Imagine for a moment that you come across that one person who you connect with on so many levels including a love for Gin… even more so you decide to meet on a first date in a Gin Distillery? Well Jane & Richard are that couple. I was walking through a Tesco supermarket (other supermarkets are available) when I received a phone call from a very lovely Wedding Planner from near London. Ann Nicholas Wedding Planner was the name and a very exciting conversation continued as we talked about a wonderful couple from London who are getting married.
In a matter of months, I was heading to London to meet up with Jane & Richard, we had organised a pre Wedding stroll around Greenwich. On arrival I met with the amazing Wedding Photographer Natalie J, we talked and chatted and also did some filming. Jane & Richard were so natural together and when we spoke what came through was a real sense of story with a beautiful soft centre. What I mean by that is their story and the way they told it had emotion, love and a sense of fun throughout. I was already looking forward to the Wedding but the Pre Wedding meet up excited me even more, I could just see their Story unfolding and I knew straight away how I was going to bring it all together. The months ticked by and the Wedding day rolled around. Jane had picked to travel to Monmouthshire for their big day, an idyllic venue slotted into the landscape of the rolling hills. The Rolls of Monmouth was picked for the reception but first we were to witness the Ceremony in the beautiful village of Skenfrith. Jane & Richard along with their Wedding party had travelled down a couple of days previous for final preparations. The morning of the Wedding was spent at the tranquil surroundings of The Bell a former 17th century coaching inn, on the banks of the River Monnow. The Bell at Skenfrith is one of Wales’s renowned boutique hotels. As the morning unfolded the atmosphere was very relaxed (and a bit boisterous from the grooms loft quarters), there was some very touching moments with gifts being exchanged and words being said. Richard had decided to wear his traditional military uniform from a past career however with a change planned to more formal Wedding attire later in the day. While I left preparations to jump ahead to St Bridgets Church which was located within a 2 minute walk, I walked down the lane and was greeted by three London style big red buses parked outside the church lane like it was just another day. The landscape of the small village church in Wales and with three big red buses added in just looked so beautiful. I just thought of two very separate worlds coming together seamlessly (the buses were used for transport for guests). Guests had taken their seats and I was back at the top of the lane to see Jane walk effortlessly from the Bell to the Church. Surrounded by family & bridesmaids it was an excitable stroll down the lane. Richard waited at the alter slightly nervously with a few deep intakes of breath as Jane made the walk. Richard turned and saw his soon to be wife for the first time, there was a moment that was so beautiful. The Ceremony with some incredible readings was just wonderful to witness, a guard of honour by former military colleagues greeted the couple on exit from the church and of course a confetti montage that rivalled any other. A London Wedding? no a Welsh Wedding made in London. We made our way with an half hour drive to The Rolls of Monmouth, we were blessed with the glow of the late Summer sun as the London buses rolled in. It was more private than I thought, yes there is a golf course but it is no where near the Wedding reception location. The reception was located in what looked like an extended orangery with big beaming windows which was flooded by natural light. On the very large terrace outside guests enjoyed their drinks and indulged in catch-ups, first-time meetings and laughter. The day unfolded rather quickly from this point. As Jane & Richard took a stroll in the soft sunlight I remember thinking to myself what a pleasure it was filming their Wedding. The Speeches by Janes Mum & Richards Dad emphasised this, such loving thoughtful words were shared. The atmosphere as the sun dipped noticeably went up a few notches, everybody still congregating outside with laughter filling the evening air. The last shot I took was a wide-angle one of the entire venue lit up with shadows of people just enjoying themselves I smiled and said that will do (what a day!). I was saying goodbye to Jane & Richard and was made to promise that Richard and myself would meet in London for a few Gins at a later date (I intend on honouring that promise). Maybe we can go to the meeting place of these two, the London Distillery where this story begins… Press Play on their Wedding Film to enjoy a very unique Story. John-Mark
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