I like my photography to focus on creative and relaxed storytelling. I aim to record the personal and memorable moments of a couple’s wedding day without intruding or causing a fuss so that everyone feels comfortable and this keeps a natural feel to the images.

At Claudette and Glen’s wedding in Ripley, Surrey, I candidly captured the joyful and relaxed atmosphere of their special day through this reportage documentary wedding photography style.

Their wedding ceremony and reception were both held at The Talbot Inn, a charming 15th-century former coaching inn near Guildford. It’s always a more easy-going event when everything is under one roof, and I think The Talbot’s wedding coordinator really helped to keep things running smoothly.

My day started with discreetly photographing Claudette getting ready at her home and then arriving at The Talbot Inn with her father. The rest of the photos were taken at the venue. After some shots of the groom preparing himself at the hotel, I then documented Glen and his groomsmen setting up and decorating the tables – that was definitely a first and a very personal and memorable feature to their day.

There were many unique and special details at this wedding, such as their young son (the ring bearer) wearing dark glasses whilst carrying the rings in a security case!

After the ceremony, I took Claudette and Glen over to a nearby field to take a couple of shots, mostly natural and a few slightly more traditionally posed ones and to make the most of the beautiful light of the golden hour.

Then it was back to the Wisley Suite, the larger of the two spaces at The Talbot, to capture the happy couple and their wedding party having fun at the reception. There was a photo booth which always goes down well, and the DJ was great; the confetti canon that he fired allowed me to take some vibrant party shots.

From the natural, intimate portraits of the bride and groom getting prepared to the lively atmosphere of the reception party, I enjoyed being the wedding photographer for this laid-back and laughter-filled wedding.