Some weddings are full of chaos and champagne-fuelled madness from the moment the day begins. Alex and Josh's wedding wasn't one of them.
Instead, it started with a calmness that set the tone for the whole day.
I joined Alex and her bridesmaids at home as everyone got ready. There was plenty happening, but everything felt relaxed, organised and completely under control. Alex had meticulously planned the morning, complete with schedules for hair and makeup, arrival times and departures. Nothing felt rushed. It was simply a lovely atmosphere to spend the morning in, surrounded by family and friends who were all excited for what lay ahead.
Once everyone was ready, a beautiful vintage Beaufort wedding car arrived to take Alex to the church. There was even a brief sprinkling of rain on the journey, but as every wedding photographer knows, rain on your wedding day is supposed to bring good luck. Besides, by the time we arrived at the church, the skies had cleared once again.
The ceremony itself was held in a stunning church filled with character and beautiful light. Reverend Amanda led the service and delivered one of the most memorable wedding talks I've heard in quite some time. Somehow managing to combine faith, marriage and Forrest Gump, she compared God to a box of chocolates in a way that had much of the congregation laughing while still delivering a genuinely heartfelt message. It perfectly reflected the warmth and personality of the day.
After the ceremony, guests gathered outside for a confetti throw that absolutely delivered. There was no holding back. The confetti flew, everyone got involved, and it made for some brilliant photos before guests made their way to the reception.
The celebrations continued at The Grand in Leicester, one of the city's most iconic buildings. The venue's beautiful 1930s interiors, grand staircase and enormous skylight provided endless opportunities for photographs throughout the afternoon. It's one of those venues where you barely need to go looking for a backdrop; every corner seems to provide one.
Following drinks on arrival, guests headed straight into the wedding breakfast before a series of heartfelt speeches. There were plenty of emotional moments throughout, with stories, laughter and more than a few tears.
One thing I particularly loved about Alex and Josh's wedding was that they weren't afraid to do things their own way. After the cake cutting came two additional speeches from Alex's sister and Josh's father. It might not have been the traditional running order, but it suited them perfectly and added even more personality to the day.
As the evening arrived, Alex and Josh shared their first dance before the dance floor quickly began to fill. The atmosphere built steadily as friends and family threw themselves into the celebrations and enjoyed the rest of the evening together.
Before the party got into full swing, the three of us slipped away for a short walk along New Walk in Leicester. With the heat of the day beginning to fade and the evening light softening, it was the perfect opportunity for a few relaxed portraits away from the excitement. More importantly, it gave Alex and Josh a chance to spend a little time together and take everything in before returning to their guests.
From the calm start to the packed dance floor at the end of the night, Alex and Josh's wedding was a brilliant reflection of them both: thoughtful, warm, organised and full of genuine moments.
Congratulations again to you both. It was a pleasure to be part of it.
