From one to the next, no wedding is the same to me. It’s part of what I love about this work: getting to be witness to the way people choose to celebrate their love. It never gets old really, and each one always has its own charm. This year I photographed such a range of weddings, from grand celebrations with 200 guests, to intimate moments between just two hearts and their witnesses.
I love the humming tension in these post-confetti moments, when guests are gagging to rush and cuddle you but aren’t quite sure if they’re “allowed to” yet.
If I’m being completely honest, intimate weddings hold a special place in my heart.
There’s something sacred about being invited into a wedding party that has been so carefully selected, where oftentimes I am the twenty-first person on a twenty person guest list. I move differently in these weddings, because they call for it. They are more delicate, and quiet in their own special way. It feels important that I absorb this energy in an attempt to be as present as possible, without my presence ever being oppressive.
There it is.
When M&R first got in touch with an enquiry detailing plans for an intimate civil ceremony, followed by an evening of swimming in the sea and sharing drinks with their loved ones at our local beach, my interest leaned right in. With a shared love for travel, the sea and yoga, it felt easeful to build a connection with these guys, and I can feel that in the photos we created together. Rory and I even got to share a surf together at our local beach, Tynemouth Longsands, after our pre-wedding meeting - a favourite serendipitous moment of this season for sure!
My favourite photo from the day.
Frolicking in the grass in public parks may result in dog poo on toes. Even on your wedding day. Consider yourself warned. No vibes were harmed in the process.
Each of their outfits were personally designed and handcrafted on their travels. They hand-shaped each other’s rings with personal engravings. Bare feet were plunged into the grass straight after the ceremony before heading to the beach in the evening. And even though the swim didn’t happen due to classic north-east England’s cantankerous weather, we managed to grab a ten minute window to run down to the beach to take some portraits before the evening drinks reception where I got to taste the best vegan cake I’ve ever eaten.
Honestly, the whole day felt effortless and intentional, in a really beautiful way. Free-flowing, just like M&R’s nomadic spirits. And I love it when this happens; when you can really feel people’s essence woven into their wedding day. It’s always a sign that the day has been created from a place that’s true, and a genuine reflection of their how their love moves through them and into the world.
My kind of celebration of love.
Thanks for reading!
Sarah x
