Finally I have a chance to blog the fabulous wedding of Reah and Dan which was at St Davids Hotel in Cardiff Bay. I’ve worked with Reah and Dan before through newborn and family photography and was honoured to be able to document their wedding day for them... a few postponements due to the obvious (covid pandemic) but totally worth waiting for as their big day had all the glamour, fun and love that made it very special to be part of.
I joined Reah at bridal prep at the hotel and some of my favourite images of the day were taken here, especially the captures of their wee son with his super cool sunnies and his strong bond with Aunty Louise. Bridal and groom prep is such a perfect way of easing a photographer into the wedding and it’s part of the wedding that many people on a budget skip.. I’d strongly recommend budgeting to have a photographer there because this is the time where your bridal party learn to relax having their photo taken as rapport is developed quickly in the informal setting of prosecco and breakfast. It also makes for amazing natural photos and obviously starts the story of the big day at the beginning.
Dan didn’t get ready at the hotel but showed up in his friend’s swanky car (I’m not a car person sorry and have no idea what it was but it was impressive and they looked like they were in a Bond movie).
The ceremony was outside on the balcony of the hotel, overlooking the views of Penarth and Cardiff Bay. Stunning views and everyone looked amazing, even in the sweltering sun.
So why was this wedding special to me as a photographer? Firstly As soon as I turned up at bridal prep and met Dan and his groomsmen for the first time I felt so welcomed and everyone made me feel that I was part of the wedding. The banter from guests and both their families was amazing and I left feeling I’d made friends. The relationship building actually made me stay a bit longer than usual which was great because the dance floor was banging! St Davids Hotel also looked after me really well and apart from being well fed (thank-you Reah & Dan for making this happen) the communications throughout the day with staff was brilliant.
This wedding also had a the right amount of quirkiness for me in little touched like the cake.. created by Scoffincake (Sarah who is based in Caerphilly) Reah & Dan chose to have a lego bride and groom as a token to their gorgeous son. The cake cutting was far from the normal stuffy and the 3 of them got stuck in as their 4 year old cut off the bride and groom’s head (of the cake obviously). Brilliant! They also chose not to have a guest book and instead opted for a globe for people to sign. I loved this… it highlighted their passion for travel and was such a lovely personalised thing.
They had Magic Stu there doing his amazing magician tricks and seeing Reah’s face was absolute class. I’ve worked with Stuart a few times and he never disappoints.
Now this amazing couple have left Wales and are on a new adventure in Dubai. I know you are probably immensely missed by your family and friends and I wish you all the best. Thankyou once again for choosing me to be your photographer, it really was lush to be part of such an amazing day xx
