose our little dance back down the aisle straight after the service and obviously our first dance in the evening.”
Waiting for his bride to arrive. Their grand daughter made the perfect flower girl. Di looks so happy as she walks down the aisle to meet Mick. Their first glimpse of one another. I love this shot, we have Mick and Di clearly smitten with one another and then to the left Mick's son and daughter also over-the-moon, that their Dad is smitten with Di! They wrote their own special and heartfelt words to say to one another in front of everyone. Gleeful guests watching and listening to the couple's words. The ring is on her finger now! Their Grandson watching Mick and Di sign the register. That moment you realise, you've just done something wonderful! Their boogie up the aisle. Dancing out the ceremony room How happy they both are; I feel lucky to have caught this moment! Their advice to other couples…
Their words, not mine and I was touched to read them…” Remember to take it all in and get a good photographer like we did, because you were truly amazing.”
"Ahh, thanks so much Di and Mick, this made my day!"
The action at the beginning of the day... Di taking a moment to think about what the day means. Trying out her new shades bought for the day. The reaction to these funky glasses, which I must say look amazing! Taking a minute to be just the two of them, whilst the guests were getting seated. Fun and games in the garden, mid meal. Di's Uncle as he delivers his speech, what a great job he did. Remembering them tender moments and loved one who are no longer with us. Di and Mick's view of the room. Mick sharing some special thoughts about his new wife with everyone. Support from his son, as Mick remembers people near and dear. When your son is you Bestman, he literally knows EVERYTHING about you, the good, the bad and the ugly!! Enjoying telling an embarrassing story about his Dad on a childhood holiday! So funny! Did someone say red was the colour scheme? Moment in the summer, evening sunshine. 
