What a day we had at this wonderful, fun filled Q Vardis wedding love story..
It all started with a brief meet up with the girls for some bridal preparation shots at Julia’s place. I just captured a few fun, candid moments of this gorgeous girl and the gang plus of course the obligatory nervous energy before they jumped into an enormous stretch limo!
A short drive to this Middlesex wedding venue and the heavens opened. Luckily most of the guests were already inside as I was greeted by a beaming groom. Jon was full of gusto and ready to get this event underway as he laughed and joked with the best man and ushers. All guests made their way to the Mallard Suite for the ceremony as the limo arrived and all the girls exited for the shelter of the venue.
The Mallard Suite was lovely and warm inside with the atmosphere from everyone that making it. So many close family and friends were in attendance but the key was the music. Jon has worked in the music industry for a large part of his adult life including a spell in a band so there was always going to be this beautiful heartbeat to the whole day. This musical template is a fantastic distraction for everyone, so allowing for some fun but also intimate moments of image capture.
Soon it was time for the serious part of the day and you could feel the energy change. The girls were queued up in the entrance and ready to go. Jon’s face was a picture in itself then suddenly there was a beautiful, graceful entrance and smiles all round. So many great moments throughout this special time as the public statement to each other was made. I discreetly moved to capture expansive ceremony images and really get the story in images. Joy and laughter throughout and then the icing on the cake. The newlyweds were serenaded by the gospel inspired vocals of an amazing singer and guitarist. What a sound from Jon’s beautiful sister – what an experience.
Mr and Mrs exited and dashed for the cover of the venue for celebratory drinks and lots of congratulations. This is such an important time for photography with that immense natural high running through. I had just enough time for some family shots and of course the beautiful couple. We found one dry pathway outside and made use of this to create a few powerful, intimate moments with the rain lashing down around us.
The wedding breakfast was brilliant. We listened to Julia’s playlist covering some of the best soul and dance music ever produced. It’s also my musical history as I shared the same musical pathway as the bride and groom. This was magical as it accompanied me around the tables and guests, the whole time adding such an atmosphere. Impossible not to revel in the moment and capture the joie de vivre. I was able to document this special time in images as the party began in earnest. Great speeches followed with cheers, tears and a few glasses raised and consumed.
The party moved next door to the Q Vardis wedding venue as evening guests arrived including a plethora of DJ’s who came to party or play long into the night. As befitting this very cool couple they have all the moves and the grooves for a very soulful first dance. I packed the camera away and joined in the party. So pleased to see many old and new friends in abundance.
Absolute privilege to be part of this magnificent Q Vardis wedding love story. Big love to Julia and JJ.
