september 28, 2019 - Gwesty carreg bran hotel

THE details

Mike & Riana had chosen to get married Gwesty Carreg Bran on Anglesey. A Hotel with 3 acres of gardens, a stones throw from the Menai Straits, and within the village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Home of the longest place name in Europe, the 2nd longest worldwide and somewhat thankfully shortened to Llanfairpwllgwyngyll for ease of pronunciation!

With the weather threatening to be "unsettled" we arrived early at the Hotel to set up, find some sheltered spots if needed and spend some time getting photos of all those precious details.

THE PREP

With the hotel booked for the wedding and both Mike and Riana getting ready at the hotel, we were easily able to get photographs of both getting ready. Obviously with both the bride and groom in the same building before the wedding, care had to be taken that nobody was accidentally in the wrong place at the wrong time. Fortunately Julias excellent organisational skills are second to non and and we soon had both parties prep photos done, without any unwanted exposure.

THE WAIT

In the moments before the ceremony emotions always run high, the last minute touches, the finishing details and the watches second hand seemingly suspended in time. Tears of joy were shed early when Rianas' dad saw her in her dress for the first time, before walking down stairs and into the arms of her husband to be.

the wedding

The waiting finally over, and on an emotional father's arm Riana joined Mike with their guest to say I do. It was an occasion of love, laughter and yet more tears of joy as they joined together as a couple. Their guests and suppliers had paid attention to very final detail, ensuring that that venue was a magical location to say their vows

the photos

Like many the idea of being photographed, was not something that Mike was looking forward to when we first met in a Costa Coffee in Manchester. It was a meeting that lasted several hours in fact, as we talked back and forth about how they wanted to tell their story and what made them smile. Come the wedding day, both Mike and Riana where totally relaxed in front of the camera allowing their fun and joy to shine through in every image.

the speaches

After a wonderful meal at the hotel, and a short break for yours truly, it was time for the speeches and in true testament to the couple they were full of love, joy and admiration.

the party

As the night drew in the weather that had unpredictable but clear all day, finally broke. This made the planned farewell to Rianas maiden name a challenge but with some creativity and emergency umbrellas, while the guests remained undercover we succeeded. As the party moved indoors, or undercover Mike and Rina shared their first dance and soon the dance floor was full and continued late into the night.