“Photography is about capturing souls, not smiles” – Dragan Tapshanon
Another fabulous wedding at the stunning Carlton Towers. I love shooting at this venue. It has something special, along with the house which I always feel is a cross between Downton Abbey and Hogwarts it has amazing grounds. There is a little nook you can sneak through to get to the back of the venue, great to get away from the hustle for some wedding day portraits. I always get super excited to shoot here as the light is incredible for wedding photography and although it has large grand rooms it still has a homely feel to create intimate and romantic wedding details.
Leila & Sami’s wedding was one of the most emotional, mad, crazy, funny and romantic weddings I shot in 2018. Leila is French, her bridesmaids flew in from France, Sami is from London so most of his friends and family came up to the good old north for their special day. An amazing mix of people.
When we arrived in the morning the spirits were high. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a bridal prep room with as much laughs and hysterics. I struggled to shoot as we just couldn’t stop laughing. I got to to know Leila and Sami well on their engagement shoot, we hit it off from the word go, we never stopped laughing. It was clear for me to see how much passion these two had for each other. Leila is such a natural hilariously funny and loving woman. Being nurses it was obviously appropriate Leila’s sister put on Leila’s amazing wedding dress in surgical gloves! As you do!!!
Leila was a knockout bride, her best friend Damian Loubat walked her down the aisle, Damian was the most elegant cool French dude ever. (He looked so cool) He was super emotional, all day. I loved how he showed his emotions. Leila had done an incredible job in the Venetian room, it looked stunning, with blossom trees and lots of stunning florals from Fulford Flowers, it was so elegant.
After the ceremony the rest of the day flowed, we snook off for 10 minutes for some portraits, a great time for Sami & Leila to have a moment to themselves. I have to mention the wedding breakfast and speeches. WOW, just WOW!! I had tears streaming down my face, they were amazing. Leila’s sister who she pretty much raised, did a speech that was off the scale, from a 15 year old, I was blown away as I think most of the guests were. Truly inspirational. Then Sami broke down the house with fits of laughter, a rollercoaster of emotions,
Although it was on the traditional side, the day felt so relaxed and super fun. It was a joy to shoot.
You guys were amazing humans, it was amazing to see so much love, respect these guys had for each other. Thanks for letting me capture your amazing wedding day! Here’s my favourites.