You’ll have heard the saying, “No two weddings are the same.” For many wonderful reasons (which I will get into a little later) this Vale of Belvoir wedding definitely marked itself out from the rest…

When I moved to this beautiful village some near five years ago, I walked past the spectacular village church and I wondered if I’d get the chance to photograph a wedding there. That would be special for me wouldn’t it - photographing a wedding at my own village church? Luckily for me, that day became this Vale of Belvoir Wedding Day…

Bridal Preparations

My wedding photography day began less than five whole minutes from my house, just around the corner. The future Mrs. Wright, Alex was among the usual bridal preparation whirlwind - excited sisters, excited daughters and an even more excitable (and somewhat irritable) son.

The absolutely lovely and brilliantly-talented Lucy Williams perfecting the beautiful bridal detail touches of hair, make-up and nails.

The thing is though, amongst this familiar bridal backdrop, the first notable difference was waiting just around the corner. Instead of travelling to the church in a car or even on foot, the bridal party and then latterly Alex and her father, were skilfully and trustily transported to the village church by the awesome Sally. Sally, the cherished family pony is a famous village super star.

The Church Ceremony - Have you got the rings?

You can’t beat a church ceremony can you? The grandiose elegance of the setting, the reverence of the steeped-in-tradition vows and the all important and iconic act of long-lasting love - the exchanging of wedding rings…

You’ve all heard the almost mandatory wedding joke. You’ve seen the equally mandatory jokey ‘panicky pocket pat down’, accompanied by nervous expression; the expression then slowly and dramatically translating into a cool, calm and reassured smirk on the face of the best man, as the rings make their way out of the safe pocket and into the hands of the groom… Well, it’s a good joke. It’s funny. It’s funny because when the rings make their assured appearance we all laugh and exclaim, “Imagine if they’d been forgotten!” Ha ha…

Oh…

Now, I can’t actually remember who was to blame. I’m sure now that this blog post will reignite the blame game once more but I don’t mind. In fact, I whole-heartedly encourage it.

As you scroll down the photographs and into the selection from the church, you’ll realise why I have included certain photographs. The expressions say it all. The rings… Well yes, you’ll have guessed by now, had indeed been forgotten. The panicky pocket pat down was, this time, for real!

Fortunately, a temporary substitute ring was found among the congregation and much to the amusement of the unflappable Reverend David Payne, the alternative symbol of everlasting love was forced, Ill-fittingly onto the finger of Adam - the now rather embarrassed groom.

To be perfectly honest, it was just downright funny in the end. Why be the same as everybody else and remember the rings? That would be boring. So good work Adam and well done groomsmen.

At the time, I’m not sure that Alex shared my nostalgic approval.

The Wedding Reception

What earthly element do you NOT want the day before your wedding after erecting a reception marquee on your own paddock?

Wind.

Not just any wind, mind you. We’re talking serious wind here - the type of wind that threatens the very existence of the marquee in which you plan to celebrate your wedding with all your friends and family. That’s a setback, I’m sure you’ll agree. In fact, it became quite obvious that the marquee was not going to be the answer. One night before the wedding! As I have come to know during my time as a villager in a small but close community, such setbacks needn’t spell disaster or the end of a dream. In fact, once again, a local hero emerged within the nick-of-time to provide a marquee that was just that little bit more suited to the blustery conditions. Well done Hexagon Leisure Marquees!

You know what, I’ve blabbed on enough now so I’m going to let you get to the photographs.

The wedding of Alex & Adam, or Mr. and Mrs. Wright was absolutely right in every way, from start to finish.

Dancing, celebrations and fittingly emotional speeches followed with time for a bride & groom portrait here and there.

Alex & Adam, your wedding was EPIC!

Marquee Heroes: Hexagon Leisure Marquees

Thank you for looking at this wonderful wedding day story.  If you’re looking for a Vale of Belvoir Wedding Photographer, then get in contact - I’d love to chat with you!

Christian Thompson, creator of beautiful Wedding Photography in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.  Please get in contact if you’re looking for a wedding photographer for your own wedding.