I'm sometime asked what's been my favourite wedding. It's an impossible question to answer as there have been too many fantastic ones over the years, but Tiffany & Jake's wedding would be a strong contender.
When Tiffany first got in touch, it was one of the more unusual enquiries. They were coming to the UK to get married (symbolically, at least) and would be joined only by a very small number of guests. Despite not having been to Bristol to check out venues, they had managed to pick well in Goldney which remains a photographer's dream.
We had a video chat online and I was struck by their warmth and obvious bond, it was even more true in person. Tiffany and Jake both got ready at Tiffany's cousin Lucy's house. Lucy's contribution to the wedding was extraordinary. I seem to cross paths with Evie Smith at least once a year, a big thanks Evie for your usual high standards in the hair and make up department.
Tiffany had discussed arranging a first look, which we managed just before the Uber arrived. It's a privilege to witness and document moments in which couples are trusting enough to allow lay bare their feelings with such emotion and truth.
I've photographed plenty of weddings at Goldney but this was the first that took place in the Rotunda. It's in the back part of the venue's extensive garden, which meant a walk through the first part to get there. The gardens have a fairytale quality to them and it was a joy to see Tiffany discover it for the first time. As we approached the Rotunda, Tiffany's expression changed to one of shock and wonder. I turned around to discover Lucy (who acted as celebrant) dressed as what I mistakenly thought to be the Pope (it later transpired that she was in fact dressed as Martha from Schitt's Creek).
Another huge thank you has to go to Thandi from Goldney's events team, not only for arranging bubbles at short notice, but for providing an unexpected mini guided tour and helping to create some of the ideas I'd had for images. If you book Goldney for your wedding, you are in great hands with Thandi.
After leaving Goldney, I took the couple to a little spot I know of locally for a more urban background. Their wedding outfits looked pretty great in both environments. With that, it was time for me to head home, but the story didn't end there. I was invited to join them for dinner at the Clifton Sausage, which was so nice that I invited them to visit me for a little tour of South Bristol the next day too.
Thank you, Tiffany & Jake for choosing me to be a small part of the amazing adventure that is your love and wedding. It's been a pleasure getting to know you, I hope it's just the start
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