A village church and sailing club Wedding picture Story

I’ve loved the rehearsals I’ve managed to attend. Almost all have been within a short drive of home, and they’ve of course been church ceremonies as they need a bit of a run through. Joining a wedding party at this exciting pre glimpse always adds a touching anticipatory flavour to the picture story. It also lets me meet most of the key players before the day. It’s lovely witnessing the reality of a the coming wedding day start to lap over everyone.

I’d met Kay previously as a very lovely and capable bridesmaid. The sort of friend who steps in to invisibly smooth any ruffles and make any event run beautifully. There’s nothing nicer than being passed around a group of friends to be their wedding photographer and this is what happened with Kay. My dad was a vicar, but Kay beat me hands down being a ‘double’ vicar’s daughter, both mum and dad ordained, and to be involved marrying her and Clayton. She got ready at home, in the vicarage, amid much laughter from her friends and her sister (who’s wedding I subsequently also photographed), before we all drove out of Portsmouth to a small village church to await her arrival. True to form Kay more than survived a small moment that might have floored a different bride, when pre entrance, car oil was found on the dress. But in she processed looking fabulous and Kay and Clayton were married in a touching, funny and meaningful service by her parents. A wonderfully noisy send off from church sent them (me with them) off on their way along the waterfront for some pictures before we arrived at their Port Solent Sailing Club reception. The sun shone throughout their day, cooling ice creams being welcomed by all in the early evening, and the dance floor a lovely multi generational jamboree. Some of my favourites are below.