Mike and Sarah’s wedding at The Reid Rooms

The Reid Rooms Wedding Photography by Essex wedding photographer James Thomas.

This was my first wedding at The Reid Rooms, I had been there as a guest a few years ago so I knew how amazing the photographic opportunities would be. As I do with all weddings I had already met Mike and Sarah at the venue to discuss the available options for their photographs so I was fully prepared with a detailed plan of what they wanted, which included several portraits around the grounds as well as some creative night photography incorporating sparklers and coloured smoke. Anyone that knows me will tell you I am a huge fan of night time photography and love an opportunity to use smoke and sparklers to get some unique and atmospheric shots. I am currently working on some new ideas for my upcoming weddings so keep an eye on my website and Instagram to see more!

Mike and Sarah had an engagement shoot at Hadleigh Castle a month before their wedding, which gave me a chance to see the style of photography they particularly liked, as well as giving them an opportunity to get used to being photographed and to help them be more relaxed on their big day. Check out some of their engagement shoot photographs here

Groom Prep

The day started with some shots of Mike and the Ushers at The White Hart in Moreton which is a great country pub.  This provided a great setting for a few shots, we finished up with the guys having a whisky to calm Mike’s nerves before taking the short walk to Moreton church to get ready for the ceremony. It’s a beautiful church and I got a few shots outside before capturing shots of guests arriving and making their way inside.

As with all my weddings, I tailor the images captured to suit exactly what the couple wants. Sarah wanted images of her as she arrived at the church in a quirky white London cab, which worked really well and looked great in the photographs. I captured documentary-style images of her arriving and entering the church before photographing the ceremony itself.

Following a beautiful ceremony, I captured the confetti shots, we then sent the guests off to the reception at The Reid Rooms so Mike and Sarah could stay back with me and get a few formal images. I then made a dash to The Reid Rooms so I would be there ahead of them to get some arrival shots which worked out great. The London cab pulled into the courtyard offering some great photo opportunities. Mike and Sarah then took some time to be with their guests while I concentrated on getting some reportage shots of all the guests interacting and the amazing magician entertaining everyone. I get to see lots of magicians at weddings and am always in awe of their tricks, so talented. After a while we went off for a walk around the grounds to get some couple shots, there are so many locations at The Reid Rooms, we were spoilt for choice, but as we already had a plan of the shots they wanted I was able to work quickly with them. Next, it was time for more formal group shots in the courtyard and the final big group shot of everyone, which I got from above looking out over the courtyard utilising the area above the old stable block building.

Night Photography Under the Willow Tree

Whilst the wedding breakfast was underway I took the opportunity to prepare for the evening images, making sure all the lights are set up, so after the speeches, I can work efficiently to get the couple the night shots they had requested in an as efficient amount of time as possible. One of the requested shots was an image under the old willow tree in the garden by the farmhouse. To get this shot I set up multiple lights to really pull out the atmosphere created by the coloured smoke as well as ensuring the couple is nicely lit. I captured a few more night shots around the venue before heading inside to get the first dance shots. Mike and Sarah had their first dance to the Hustle which I can see why they picked it and they pulled it off brilliantly.

Kind Words

This was a really enjoyable wedding, a great couple at a great venue. This is the reason I love my job and always feel privileged to be part of my couples big day and to top it all off Mike and Sarah wrote the below testimonial which makes it so rewarding.

“I would wholeheartedly recommend James for his creative eye, his energetic work ethic and considerate customer service.
Not only did James set up an engagement shoot to get us ready for the main event, he also visited our chosen venues prior to the big day to select the best locations for photos.
James’s passion for photography is incredible – he was brimming with ideas, he worked diligently to get the particular results we wanted and he is great fun to work with. We’re so glad we made the right choice. Thank you, James, for being our wedding photographer. Sarah and I are absolutely thrilled with the photos of the day – and the presentation box for the USB stick was such a thoughtful touch.”
— Mike and Sarah – The Reid Rooms

If you are looking for a Reid Rooms wedding photographer, I’d love to hear from you. I aim to capture my client’s wedding day through a series of images that tell a story, this is combined with some unique images to give you memories to treasure forever.

Essex Wedding Photographer

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