Royal Court Portrush Wedding
When you ask a newly married couple about important dates in their lives, you would be somewhat safe in assuming that the date they tied the knot would make an appearance. In the case of Katie and Sam, the 23rd September 2019, a month before their wedding day, is a date that they will likely never forget.
While the date may seem somewhat arbitrary, the 23rd September 2019 affected thousands of people worldwide. On this date, the Anglo/German airline Thomas Cook collapsed, leaving countless people stranded on foreign shores and even more people facing grave uncertainty over their future travel plans. Katie and Sam were one of these couples; due to jet off to sunny Jamaica for their nuptials, the collapse of the airline threw all their plans into disarray. Don’t worry, there is a happy ending to this tale.
As a documentary wedding photographer, I’m used to receiving all manner of requests. I often schedule weddings multiple years in advance, with the average booking for a wedding coming in at just under 12 months. From the outset, I work with couples to ensure that they can get the absolute best possible photographs from their day; this can mean multiple meetings (I love any excuse to meet up for a coffee!) and phone consultations. For Katie and Sam, they had less than a month to arrange an entire wedding.
Most couples in their situation would have thrown their hands in the air and rescheduled the entire thing. What impressed me most about this wonderful couple was their commitment to tying the knot and sealing the deal and in do so, they have acquired my upmost admiration.
With the help of family and close friends, a venue was found, a registrar booked, a band arranged, decor purchased, invites sent and a photographer secured… all in the space of a few short weeks! When I got the call to meet up for a consultation, I couldn’t have been anymore excited. I wanted to do whatever I could to help this couple and after 10minutes of hearing their story, I was firmly on-board!
When it came to the wedding, my brief was simple.. capture smiling faces and the joy of family and friends coming together and candid moments of the children who are involved in the day. Check, Check and Check!
The day itself started with bridal prep, which is one of my favourite times of the day to capture those intimate documentary-style photographs of the stunning bride, mother of the bride and children in a laid back, natural environment.
With details captured, dresses dawned we were off to the races. The ceremony itself was organised in the Coleraine Registry Office. This beautiful, glass-clad space provided a wonderful area for family and friends to congregate.
After the ceremony, it was time to relax! The father of the bride hosted guests at his home where smiles and laughter was prevalent.
The venue that played host to the reception was the stunning Atlantic Suite of the Royal Court Hotel in Portrush. With views over the Whiterocks Beach, out to the Atlantic Ocean and across to the Scottish Isles, this venue provides the ultimate coastal reception experience.
With speeches done and dinner devoured it was time to start the party!
I can’t thank Katie and Sam enough for the opportunity to capture their wedding day at such short notice. They were kind, generous and incredible hospitable ensuring that I wanted for absolutely nothing throughout the entire day. I was delighted to hear that Katie and Sam finally got their Caribbean escape, this time for their honeymoon and I would like to wish them all the happiness and love for their futures together as Man and Wife
