Gerard and Yuko's Story

During the work, you have to be sure that you haven't left any holes, that you've captured everything, because afterwards it will be too late.

Henri Cartier Bresson

Think of a Wedding as a narrative such as a film or a play. The wedding day itself is the ultimate happy ending. Before this day, however, many events and relationships  have brought a couple together to say their vows in front of their nearest and dearest.

For us, one of the most vital things during initial wedding photography consultations is the process of getting to know the couple. Knowing a bit about the couple means we can approach their wedding photography with an understanding of context and ultimately provide photography that has a personal and meaningful connection. Having this understanding also helps the couple feel confident and happy to be in front of the camera on their big day.

For Gerard and Yuko the planning started a long way from home. Gerard being from Belfast and Yuko who is originally from Japan met and both live in Toronto. I was originally put into contact with Gerard through his brother so I had a head start in terms of some background information. Yuko’s family, I hadn’t met, but plenty of communication between Toronto and Belfast meant I was able to start planning their wedding photography with confidence. 

 With Gerard and Yuko in Canada, I took a trip to Randalstown to recce the chapel and visit Gerard’s parents in their home (once featured on NI home of the year!). Their stunning Randalstown home was designed by Gerard’s oldest brother Hugh, and to my sheer delight; It was there I was to photograph Yuko and all the bridal party preparations on the morning of the wedding. 

While at the house, and chatting with Gerard’s parents over cake and tea, I was interested to learn more about the family’s background in relation to Randalstown. I’d noticed the building of the old bleach mill and chimney when approaching Randalstown which drew my attention. Gerard’s father informed me of old family connections who previously worked at the old Bleach Mill and he presented me with a book displaying the Bleach Mill in 1890 along with a picture of a relative who was employed there. Next stop…….The Bleach Mill!

As a photographer who sometimes likes to paint, I’ve always had a bit of an obsession with old textures. Whether man made or natural. I just think the Alchemist in me has always been interested in how things visually change over time (I know- quite strange?). In this respect the Mill didn’t disappoint. I had a walk about and captured a few pictures of what I felt were potential locations for portraits and group shots. Ideally it offered good locations outside and inside, so if the sun was too strong or it rained, there were plenty of sheltered areas to use.

On the Day

On the morning of the wedding my second shooter Sarah, was capturing all the nerves and excitement of the Grooms preparations whilst I headed to the family home in Randalstown to document Yuko and her team.

As a wedding photographer, I love capturing all the energy on the morning of a wedding.

What made Yuko’s extra special was that her friends and family had travelled to Ireland from Japan and they contributed a wonderfully Japanese dimension to the preparations, not to mention, they were also the some of the most relaxed people I’ve ever seen on a wedding day.

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the bride doing everyone elses hair before her own!

Being able to document all of this in such a beautiful home was a joy.

After the ceremony, we all stepped back out into the sunshine where Gerard and Yuko meeted and greeted and then it was over to the Bleach Mill for the portraits.

As mentioned in our Top Tips blogpost, sometimes the mid afternoon sun can create challenges in terms of shadows.

So we had to look for locations that allowed a degree of shade to achieve a more balanced light exposure in the photos. 

The reception was then at Hilton Templepatrick and there was opportunity for some extended family group shots, guests mingling and importantly the table detail photos that carried a cool Japanese influence.  

The cake which featured edible origami is possibly the most photographed cake ever and just to add to the pool of talent who contributed to the day… it was the grooms Auntie who baked it!

Although there may have been a language barrier between English and Japenese, when it came to the speeches, there was no barrier in the laughter that surrounded the room when the guests read the distributed translated scripts.

Before the first dance a brilliant surprise was the Irish dancers who filled the dancefloor to produce a display of which Riverdance would’ve been proud.

Finally, the first dance brought all the family together after what had been a journey for Gerard, Yuko and all of their family and friends. 

An incredible day.

Thank you to Gerard and Yuko and their families for inviting us to document their wedding day. Not long after I had delivered the image slideshow and Photo Gallery to Gerard and Yuko, I received a letter from Gerard’s parents that offered words of the utmost gratitude.

The ultimate reward for any photographer.

If you’re getting married and are looking for a creative wedding photographer in Northern Ireland, who’s going to be fully invested in capturing the story of your special day, do get in touch and let’s talk about any ideas you may have.