I really do get to photograph some awesome weddings in superb locations. I love something a little different and Kerri & Pete’s wedding was no exception there! The reception venue over in Swithland (between Bradgate Park and Cropston/Rothley/Woodhouse Eaves) was just awesome. I’ve never photographed a wedding there before. So I am so glad I was chosen to be Kerri & Pete’s wedding photographer for the day! The bonus was the attendance during bridal prep of Mr Pug - devilishly cute!

So the day began with me over at the bridal preparations near Ashby with Rob my second shooter that day, with the groom at the couple’s home. The preps were a giggle from the moment I arrived shortly after 9.00am. Sparkly Prosecco was well underway with the ladies all relaxed and chilled out whilst having their hair and make-up done. The guys were also fairly chilled. The guys wore Reiss suits and Kurt Geiger shoes.

Kerri had chosen her Enzoani wedding dress from the fabulous Brides of Ashby in the old Market town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire. I remember myself trying on a lot of dresses from Brides of Ashby and their customer service back then was amazing and I know to this day they continue to be just brilliant. Jimmy Choo were Kerr’s chosen shoes and they were stunning!

Kerri’s flowers were from the super Holywell Petals (now Petals in the Forest) again in Ashby with a shop in Swadlincote too. I used Petals in the Forest for my wedding flowers again excellent. I was lovely that Kerri kept most of her suppliers local. That even applied to me here at Tracey M Photography.

The ceremony itself would be taking place at St Peter’s Church in the village of Swepstone. It’s always a privilege to photograph a wedding here as it’s such a beautiful church. Kerri looked amazing as she walked down the aisle with her mum. Sadly Kerri had lost her father some years ago. It was an emotional time as Kerri had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Kerri and Pete go way back. They are childhood sweethearts and during this time, bringing into the world to handsome boys! Kerri tells me that Pete proposed to her, on her birthday after years of some serious hints - she used the word nagging but major hints will suffice :). Kerri did say it was worth the wait though to have such a fantastic wedding day!

The plan was once the ceremony was finished we’d go off to a field that we could have access too, for some beautiful couple photos whilst everyone else made their way to the reception venue. Sadly the heavens opened and the rain sort of put a dampener on that idea as we got umbrellas at the ready but still we kept smiling.

So after the ceremony we headed over to The Griffin Inn over at Swithland, Leicestershire. It was lovely to be photographing a wedding somewhere new. Guests were entertained with Close Up Magician Tom Wright from Sheffield. All I can say about this guy is WOW! He was brilliant! A great guy.

It did stop raining and we did get the group photos done, cricket was played and confetti chucked and it was indeed chucked - I’ve not seen that much confetti in ages! So while guests were entertained, Rob and I photographed the room details which Kerri did. An amazing job she did too. I always love photographing the details as a wedding photographer, I want to capture those intricate details as to remind the couple what the room looked like when memories fade!

Speeches were both emotional and entertaining then came the surprise! Singing waiters and my oh my they were not just good, they were bloody awesome..…then the party started. It was brilliant and everyone in that room enjoyed being apart of it! It was one of the most fun weddings I’ve ever photographed. I can honestly say it was an awesome shindig being pretty much a documentary wedding photographer the real moments were always presenting themselves from prep to the party. So, if anyone is looking to get married at The Griffin Inn in Swithland and need a wedding photographer, then please do get in touch!

I’ve rambled on enough so here is the slideshow followed by some of my favourite images.