Photographing an elopement requires an alternative approach to being part of a big wedding and is something I really enjoy. My relationship with a couple is no less important and meaningful, but requires discretion in balancing the desire to capture photos which portray their wedding but without dominating. It’s a case of stepping back and allow events to happen while being aware of the effect the presence of a camera can have.

My initial phone conversation with Claire began tentatively. I had the feeling she was feeling me out and gauging what reaction I’d have to her plans. We chatted about her and Steve’s love of the outdoors (and Steve’s assertion that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just ‘the wrong clothing’). We compared experiences of visiting the gardens at their wedding venue, Helmingham Hall in Suffolk. It wasn’t until I asked about any personal touches to their day that Claire relaxed and told of their shared love of the Hitch-hikers Guide to the Galaxy books and how they’d feature in the wedding. ‘Don’t Panic(!)’, I said ;-)

Special mention to the lovely Katie & Sam at Helmingham Hall. Ordinarily, they’d be beavering away in the background, helping couples make their wedding plans a reality and co-ordinating between suppliers and vendors. However, they kindly stood in as Claire & Steve’s witnesses at what was the smallest, most intimate wedding any of us could remember being part of. Claire’s bouquet was by Bethany Rose in nearby Saxmundham and the brilliant cake was made by a friend.

So, on what was to become the wettest day of the year (you’d never have guessed it was June), the rain gods eased off for an hour or two and allowed us to make the most of having the Hall and gardens to ourselves on a very happy and special day.