The first look

Today I had the first of this year's proper winter weddings, and my last job before Christmas. Laura & Mike decided that they wanted a late afternoon ceremony, so facing the prospect of no light and a venue with very limited indoor space, I suggested that they have a first look, where they see each other a couple of hours before the wedding. Thankfully for me, they thought it was a great idea!

Unfortunately a couple of minutes after this shot was taken the torrential rain arrived (in fact it was already raining pretty heavily at this stage) so we didn't get the outdoor portraits that we hoped for, but at least we had these few moments with the backdrop of the beautiful scenery they both love so much.

When Mike and Laura saw each other for the first time they were both overcome with emotion, and threw their arms around each other. It always feels slightly strange to be photographing such a personal moment, but at this stage I don't think they even cared that I was there!