Rob and Fran Lawrence

Clearwell Castle - James and Tanya

We first met Tanya and Jim, well Tanya first, really, as she left Jim in Dubai where they both currently live and work. Tanya is a local girl with connections to Brockweir and having seen one of our albums at Clearwell realised that they had been passing our studios frequently over the years and knew of our reputation.

We met Jim only a few weeks ago when we did our “getting to know you” session, and both of them were very surprised at how fantastic they both looked … its all in the light we told them! As well as the light it’s all about that instantaeneous moment when to press the button (Magnum photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson called it ‘The Decisive Moment’).

Tanya is very relaxed in front of the camera (her Dad’s a keen photographer so she must be used to cameras and photographers)! and Fran only had to say ‘work that camera Tanya’ and off went smiles and the shutter … Fran could have stayed in the Bridal Suite at Clearwell Castle all day!

Tanya wore a gorgeous dress by Le Spose di Gio and looked like a film star.

Rob met Jim and the boys down at the pub! An “ironing” incident sent one of the best men off around for a circular trip of nearby towns to buy a replacement, fortunately achieved in good time.

Today’s flowers were stunning by Kay at Deacons of Chepstow and followed a rather appropriate autumn colour theme. As it happened the weather hadn’t listened to the rather dismal forecast and we actually had quite a nice day with only a couple of small short showers.

The ceremony was held in the ballroom under the direction of registrars, Michael and Judith, who combined the exact mix of dignity and gravitas in the appropriate places with some fun and laughter to make the ceremony personal and memorable.

We then shot the “de-facto” Clearwell Castle group shot on the castle steps, followed by Pimms, Champagne and canapes, giving the couple plenty of time to catch up with friends and family who haven’t seen the two of them for a while … we try not to rush at this stage of the day, its important to relax and chill down.

Our couples find our 20 minutes walk around the stunning grounds at Clearwell Castle a welcome break from the proceedings and with our practise session fresh in their minds we were able to quickly get some stunning pictures in the bag.

Our job is the best in the world and we wouldn’t change it for one second. We seem to be lucky that all of our couples are the best!

Our thanks as always go to the Clearwell Castle Team, with Suzanne in front of house and everyone behind the scenes.See you all again next week!!!

Jim and Tanya, you rock!!!!

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