Richard and Craig got married at The Roman Baths and it was super stylish. I’ve been so looking forward to blogging this wedding, I LOVE it. Hugely steeped in history, with its origins dating back 2000 years, it really is a truly magical setting that will definitely make your guests go wow! Richard got in touch a couple of years ago and saved their date in advance. Richard said, “Our plan was to have a small and simple wedding in a city we love. We wanted a venue that would create ever lasting memories for ourselves and our guests. There was only one location in the historic City of Bath that would do. The Roman Baths with its history, architecture, unique atmosphere and the option to have a twilight ceremony made it the perfect setting.”
Ahh look at them, so incredible, that photo that I shared of Richard and Craig on instagram (the one above) has had the most likes, shares, views and enquiries from a wedding I’ve ever shot!! Emma from Coco Wedding Venues also featured this wedding so I’m pleased to finally share it too. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the Roman Baths too; having got to know this place pretty well over the last couple of years, the venue is pretty versatile. Upstairs in the Pump Room, there is a choice of rooms, and the venue can therefore cater for intimate groups as well as much larger wedding parties for up to 200 guests. It can be a pretty tricky venue to photograph, as its quite dark and once you lose the light it really does need a bit of flash here and there. I think if that is the kind of look you are going for though, over sun drenched fields for example then that’s fine. I always make sure that my couples understand this though, as I like to be able to shoot creatively and if you’re up for that it’s a fantastic place to get some really cool shots! Plus, what could be more romantic and impressive than exchanging your vows amid the flickering torchlight and rising steam from the waters of the Great Bath?
When I spoke to Richard and Craig about this they said, “We wanted exactly those kind of shots and that atmosphere captured. Actually the biggest problem we had, was finding and agreeing on suits in the right cut and colours that complemented each other. We found high street suit retailers were only great for traditional suit cuts and colours. Luckily ASOS proved to be a one stop shop for us for the suits, shirts, shoes and accessories. We had our hair cut the day before the wedding by Jack & Harry’s so it was easily self styled on the day.”
The fact they arrived together in Rich’s Smart Car was hilarious, and they looked amazing when they got out! Then they walked each other down the aisle on what was their 10 year anniversary of being together. Pretty special! Craig said, “There was no set theme for the day, only to keep it simple. The amazing history, architecture, torch light and steam rising from the Great Bath at the Roman Baths created all the magic, ambience and décor we needed for the evening so there was no need for additional decorations or flowers. We also put our own music playlist together to play throughout the ceremony and evening which made the atmosphere even more enchanting. In fact the only work we did for the ceremony was to create uncomplicated buttonholes using just a single White Rose, Gypsophila and Twine. We had a champagne afternoon tea at the Bath Spa Hotel before the ceremony for our guests. After the ceremony we had a toast around the Great Bath at the Roman Baths provided by Searcys. This was followed by a casual drinks reception at Be At One cocktail bar who make amazing Espresso and Porn Star Martini’s.”
I have to say as well, hats off to the celebrant. I see so many that are a little stuffy and one for the rules, this guy was so easy to work alongside (I’ve totally forgotten his name!) and kept the whole atmosphere really light hearted and fun! Richard also felt the same about the photography, so it was great to be able to provide that reassurance that I’m laid back when I shoot weddings. The lovely Richard said, “We both hate being centre of attention and feel awkward having our pictures taken. Therefore it was important for us to have a photographer that had a laid-back style, a good sense of fun and one that was able to capture the setting, atmosphere and important moments perfectly. Emma (Heart Full of Tea) was the ultimate choice. We didn’t give Emma much direction in the build up to the wedding as we felt we could trust her completely. Emma made us feel so relaxed about the whole Wedding from our initial chat to stepping out of the Wedding Car and seeing her massive welcoming smile. We couldn’t be happier with the finished pictures they are stunning.” Ahhh THE BEST!!!
Richard and Craig chose my Sausage Dog package as they were doing things a little different with having the Twilight Sunset wedding at the Baths and Richard actually said, “I think one of the best decisions we made was to not be afraid to keep a Wedding small and simple at the end of the day. It will give yourselves and guests a unique level of intimacy and magic that cannot be achieved by a larger scale wedding.
What was your best part of the day?
“We have so many great memories of the day. However one would be our 18 month year old Nephew acting as Ring Bearer with a little help from his Dad. They managed to mix up the near identical rings which we hoped would go unnoticed, it didn’t but gave us all a laugh and took the nerves out of saying our vows.” Also, I am totally adding in Richard and Craig’s confetti shot, it was a bit of a last minute purchase so when they said what shall we get, I immediately said confetti cannons!!! Yep anyone that’s had their wedding shot by me you all know I LOVE them and can’t get enough. There’s loads of biodegradable ones now so there’s no excuse guys! We did the shoot outside and the wind took the confetti which made the shot look amazing, Richard’s face, ha!
Thanks so much guys. I had the best time with you both. if you want to know more, get in touch!
