I’ve been to Lichfield a million times. I’ve been to the Registry Office and photographed ceremonies and took plenty of pictures in Beacon Park too. But this visit to Lichfield was different. It was my first time at The George Hotel, right in the heart of the cathedral city for the wedding of Wendy and Neil.
I was excited to meet Wendy and the rest of the bridal party a couple of hours before the ceremony. I spent the first half an hour or so there looking in every nook and cranny to find the best places to get pictures; the venue didn’t disappoint!
The first time I met the couple was at their engagement session at the Arboretum in Walsall. This is where I got to know them both really well. It was easy to see that these two were perfect for each other, they couldn’t stop making each other laugh, and the moments between them that I witnessed were very sweet.
Once Wendy and the girls were ready, I checked in on the fellas too and got some great shots of them having a laugh (and a beer to calm pre-ceremony nerves). Neil wasn’t nervous at all, in fact, you could see the excitement in his eyes.
The George Hotel, full of character, was warm and friendly. A traditional Georgian coaching inn, the building was charming with a touch of elegance about it. The ceremony was held in the beautiful Regency-style ballroom, which at first glance was huge, but once filled with friends and family, it was just perfect.
Once the ceremony was over, we headed to the local park, which overlooks the Minster Pool next to the Remembrance Garden. There were plenty of people to capture, and even a couple that were passing decided to sit and enjoy the view – I had to kick them out of the park though as they were spoiling the view (and the pictures).
The exciting bit left to come was the dinner! Not a normal dinner, but a dinner with a twist. The waiters were, well, let’s say singers disguised as waiters! They had the family and friends up and on their feet in style, doing the conga and signing some old classics, it was a right laugh!
After the wonderful speeches (always one of my favourite parts of the day) the party started but not before I stole the happy couple for their night-time shot… then it was cutting the cake and the first dance before I headed home for a rest. I was shattered, but it was totally worth it!
