As a West Midlands-based wedding photographer, I have the privilege of capturing love stories in some truly unique settings. Recently, I had the honour of photographing a wedding that began with the warmth of family, continued through a historic setting in Dudley, and ended with a lively reception full of laughter and joy. From bridal prep at the bride’s parents’ home to a stunning photoshoot in Priory Park, this wedding was a perfect blend of tradition, superstition, and celebration.
The day started at the bride’s parents’ home, where I had the pleasure of capturing the excitement and anticipation as the bride, her bridesmaid, and the adorable flower girls prepared for the big day. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and a few happy tears as everyone got ready, and the house buzzed with the energy that only a wedding day can bring.
I focused on documenting these intimate moments— from the bride’s final touches of makeup to the bridesmaid and mom helping her into her dress. The flower girls twirled in their dresses, adding an extra layer of charm to the morning. The house was a hub of love and support, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.
Once everyone was ready, the bridal party made their way to the ceremony venue in style. The bride and her bridesmaids traveled in elegant wedding cars, while the family enjoyed the ride in a Hummer—a fun and memorable start to the celebrations.
The ceremony took place at the Dudley Registry Office, a beautiful building steeped in history. The couple’s love and joy were palpable as they exchanged vows in front of their closest family and friends. After the ceremony, I arranged for the guests to line up in two rows outside the venue, creating a stunning confetti tunnel for the bride and groom to walk through. As confetti rained down, I captured the joy and excitement on their faces—a perfect moment frozen in time.
After the group photos outside the registry office, we headed to Priory Park, home to ancient ruins and one of the Black Country’s most famous landmarks. The park offered a beautiful and serene backdrop for the newlywed photos, with the historic ruins adding a touch of timeless elegance to the shots.
As we walked through the park, the bride shared a delightful bit of superstition with me—she had buried a sausage under a tree within the grounds the night before the wedding. This quirky tradition, made famous by TikTok, is believed to bring good weather on the wedding day. Whether it was the sausage or sheer luck, I can confirm that the weather was absolutely perfect, with gloriously sunny skies that made for stunning photographs.
We made the most of the shade provided by the priory ruins, capturing some truly beautiful moments between the bride and groom. The ancient stone walls, contrasted with the vibrant green surroundings, created a perfect setting for these intimate shots.
After our time in Priory Park, we headed to The Village Hotel in Dudley for the reception. The staff at the hotel were fantastic, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and that all the guests were well taken care of. The reception was filled with warmth, laughter, and plenty of candid moments that I was fortunate enough to capture.
One of the highlights of the reception was the entertainment provided by the talented magician Mark Richards. He amazed the guests with his tricks, creating a lively and interactive atmosphere. This was a great opportunity for me to capture some spontaneous reactions and candid moments, as the guests were thoroughly entertained by his performance.
I was truly blessed as a photographer to work with such a wonderful couple and their incredibly warm and friendly family and friends. Their joy and love were evident in every moment, making my job an absolute pleasure.
To all future brides and grooms in the West Midlands, if you’re looking for a photographer who will capture the heart and soul of your wedding day—from the smallest details to the grandest moments—I would be honored to be part of your journey. Whether it’s embracing a fun superstition or celebrating with your loved ones, I’m here to document your special day in a way that reflects your unique love story.
Here’s to many more beautiful weddings, and to the unforgettable moments that make each one truly special.