I first met with Charlotte and Graeme and her parents at their home to chat about their wedding which was booked at The SAS Radisson sparkly new hotel in Durham.
The next time I was met with them, the venue had changed to her mum and dad's home with a grand marquee!
I've photographed a few weddings in the last year which involved some very upmarket marquees, all decked out with soft furnishings and candelabras with fine catering and beautiful flowers, and this was no different - and what a wonderful time all their family and friends had during their day of wedding celebrations.
Charlotte's late Nana, to whom she was very close, always spent a lot of time in the garden and at home and one evening at a family gathering, it was suggested that it would be a great idea to utilise the garden as the wedding venue in her memory - and that was it, all the plans changed and everyone became very focussed.
When I arrived early on the morning, the marquee already looked stunning while Charlotte and her mum and bridesmaids were all still in their dressing gowns, getting their hair and nails and everything else a lady needs to be at their best at a wedding.
So, I did my usual and wandered around chatting and taking photographs which would tell the story of the day and followed Charlotte into the marquee where the flowers and decorations and tables were being assembled by friends of Graeme's family - and she was so impressed she decided it was time to get on her Maggie Sottero wedding gown.
What a stunning sight she was - though we had a good laugh when mum went under the dress to sort out the petticoat!
By now it was time for me to dash to the historic parish Church of St Mary and Cuthbert in Chester le Street and catch up with Graeme. He was pretty chilled out, though he told me later he was very nervous, and I joked that whe he saw Charlotte in her stunning dress coming down the aisle that he might need a paramedic!
So, the bride arrived and swept down the aisle while I was (unfortunately) stuck at the back of the church, a legacy of legions of so called 'wedding photographers' spoiling relationships with the clergy over the last 10 years.
However, with a longer lens I managed to get a few images of the happy couple beaming at each other during the ceremony and the beautiful church interior made a fine photograph.
I captured lots of relaxed shots of family and friends meeting and greeting outside with a few quick family groups in case grandparents flagged a little later in the day when I prefer to arrange some family groups after the wedding breakfast.
Once back at Charlotte's parents house in Rickleton everyone settled in for the day and for the night. The amazing marquee and relaxation areas by Black Cherry Events was a real stunner for guests who had yet to see it and provided a fine canvas for the entertaining speeches and fine food by Ramside Event Catering.
Once Charlotte and Graeme had finished the wedding breakfast, I borrowed them for 10 minutes for some relaxed images of the two of them together away from their friends and relatives.
Charlotte and Graeme are a good looking couple, but like many of my brides and grooms, they are not their happiest in front of a camera, whch is why they booked me as they knew that 95% of the images I create are taken naturally as events unfold. By building a relationship with them and having a pre-wedding shoot a few weeks before the wedding, they were able to relax and listen to my silly jokes and banter as I captured some lovely images of the two of them.
By now, evening guests were starting to arrive - and of course England were playing the USA in the World Cup, so one end of the marquee was set up to watch the match for those who wanted, and at the other end the ceilidh band booked with Dusk Til Dawn Entertainment Agency were setting up, ready for the end of the match to get people on their feet and dancing.
Charlotte had changed into another stunning dress by this time, 'for dancing in' she explained, while Graeme and his dad were knocked for six when the Robert Green spilled the ball (see photograph above) and by then the Hog Roast was well underway and making the guests very hungry indeed.
Time for a few more images before the ceilidh got everyone on their feet and it was time for me to leave after 13 hours on my feet.
Music and laughter were still ringing out as I made my way home for a cheeky beer!
What a great intimate family wedding for Charlotte and Graeme - I hope you enjoy just a few sneek peek photographs from almost 500 which tell the story of the day.
I will add some others on my Facebook page, so if you are a member and want to tag some images, add me as a friend.
Charlotte and Graeme will see all the images first when they return from The Phillipines on their honeymoon and they will email the LINK to view all their images to family and friends.
DIRK VAN DER WERFF
Related Site
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Gretna Green Weddings
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