My first wedding of 2016 took place on the 13^th February, the eve of Valentine’s Day and the day Jo and Neil had chosen to tie the knot. I was introduced to the lovely couple through the Groom’s brother Alex, a press photography colleague from my days at the Leicester Mercury. I had met Jo and Neil a couple of times and when the day arrived I knew their wedding was going to be fantastic with fine attention detail. Jo an art teacher definitely put her own stamp on the decor, with handmade light up letters, colourful order of services and crafted pottery tags for each guest. The Bride calmly got ready with her 3 bridesmaids in the beautiful room at Mythe Barn. One of the bridesmaids gorgeously styled the Bridal Party’s hair which was particularly impressive as she wasn’t a professional hairdresser. Jo looked amazing in her Maggie Sottero dress, perfectly finished off by a delicately laced veil made by her mum. Neil and the Groom’s Party got ready close by in one of the rooms just below the bridal suite. On a few occasions there were some very near misses of seeing each other!

The ceremony that took place in the beautifully lit room at Mythe Barn included a joyous service with two very personal readings by guests which sent the room into laughter. Smiles, laughter and merriment filled the whole day, weaving into the speeches and even the group pictures, as everybody braved the bitterly cold February weather. As well as carrying out some portrait work of the new Mr and Mrs Hannam using the backdrop of the exterior barns and brickwork, I also took the opportunity to use the lit up letters that Jo created. Thanks to Alex, my step in lighting assistant, on helping out here; particularly love these shots.

Jo and Neil – I know that you both had the time of your lives, surrounded by great people! You looked the picture of happiness. I wish you a wonderful life together and in the words of your guest, one things for sure “you’ll never walk alone” . xx