 Sheila & John got exactly what they were hoping for on their wedding day - a heartfelt ceremony followed by laughter-filled moments with their closest family and friends; a day that was relaxed, genuine, and full of love set against the beautiful backdrops of Derry's Guildhall & Bishops Gate Hotel - both decked out in their Christmas finery - it was an honour to capture it for them... My day started documenting Sheila and family making their final preparations at home in Strabane (without Luna & Harvey who'd made themselves scarce for the day!) prior to their short drive to Derry for the high-noon ceremony. I love photographing at this time of a wedding as it's a chance for everyone to get used to my presence and for me to let them know I'll work around them, rather than vice-versa (including videographers like Andrew, Milltown Digital Media whose approach to the day blended seamlessly with my own) On my arrival at the Guildhall John was greeting the close family and friends who were gathering for the Whitaker Suite ceremony & subsequent drinks reception - with Celtic Wedding Harps aka Lucia McGinnis providing the musical ambience. This gave me a great chance to capture the rising excitement, and the wee bit of nerves that start to build as the ceremony draws closer. It wasn't long before Sheila arrived & made the dash through the rain under the safety of the Mercedes Wedding Car Hire Ireland supplied umbrellas! Who were on standby again afterwards when it was time to move the party from the Guildhall to Bishops Gate Hotel, for the wedding meal, while the December rain decided to make a prolonged appearance - my shot of the weddings car driving along Bishops Street towards the venue wasn't so much planned as serendipitous as they passed me as I briefly sheltered under a shop canopy!) Since their big day Sheila & John have very kindly provided with me with lovely feedback - which really reinforced my love for my relaxed, documentary-driven approach to wedding photography.. in their words - "As soon as we found your Instagram page we knew you were the photographer for us. We love your documentary style We are very quiet and don’t usually like our photos being taken, but as soon as we met you, we felt so comfortable. We were worried any potential photographer would not capture us as people, but you did it so well — you can see how we’re so ourselves in the photographs." "You worked so hard and put so much attention to detail, but it never felt that a camera was there. It made the day extra special, and we could relax knowing you were capturing memories we will have forever." "The rain never stopped us, and we love the lighting and photos the weather helped you create. We’re so in awe of how you captured everyone just how we know them. The laughter, fun, and love we all share as a family comes through in the photographs. As we sat going through them, we could remember what was being said and the fun we had. "You were so friendly and professional and made the day a breeze. We are so happy with our photos thank you so much " If you’re planning a wedding — big or small — and want photos that feel like you, I’d love to hear from you.                                                                                                                  
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