This was my first time providing the photography for a wedding at Fairyhill. This new exclusive use venue is run by the same company that owns Oldwalls in Gower, South Wales. Fairyhill use to be a boutique hotel and restaurant, but now thanks to the stylish extension it can now host sizeable weddings and events. Situated near the village of Reynoldston and short drive form the coastal city of Swansea, it benefits from picturesque rural surroundings. The bride and groom for this wedding was Charlotte and Daniel. I had been recommended to them from previous clients whose wedding I had photographed a couple of years ago at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff. Also Charlotte’s mum, Ann McCormack is a well known face on the wedding circuit, being a well respected hair stylist. And in fact a week later I was bump into Charlotte and Daniel again at another friends’ wedding which I was also photographing. All of this cements the belief, how important personal recommendation is to a freelance business. I estimate the vast proportion of my wedding photography assignments come from referrals from previous clients. So it is nice to know I am doing something right! Todays wedding took place on 4th July 2019, the bride was getting ready at Mulberry House and the groom down the road at Cerrig Glan. Both cottages are owned by the venue and provide covenient locations for said preparations.
The marriage ceremony took place at St Rhidians and St Illtyds Church in the village of Llanrhidian. Once the nuptials were exchanged and the confetti thrown, the wedding party made its way to Fairyhill. Here guests were treated to reception drinks as the sunshine filtered through the trees onto the patio and lawn. During the wedding breakfast the entertainment included some surprise singing waiters and some marvellous speeches. Though the spotlight was stolen by the groom’s father with is comical song, much to everyone’s amusement and amazement. Just before the sun was setting, myself and the videographer, Richard from Aurora Wedding Films, followed the bride and groom down to the little boating pond within the grounds, where the evening sun hidden behind the woodland was creating some soft, atmospheric light. As the evening progressed it was soon time for the cutting of the cake and then the first dance for the newly married couple. I generally then stay on for a few more songs to get some images that reflect the celebratory dancing and then make my way home into the night air.