This St Pauls Cathedral wedding took place just as the London Olympics came to an end. As the whole country mourned the loss of constant TV coverage of heroic sporting feats, my brush with the Olympics was just beginning. Only a matter of days after winning a silver medal in the Lightweight Double Sculls, Team GB rower and Beijing gold medallist Zac Purchase was to marry his fiancée Fliss in rather grand circumstances. The whole day was planned meticulously by Sandy from Tern Events ably assisted by Bernadette from Dream Occasions.
Luckily for me, HELLO! magazine were there to cover the day too. Their photographer had agreed to shoot the couple of groups that the couple wanted, along with the posed stuff he needed for the article. I was free to do what I do best! So, arriving bright and early at Great Fosters I began my coverage of both Fliss and Zac’s preparations.
I was greeted by a small army of hair and make-up professionals. There was also a matching army of bridesmaids, and an amazing Ian Stuart dress. With beautification and dressing complete, I joined the guests on Routemaster buses. As we made the journey across London to St. Pauls Cathedral, there was a quiz about the couple/wedding. We then made our way down into the crypt for the ceremony in the OBE chapel. Unfortunately photography is heavily restricted at St. Pauls during the ceremony. So, other than a couple of sneaky shots, I was able to relax for a while.
Great Fosters Wedding Reception Photography
After the ceremony the HELLO! photographer kicked into action setting up a few posed shots on the main floor of the cathedral. He also dis a few on the huge steps (after evicting a few hundred tourists!), before everyone jumped into cars and onto buses just as the heavens opened.
After driving back across London, through rain that almost required us to row the bus to Great Fosters, there were a few surprises in store at Fliss & Zac’s reception. The first of these was for Zac who was about to find himself the proud owner of a very nice replica sports car courtesy of Fliss. Lots of jealous mumbling from the male guests circling the car!
After a few more groups by HELLO! magazine’s photographer, including an interesting use of some medal-winning oars, it was Zac’s turn to produce a gift. Another method of transport, but with less horsepower. And there was much sobbing.
Documentary wedding photography at Great Fosters
With gifts out of the way the reception continued with more posing duties for the happy couple whilst the guests enjoyed afternoon tea, and then everyone was ushered into the barn for speeches and the wedding breakfast. With the tables cleared and the band ready to go, it was then time for the first dance. Amazingly, given the training schedule that had only recently come to an end, Zac and Fliss had managed to squeeze in a dancing lesson so no shifting weight here. From that point onward the dancefloor was pretty much full all night, and for some reason things got extra rowdy when the band played the theme from Baywatch. So much so that the band played it again as their encore!
Then it was time for Zac & Fliss to make their exit, through a cloud of lavender confetti, and off (to the car park) astride Zac’s new wheels. But, that’s not my brush with the Olympics (and Olympians) over and done with. Stay tuned for more at Christmas!
St Pauls Cathedral Wedding Photographer
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