“Your photographs are amazing! What wonderful memories! We loved having you around and we definitely made the right choice in wedding photographer.” – Ruth & Gareth
RMA Sandhurst Wedding Photography
When Ruth got in touch to say that she and Gareth were going to get married at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, I thought, “That’s great! My first royal wedding!” Ha! Well, actually, I was just as pleased about her comments that she loved my style of documentary wedding photography.
It’s so important that clients like my storytelling approach to wedding photography and are not just looking for any old wedding photographer to take a few snaps. It means that in the end I’m able to give them the pictures they want, pictures that really tell the story of their wedding day.
For me, weddings are primary about people rather than places, but I have to admit that photographing at such a stunning location as Sandhurst offers so many storytelling opportunities. Sandhurst is where British Army officers are trained and where Gareth is a Lieutenant Colonel, so I knew it was going to be a grand affair full of uniformed soldiers and guards of honour.
RMA Sandhurst is a truly huge place, full of lawns, lakes and historic buildings such as the Old College and famous parade ground, where we paused for some portraits among the columns. But after shots of Ruth and her family getting ready at home a few minutes drive away, the day started at the Royal Memorial Chapel where the ceremony was held.
Low-light documentary wedding photography
The reception took place in the imposing Robertson House, the old staff college, with its very grand formal entrance hall. This being early autumn last year, it was dark by about 7.15pm and the dining room was, for much of the time, lit only by candles. I’m a big fan of low-light photography and the atmosphere that can be captured. I almost never use flash in these situations as it would ruin the look of the images, not to mention make me much less unobtrusive.
The less guests notice me, the more I’m able to capture images that are real, fun, full of emotion, and tell a story in themselves. And this is exactly why Ruth chose me in the first place. Of course, it also helped that Ruth and Gareth were such a welcoming and laid-back couple!
If you’re looking for a documentary wedding photographer to tell the story of your Sandhurst wedding, or any other location, I’d love you to get in touch.
Getting married in Sussex, Surrey, Kent or Hampshire? Check out this guide to my favourite wedding venues.
