Glyn and Candice held their wedding at Dodmoor House in Northamptonshire. Their ceremony (a civil one) has to be one of my favourite ceremonies that I’ve ever photographed. So much so that I’m breaking my usual blogging style to share photos of just their ceremony.

It’s a favourite because it was full of heart and had a really warm intimate energy.

It’s plain to see how much Glyn and Candice love each other and how much they love and are loved by their family and friends. Plain to see because 1) it was written all over their faces and 2) there were hands everywhere!

Hands can be just as expressive, if not more, than faces. Like a secret code to say what we’re thinking without actually saying anything at all. I love how capturing a seemingly small gesture like holding hands extra tightly or a reassuring pat on the back can add such a powerful layer of emotion to photos. As long as you catch them in time because those moments are fleeting! I’m struggling to find the words to describe it but as Winnie The Pooh would say “…you’re just meant to feel it.”

I think it’s all kinds of wonderful to have the privilege to capture such animated and unbridled emotions. I’m very thankful to work with clients who are so at ease and allow me in to witness it. It’s what leads to the photos that are unique and meaningful; the ones that you can’t predict. Massive thanks to Glyn and Candice for having me and for being who you are.

Candice’s entrance

Even before the ceremony had started hands were hard at work. Just as I took this test shot to check my exposure Glyn’s Mum reached out a reassuring and well-wishing hand of support. A fortunate stroke of serendipity to catch it. And then it continues with the Best Man in tears.

Proud Dad moment

The ceremony starts with Glyn holding Candice’s hand with two hands and Dad’s slightly tense hands revealing a few nerves as he gives his daughter away. Swiftly followed by a joke & shared laughter as he shakes Glyn’s hand.

We’re legit

Holding hands tightly and looking each other right in the eye. Just adorable.

We do

When the Registrar called Glyn and Candice’s Mums to the front to witness the marriage, all four spontaneously joined hands and stood proudly together. However, vows are always made with the couple facing each other. But this wasn’t going to happen before a hug and a squeeze for Candice’s Mum. Adorable resting foreheads, giggles, loving looks, tears, a reassuring rub on the back – there was so much love and personality to capture.

The readings

Glyn and Candice didn’t let go of each other’s hands for one minute. So lovely.

Exchanging rings

Asking the Best Man to come up with the rings is always good for a giggle! Going into his pocket pretending they’re not there, the Groom giving a look and beckoning gesture that says “come on, hand them over” and a chance to tease the Best Man in return by patting his receding hairline.

Sealed with a kiss

Look at those hands! Divine!

Signing the register

Photographs can’t be taken of the couple while the register is being signed but there’s always a bit of time afterwards to take some photos. The downside of that is that you can’t often get any totally natural photos other than of the guests. But on this occasion, it was different.

While the registers were being signed I took the opportunity to catch a few shots of the guests while they were waiting.

Once everything was signed, Glyn and Candice enjoyed laughing with the Registrars as they gathered up the paperwork and took everything to one side to finish off the formalities. And then as they moved off, Glyn and Candice started chatting with each other so I hung back for a while to see what unfolded. I have no idea what they were talking about but I love their expressions! I think there’s always room for a good dose of humour in wedding photos!

Then they looked down at their rings…

Now my cover was blown!

The paperwork

The exit

Glyn and Candice were very relaxed and in no hurry to leave the ceremony. I love that they stopped to hug their parents and greet some of their guests on the way out.

Are you getting married at Dodmoor House?

If you are, you might like to have a look at this page about wedding photography at Dodmoor House. You’ll find links to other weddings I’ve shot at Dodmoor on there and if you like what you see, then I’d love to hear from you.