Newark Wedding at The Gilstrap and a Riverside Reception

A Newark Hidden Gem, The Gilstrap Registration Office

Laura and Dan knew what they wanted from the day, celebrating with friends and family was top of the list, when I asked them they were most looking forward to before the wedding, the ceremony was very important to them, actually being married and making it official “Getting married, having the same surname and standing up in front of our friends and family to declare our love for each other.”

My Emergency Sewing Kit Saved Two Outfits Before The Ceremony

I had the most chilled morning hanging out with Laura and her pals, they had a class playlist on, lots of food and some bubbles. When Laura went to put her dress on she noticed a small tear, I carry an emergency kit everywhere I go. Out came the needle and thread, and I left it with them while I drove across Newark to hang out with the groom. As it turned out, my sewing kit was needed for a second time that morning when his groomslady appeared with a hole in the leg of her trousers. Out came the sewing kit again, two repairs before the ceremony had even begun. Shoutout to my mum for teaching me how to sew, although she would be appalled at those stitches.

Wedding photographer.
Dressmaker.
Trouser repair specialist.

Newark Wedding at The Gilstrap; Why They Chose a First Look

It wasn’t something they’d originally planned, but after reading one of the wedding planning emails I send to everyone, they realised it might be exactly what they were looking for. There isn’t one right way to plan a wedding, but I always explain the options because it can completely change how people feel about the ceremony. For these two, it was absolutely the right decision. A quiet moment together in the Library room helped get the tears out the way and settle any nerves; this meant they could walk into the ceremony already feeling connected and excited.

When Plan B Turns Into Something Even Better

Originally, we’d planned to take their couple portraits around Newark Castle after the ceremony. Unfortunately, ongoing long af maintenance meant the castle was still completely covered in scaffolding. Instead, we headed down the River Trent, none of that awkward standing around wondering what to do with your hands. Just two people who’d got married about half an hour earlier enjoying a little bit of quiet together. Those are often my favourite portraits because they feel exactly like the couple.

A Relaxed Wedding Reception at The Boathouse at Farndon

When I arrived at The Boathouse at Farndon, friends and family were already enjoying the sunshine. With its beautiful position beside the River Trent, it was the perfect place for a relaxed summer reception, and most of the celebrations were outdoors. We wandered down to the riverside for family photographs, Dan took his nan by the arm and carefully walked her down to the river so she could be part of the photographs. Weddings are about much more than the timeline, time spent with your faves will always be more memorable than favours and decor. The afternoon was filled with delicious food, heartfelt speeches, laughter and plenty of time spent catching up with family and friends.

A Bare Wedding Cake and Dried Flower Bouquets

One of my favourite details was the wedding cake, I love a naked cake. A close family friend had made a beautiful bare wedding cake, and decorated it using the same flowers as the dried flower bouquets, creating something wonderfully personal that also tasted amazing.

Five Minutes for Sunset Wedding Photos by the River Trent

The boathouse at Farndon is the perfect location for a wander, the sun was beginning to dip over the River Trent, giving us the most beautiful golden light to finish the day. These sunset wedding photos have such a different feel to the portraits we created earlier along the canal. Later in the day with the soft light but also the chilled vibes, all the big bits of the day have happened, it’s just celebrating and fun now. Making a bit of time for a breather, big views and time together later in the day can make for some cool photos.

LAURA, DAN AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS THANKS FOR TRUSTING ME TO CAPTURE THESE MEMORIES!

I ADORED EVERY MOMENT X