St Donats Wedding – Kate & Damian

I love a St Donats wedding as you know that you will get great shots – you really cannot fail to with such a lovely venue and half decent weather. I was so keen to do this wedding that I went to Aberystwyth to do an engagement shoot for Kate and Damian and it was really worth it despite the time spent driving on a sunny Saturday last October. 9 months later and I was delighted to be back with Kate and Damian on the big day and watch this gorgeous couple say ‘I do’ infront of family and friends.

The day started for me with Kate at The Vale Hotel for Bridal preperation and for my assistant on the day, Steve Wheeler, to join the boys in their flat in Cardiff Bay. I was joined by the fantastic Richard from Aurora Videography and his assistant Steve was with the boys. I always find this time great for getting to know the bride and her bridesmaids and this is often the key to understanding how the day might pan out and for making relationships with everyone that helps you make the day run smoothly. If the bride is nervous it is always good to chat through the day with her and try to make her laugh … that helps … laughter always helps!

The bridal prep was great but with time ticking I got slightly ahead of the girls on the drive to Llantwit Major and St Illtyds Church. I found parking just in time to say hello to Damian and get some photos of Kate before the ceremony and then onto THE main part of the day. It was full of laughter and was great to see this moment up close from the edge of the choir stalls. Damian’s son was ready on hand to give out the rings and look cool in his suit!

After the ceremony we did a quick meet and greet and then off to St Donats – we went down to the sea for photos and wandered back up stopping off in various locations and had an enjoyable session with lots of banter between myself and Richard and I was really pleased with the shots. The only problem I find with St Donats is that there is too much choice for photos and as I like to get the couple back to their guests it can be very difficult to narrow down where to go … but I did manage to get them back and in plenty of time too. Group shots followed and after a small gap the couple went in and had a recieving line and Kate played the piano for Damian before they greeted their guests.

The day was fantastic and after, some rather good speeches, the couple were treated to a surprise performance from ‘Only Boys Aloud‘ – who were rehearsing on site. This was great and it soon turned into a full on dancing session by the guests and this gave me some brilliant photos. This fairly neatly lead into the first dance and then more dancing and I was really pleased with the shots I got as guests really went for it and those are always the best shots.

Enjoy the photos and pass on my name if you like what you see.