Ruth and Dan’s Schoolhouse Wedding

Back in April I photographed the wonderful wedding of Ruth and Dan, who had hired a beautiful Victorian school for their big day. In fact, they had the venue for the whole weekend, so guests (and photographers!) could stay over in the dorms and make use of the lovely grounds and swimming pool. It was like a weekend break in the country and a youth camp all rolled into one. And it was a lot of fun. I often say that by the time a wedding comes around I feel like a (hard-working!) guest and long-time friend of the couple, and this was certainly true in this case. Especially as it turned out we had quite a few mutual acquaintances…

Today I am working in a café but usually I work from home, in my lovely office in the cellar. It’s nicer than it sounds – I know some people envision me working from a dark, damp dungeon, but actually it’s a beautiful white, heated room with a big window. The building company that ably converted the cellar (because it was a damp, dark dungeon before!) were Blue and Brown, and they are owned and headed up by Justin. Who just so happened to be part of how Ruth and Dan met, and was part of the catering team on the wedding day. In more bizarre small-world-ness Justin’s wife Paula is a sonographer and took Sophie‘s first pictures (oh alright, scans) when she was just a little bean at St. Mary’s Hospital, where Ruth is a midwife. Ruth worked with my good friend Amy and booked me after seeing Amy and Kenny’s amazing Peak District wedding shoot. And in a few weeks’ time, I will be photographing the wedding of the lovely Emma who is a doctor at St. Mary’s and works with Ruth!

So, Justin and Paula introduced Ruth and Dan to each other. After three years of being just friends they went on a date to watch the fireworks at Heaton Park, in the pouring rain. Ruth, however, didn’t realise it was a date, until Dan asked to hold her hand. And if I recall correctly, she said no! Undeterred by this, Dan’s persistence paid off and I think eventually Ruth must have given in and held his hand, because last July she agreed to marry him… Dan proposed to Ruth on a beach with an engraved, heart-shaped pebble (which features in their lovely engagement shoot), and on April 2nd they were married. And they certainly held hands on that day, more than once :)

The wedding was held at Smallwood Manor Preparatory School in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. The wedding was filled with creative personal touches and generous gifts, with Ruth and Dan’s family and friends providing pretty much everything from the catering to the flowers. The traditional school dining room, with it’s long wooden tables and honours boards listing head boys and scholarships, provided a unique setting for the wedding breakfast, especially once adorned with the colourful origami decorations.

The wedding ceremony took place in the school chapel, and was a wonderful and touching celebration of love and commitment. The service was led by Ruth and Dan’s church leader and various friends and family members provided music and readings. There were more than a few tears (me included, gets me every time, I’m such a softie!) and much joy. The proud father-of-the-bride as he gives away his little girl, and the nervous groom as he awaits his beautiful bride… wonderful moments, weighty with significance and poignancy.

Thank you to my lovely assistant, Dev Lunsford, for the candid shot above and next few below. I’m training him up, and I think he’s doing rather well ;)

A few ‘formal’ group photos. It’s important to include these, but we keep them short and sweet – and fun – so there’s not too much hanging around.

 

The boys’ turn…

One of my favourite parts of the day, the bride and groom creative portraits…

This time is a chance for us to get some beautiful romantic shots of the bride and groom, but also for the couple to have a chance to be alone (ish!), away from the craziness and crowds for a moment, a chance to reflect on the day, and breathe… and kiss usually ;)

I recently won an award for this next one. Rather pleased :) 

I love a good sunset kissing shot!

On to the reception and speeches, entertaining and touching, with plenty of hilarity…

There was even another cute baby girl for Sophie to play with :)

The evening party was a ceilidh, followed by an amazing Chinese buffet, then a disco.
The ceilidh was brilliant fun, but I confess I listened to the disco from the comfort of my dormitory bunkbed :)

One final kiss… 

…under the stars, and the security light ;)

Thank you Ruth and Dan, and your friends and family, for a thoroughly wonderful weekend, and making us feel so welcome. All the best in your married life together!

Katy xxx