A Non-Traditional Wedding Extravaganza: The Reardons at New House County Hotel
An Introduction to the Couple
Sometimes in the world of wedding photography, you meet couples who just march to the beat of their own drum. Mike and Angharad Reardon were one such couple, whose wedding I had the pleasure to document at the beautiful New House County Hotel in Cardiff.
I had not met the Reardons prior to their big day, but this didn't pose a problem. The rapport I had built with Angharad since she booked me was strong, and the more I learned about them and their lovely family, the more I was excited to capture their special day. One thing that stood out to me was their preference to sidestep tradition and celebrate their day in their own unique way.
The Wedding Day: Breaking with Tradition
The morning of the wedding was an interesting juxtaposition. In the bride's quarters, there was a serene, laid-back atmosphere, while poor Mike spent part of his morning grappling with nerves, an aspect of the day I wasn't privy to until the ceremony.
In a charming break with tradition, Angharad was given away by her sisters during a sweet and succinct ceremony. It was evident that the couple was adamant about not letting tradition dictate their enjoyment of the day. They even decided against a first dance, which was refreshing.
The Photo Session: Capturing Authentic Moments
Mike and Angharad's hesitance to have any photos taken initially could have been a challenge. But, in reality, it suited my style perfectly. My approach is to let my couples enjoy their day as they've planned it, and to document the authentic, beautiful moments that unfold naturally. I prefer not to pose or direct too much.
Fortunately, the relaxed vibe and the picturesque grounds of the New House County Hotel offered ample opportunities for candid photos and portraits. Even the reluctant groom, Mike, was eventually persuaded into a short portrait session that yielded some remarkable results.
A Day to Remember
The weather was on our side that day, offering a warm and sunny backdrop to the celebrations. The hotel's grand feature fountain looked so tempting under the sun, it was hard to resist the urge to jump in! As the party moved to the marquee, the surroundings remained as captivating, a testament to the venue's charm.
I was also thoroughly impressed by the hotel staff. Their friendliness and professionalism contributed significantly to the smooth running of the day.
The bride's stunning dress was supplied by Eva Ashley Bridal, enhancing the elegance of the day.
Overall, it was a truly memorable day. The Reardons' wedding was a unique celebration that defied tradition and reminded us all that a wedding is about two people coming together in a way that reflects their personal journey and their love. It was a pleasure to be part of their special day, and I wish Mike and Angharad all the happiness in their new life together!