This wedding I photographed at Clearwell Castle, in the forest of Dean is a real modern fairy tale with many quirky details and a beautiful princess called Rosie wearing Christian Louboutin classic red sole shoes and black leather!

As a documentary wedding photographer, I thoroughly enjoyed capturing the day's many activities. The guests were full of fun; they spent time playing all the games in the Parkland, from gigantic chess outdoors to the escape room in the basement.

MEET THE COUPLE

I first met the couple, Rosie and Jake, at a wedding fair called Chosen in Islington, London where I was exhibiting.

It was fascinating speaking to them about the big day, it sounded so interesting, with so many incredible ideas, and so out of the ordinary!

Definitely, a dream wedding to photograph with so much going on.

Rosie is very creative and kind. She spent a lot of energy thinking about the little details, making sure that everything was completely bespoke and very personal to them.

I REALLY LOVE TO HEAR THEIR STORIES, THIS IS WHY I ASKED THEM SOME QUESTIONS…

How did you meet?
I helped organise a holiday to a villa in Greece and he ended up being one of the people going.

Tell us about the Proposal…
On our 4 year anniversary of dating, in the evening on a private beach at Spiaggia dell’ Elefante, near Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda, North-East Sardinia. We spoke about shooting stars being astronaut poo before he proposed.

Please, could you share with us a little bit about your wedding planning, what was the most difficult part?
The guests. Chasing them, people asking ridiculous questions, people having ridiculous demands and making ridiculous assumptions, complaints... you would have thought it was their day lol! Last-minute drops outs that have no understanding of the cost implications. But at the end of the day, as long as you and your partner turn up... everything else is just a bonus! :)

Any special touches/DIY?
Cake toppers (Harley Quinn and Archer). Magazines with puzzles in them. An escape room and karaoke. Swords owned by the best men. The confetti made from crushed rose petals from flowers Jake gave me over the time we were together. A book filled with mementos. We made the invites from scratch. The registrar performing the ceremony was a friend. Rings made by maid of honour. Hair and makeup artist was a friend from my Film and TV days. Table plan designed by me and table name round also made by my dad. So so many things done by yourselves.

What was the theme/colour palette of your Big Day?
The theme was just stuff we like! Colours were red, white and black. Which was why we had white Calle lilies and red roses.

What was the most enjoyable part of your wedding day?
For me, it was walking down the stairs and getting ready to walk down the aisle and then the walk. And probably walking back down the aisle as a married couple too.
For Jake, it was on the dance floor.

If you could, would you change anything on the making of your wedding day?

For me probably a videographer to capture all the moments I wasn’t able to witness like the music pre-walk, seeing the bridesmaids and flower girls walk etc.

For Jake, “I would have read the notice about not drinking the tap water...” Hehe!

Any advice you would like to share with new couples planning their wedding?
Concentrate on what matters most to both of you. Personalised touches do make the day more meaningful, but I will pass on the best piece of advice I was given by one of my bridesmaids who recently got married before me.
“No one remembers the centrepieces!” It made me realise that I should only concentrate on the important things that meant something to us and that all the extra stuff is forgotten. The meaningful things are what matter and are what’s remembered.

How did you choose your wedding photographer?
I went to a wedding fair with one of my bridesmaids and I was really taken by Paola’s work. Specialising in interesting weddings, was exactly what we were looking for.

Your reaction when you first looked at your wedding pictures.
“Awwww”
“So sweet!”
“Love the one with everyone looking silly!”
Our housemate Mary “you look like a Queen!!” Best reaction ever!
We loved our photos! We are so glad we got so many candid ones, they really capture the essence of the day.

Tell us about your wedding venue
A beautiful castle in the Forest of Dean called Clearwell Castle.

What about your dress and shoes?
The dress was strapless straight cut with a linen dress designed by Benjamin Roberts and bought from Annie Laurie Bridal. A small boutique in the village my parents live in. As she was selling the business the dress only cost me £450!
My shoes were Christian Louboutin as the classic red sole and black leather were perfect for the theme. Plus, could afford them with the bargain my dress was.

This is the review that the couple left me.

“Paola was a pleasure to have on our special day. Communication was top-notch, but she was even nicer to meet in person and so lovely during the day. Many people commented on how respectful and non-disruptive she was. No one felt like they were being invasive or demanding attention like some photographers can be. Loved the end product as well. All-round professional and a great photographer.” Rosie & Jake

Lovely Rosie and Jake, I will not forget your fun and happy day; thank you so much for inviting me to be your wedding photographer.

If you are looking for a wedding photographer to capture your beautiful day. Please get in touch here.