Wow Wow Wow. Now I know I always start a wedding story of speechless because each one is absolutely out of this world in their own way but this Wedding gave me so much love I have been itching to write about how magical it really was.
Way back to when I was booked for this wedding I was in contact with Georgia who is actually daughter to the bride and groom, she was on the hunt for suppliers for her parents wedding and decided to book me! I didn’t actually realise until I met with Danielle this year a while before her wedding day that she hadn’t actually seen any of my work and trusted her daughter to pick someone perfect for her. How amazing is that?!
I met with Danielle and Martin at their home, their daughter Georgia and granddaughter Alaya was there too so it was lovely to meet them all. On talking all details wedding planning and going through suppliers me and Danielle sat talking for hours! To the point I totally lost track of time too. We spoke about lots, our lives and personal things too. I left there feeling like I had made a friend and spend my evening catching up with someone I had known for years!
Fast forward to the end of August to Danielle and Martins wedding day. I met with Danielle at the Prince Regent Hotel in Chigwell where she was getting ready with her bridal party and mum. In the most cutest room I walked to find Danielle in a chair by the window bay having her make up done by Ruby May MUA, dresses hanging, details and flowers set aside and the entire room with full bridal prep underway. The morning was totally chilled and really joyful too.
After the morning with the bride I headed to the St Gabriel’s Church where Danielle and Martins ceremony was taking place. It was at a local church close to their family home and it actually took my breath away. The church was absolutely beautiful and had so much character! Shortly after Martin arrived and all of the guests started to arrive too! Danielle and Martin’s Son Teddy was there patiently waiting for Danielle to arrive to walk her down the aisle which is the sweetest thing.
The ceremony was full of so much emotion, I honestly cannot put into words how touching the entire experience was for me. I had grown to feel like one of the family in the short time I had spent with Danielle, Martin and their family. It was just so warming and comforting and make me feel so important to be there which is weird as for me I was working but it really didn’t feel it. Danielle and Martin have been together for years and with children in their teens and twenties and already having a granddaughter they really didn’t think they would ever marry. For this day to come around was so special for them all and I was so honoured to be a part of it.
Throughout the ceremony their was giggles, smiles, tears (from my part of course) and everyone else for the matter! Not to mention baby cuddles. Danielle and Martin’s granddaughter Alaya wanted to have a little wander during the ceremony so we spent some time during the poems and speeches to have a little cuddle and let Alaya take some photos of the guests. Anything to keep a little one quite I’m there! Oh yes, did I forget to mention I’m not just a photographer but a full on assistant to the brides and anyone else who needs a little help on the day!
Danielle wore the most beautiful dress from My Glamour Boutique in Chingford and Martin, he’s best man and Son Teddy wore suits from David’s Formalwear in Hornchurch All of the bridesmaids wore beautiful dresses from Ivy Blu in Billericay with a matching band hand picked by Danielle to match her band too. The colours were a baby blue and Martin also wore Claret in he’s pocket square to compliment West Ham United which is of course he’s football team, why not eh! Danielle Garta also was a touch of WHU with personalised wording on the ribbon.
What was so beautiful was the raw emotion which I am all for! The amount of happiness and love felt was beaming out of the church. I felt so much connection and warmth from the two families coming together with all their friends too who were nothing but full of joy for the married couple. Some of the best moments of the day took place at the church oh I say, I do love a church ceremony.
The gardens of the church were very limited in terms of space and with the many people that attended the beautiful ceremony, we decided to head over to Wanstead Flats to take the group shots. The highlight moment has to be when all the guests were ready for their photo and Danielle and Martins beautiful grandaughter decided to run towards me. It made the most perfect ‘in the moment’ shot and is definitely one of their favourites too! Although most people like to steer clear of the traditional photos, for me it is still essential. There is nothing like looking back at your wedding day and being able to see everyone present.
Myself, Danielle and Martin headed back into the church when their guests went onto the reception venue. It was time for them to relax and take it all in. Spend a little time just the two of them and also get some beautiful portraits together in the church which as I have already said was so so beautiful!!! The love and admiration between Danielle and Martin is so strong and it was my goal to capture that. I think I managed it, I am in love with their couple shots!
The reception was held at Wanstead RFC, a club Martin and best man Martin like to spend some time, do some work with, you know all that sort of stuff. It was the perfect venue for them to choose with total relaxed vibes. With the help of daughter Georgia, the venue was done up beautifully with a flower wall and also 4 ft LOVE letters on the dance floor. A decor of blue throughout and the most chilled atmosphere which was exactly what they wanted. A good party! It wasn’t long before everyone began to tuck into the grub and some words were exchanged between Bride and Groom and their best man Martin.
Martin and Martin, by that I mean best man Martin. Yep I was a little confused too! Have been friends for some time. Best man Martin done a reading during the ceremony which was absolutely beautiful but now it was Danielle’s turn to do a speech for him. Now I know I say I get emotional all the time but this one even got best man Martin. Their was laughter, tears, memories and so much more spoken about. So I myself would like to take this moment to thank best man Martin too! By the sounds of it you’re an incredible human and you was an amazing part of Danielle and Martin’s day.
Whilst I’m getting a little emotional writing this I also want to give credit to Danielle and Martins beautiful family. Now I don’t normally do this but I really feel I found a friendship in them all so this one is for you all. You are all so kind and loving. Danielle and Martin, you have done an amazing job at raising your two beautiful children and are so lucky with little Alaya. You should all be proud of one-another, you really are fab! I am so glad I was chosen to be a part of the most realest and best day, thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I finished my evening with them cutting the cake and having their first dance. Some funky moves by some of the guests and smiles all around. It was the perfect day for the perfect couple. They have since gifted me the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen, chocolates and untold amounts of kind words and praise.
Your love story is one in a million, just like your beautiful family.
Dress: My Glamour Bouttique | Suits: David’s Formalwear | Bridesmaids: Ivy Blu | Cars: Prestige Carriages | Flowers: Dandie Creations | Cake: Cakes by Emma | Hair: Essexy Hair | Make Up: Ruby May MUA | Flower WallLetters: Nina Price | DJ: James Grant | Confetti: Etsy | Invites: Crystaline | Shoes: Debenhams | Bride Ring: Warren James | Groom Ring: Chain Reaction
WORDS FROM DANIELLE AND MARTIN
My daughter found my photographer & I couldn’t of been more pleased. Shianne kept in contact with me before our wedding took place over text/email before the initial meeting, which she comes to you or you can arrange where you want to meet. I first meet Shianne at the beginning of August to talk about the photos. My thoughts on Shianne were an instant like, she was so easy going & good to get along with! We spoke a lot about the sort of photos I’d like with her advice aswell. She takes time to get to know you as a person along with family, friends & the dogs! We spoke for hours not even realising the time, I felt like I’d known her forever. On the day of my wedding she come to the hotel where I was staying with my daughter, granddaughter mum & niece & my make up girl & got straight down to taking photos, it was like she wasn’t there!! She helped out in anyway possible even found the time to do my nieces hair while we were getting ready “ She’s Amazing” she new how perfect I wanted my day to be. I honestly can’t speak highly enough of Shianne, the photos she took of my special day are just beautiful. She captured every special moment for me to look back on & I can’t stop looking at them, I’ve had family & friends saying how beautiful my photos are she captured the ones you don’t expect to get. She’s given me memories that I will keep forever! She honestly is a diamond & I feel like I’ve found such a special person in Shianne.
So thank you once again for being OUR PERFECT PHOTOGRAPHER ❤️
