These are a small selection of the photos from Chris and Cheryl’s wedding at the Waterside, Seamill, in August 2019. It was an absolute belter of a day!

I will often work with a second shooter (either because it's necessary due to timings and locations, or because my couple want the additional images). For this wedding my college friend Paul was helping me out - he spent the morning photographing the groom and his best man at home, while I was with Cheryl and her bridal party at the hotel. I had such a laugh when I saw Paul’s photos of Chris and G with their hair up in towels manicuring their nails!

Cheryl was genuinely the most chilled out bride I’ve ever seen. There were people all around – bridesmaids, makeup artists, hair stylists, other members of the wedding party – and she sat serenely stitching their wedding date on a hanky for Chris.

Eventually the ladies were ready; Chris and G had arrived and were chatting with guests downstairs; Luna the dog had arrived and was on her best behaviour… we were ready to go!

The ceremony itself was led by Wilson Butler and was really beautiful. Tears were shed at the head of the aisle, and the bride looked a bit emotional too at points… Before too long, the rings had been warmed and exchanged, vows spoken, and the new Mr. and Mrs. Robertson swept from the room to massive applause from their guests.

Paul and I gave them five minutes to chill and have a drink before taking them a walk along the beach at the hotel. This is one of the many reasons I love the Waterside as a venue – two seconds from the bridal suite and you’re out on the sand. I love just letting my couples have a walk and a chat, rather than forcing them into a dozen different poses. It lets them enjoy being married and feels more natural.

After a wee while we headed back into the venue where the cake was cut and speeches began. The father of the bride, groom and best man were all on great form. G had decided to wing his speech, and ended up being heckled by a small child, but still managed to adequately roast Chris.

Paul and I disappeared to download files and charge batteries while the couple and their guests ate; after that the celebrations began in earnest. Some weddings have quiet dancefloors at first but at this one everyone was on the floor from the off and still there well after I’d put my cameras away. I worked till about 9pm that night – I’m not one for packing up after the first dance or third dance – the way I see it you’ve paid me for the day and I’m there until I feel there’s nothing new to say with the camera.

All in all this was an amazing wedding to photograph in a stunning venue, and I dip into Chris and Cheryl’s set quite often in my portfolio. I was really proud of the images I created for them, and I’d love to do the same for you too. Give me a call on 07791 516394 if I can be of help on your big day!

We are so glad we chose Pete to be our photographer on our wedding day. We wanted ‘real’ pictures of people throughout the day and Pete was able to capture the personalities of our family and friends wonderfully. He caught the spontaneous, candid moments for us that would otherwise have been lost. Pete was funny, made our guests feel at ease, and our photographs as a result are a perfect way to remember how we felt on the day. We can’t recommend Pete enough, we love our images.

- Chris & Cheryl