I really wanted this to be the first wedding I shared in 2013 as this is, quite simply, one of my favourite weddings of all time, and in fact, I really struggle to think of one I enjoyed shooting more. Kit and Caz’s celebration was the stuff my photographic dreams are made of: breathtakingly beautiful and totally individual and unique, with the most down-to-earth, warm, funny, interesting, loving, welcoming people… and of course, a couple who both shine and melt every time they look at each other.

It was held at the beautiful, gothic Ilam Hall Youth Hostel, nestling amongst the hills in the breathtaking Peak District… Everyone stayed there… Gift bags containing presents handmade by Caz were waiting for all the guests as they arrived the night before… They even made a little gift bag for me too… Everyone pitched in getting the hall ready for the following day… In the morning, everyone went for a beautiful rainy hike together in the surrounding countryside… Lunch was a relaxed picnic and games on the grass back at Ilam Hall, before everyone nipped off to get changed for the wedding ceremony… Kit collected Caz himself and they walked in together… Caz’s own mum handmade her beautiful dress and did her hair… Caz’s good friend put together all those gorgeous flowers herself… The sun came out as Kit and Caz left the ceremony, and remained dreamy and ethereal for the rest of the day… The whole day was spent playing and relaxing, and it never once felt rushed, just contented, peaceful and joyous.

It was just all about the right things, the important things, family, friends, laughter, love and nature… incredibly moving and beautiful from start to finish, a totally personal, genuine, heartfelt, relaxed celebration, and you really would struggle to find two nicer, sweeter, gentler people than Kit and Caz. It was a complete pleasure to be there to photograph their day and I’m so grateful I got to share it.