Alison & James - Ye Olde Bell, Retford 5th June

After the blistering heat of yesterday's wedding, I didn't think the weather could get any better and then Saturday arrives! Alison and James were married in the gorgeous church of St John the Baptist, East Markham just on the outskirts of the great Sherwood Forest and held their reception at Ye Olde Bell on Barnby Moor - itself an extremely historical stage coach hotel on the Old London Road.

I arrived at the hotel bright and early to meet the groom and his best man, we chatted over coffee and then I set to work photographing James' traditional Scottish wedding outfit complete with sporran and dirk - and the secret will remain with me if the groom went commando or not - although I'm sure the bride may divulge if she's bribed!

After an hour with the boys, it was off to spend some time with Alison, her maid of honour and great friend, Michelle with Alison's dad. I helped tighten the laces on the back of the bride's gown as Michelle discovered this was definitely not a one person job! After a super chilled hour of preparations, Alison opted to walk to the church instead of riding in the vintage Rolls Royce and it was great to see her coming down the lane - she looked fantastic.

The church really was beautiful with lots of light streaming all around and after a laughter filled service we drove on to the stunning Clumber Park to photograph our 'penny drop session'. After half an hour of play, it was on to the reception and with the weather being so good, the outside bar and patio made a perfect chill out before dinner.

Speeches were a hoot, with the best man Paul being somewhat of a career speaker, he definitely gave James a run for his money and a few raised brows! I finished the day off with the first dance and these 2 had obviously practiced! Van Morrision 'Have I Told you Lately' was their choice!

It was a real pleasure to photograph Alison and James' wedding today, 2 truly happy folk with a beautiful set of people around them made for a really happy occasion - I look forward to sharing their story with them when they get back from their honeymoon in the Carribean.