Mr and Mrs Hawke

So I'm catching up with my blog, and have nearly covered everything that I have done recently and will be able to blog about things I want to do and that are coming up rather than what I have done. 

So Its June still and I have been asked to attend a wedding as a guest by an old friend from school called Gemma, I thought this was a good opportunity to try out my wedding workshop before I do my first real wedding as the official photographer. I kept things simple and travelled with my D300s, Tamron 17 - 55mm f2.8, Nikon 70 - 200mm f2.8 and a SB-800. All this fitted nicely in my little bag so was easy to carry around with me all day. 

Now since I was a guest I thought I would mingle with the crowds and try to get the candid photos of the anticipation and run up to the bride arriving trying to avoid the official photographer so as to not get in their way. 

During the service I wasn't taking any pictures as we had all been asked to not take any during the service. I did manage to take a few more candid shots before Gemma arrived. Outside again after the wedding, it was the same as before, looking for the shots that others weren't looking for, the kids playing with bubbles on the grass while their parents have their photo taken with the bride and groom, groups of people talking after the service and of course the Bride and Groom.

After getting lost on the way to the reception, it would be a good idea now to mention it to anyone else that is also looking to do weddings or any kind of event photography is to double check the invite and make sure you get the right hotel. I was sure it was at the new continental hotel however after getting there and not spotting anyone I knew, I checked the invite and it was the Copthorne hotel. 

By the time I got to there most of the buffet was gone, and so was the official photographer, this was my time to shine! I started with a quick drink and mini pizza to keep me going as I hadn't eaten since breakfast. After a qucik refreshment i was then equiped with the 70 - 200mm I had my back against a wall and was taking more candid photos of the Bride and Groom as they walked the room talking to all the guests. 

 I had arranged to stay through out the speeches and in to the evening reception for when more guests arrived. I found a table near the end of the room where I could be out of the way but still able to get all the photos of the head table during the events to come. 

I got some great shots from the day and managed to turn all the pictures around in a weekend for Gemma and Patrick who in turn were thrilled to see them all when I delivered it to them before the honeymoon.

I'd like to say thank you again to Gemma and Patrick for asking me to be a part of their special occasion.