Enjoy this blog post Nicole and Andrew Wedding
Date – 6th August 2016
Ceremony and Reception – St Georges Church, Freezywater and The Shire, Barnet
Bride – Nicole Wade
Groom – Andrew Matthews
Video – Anthony (Spotlight Weddings)
When I first met Nicole she came to a wedding show with her mum, nan and grandad. Straight away I could see that she was a stunning girl with a beautiful face and great family. She then told me that her fiancée Andrew was an Olympic bobsleigh athlete… she showed me his instagram and I immediately could see that they were a great couple and looked amazing together.
On the wedding day, I started slightly early than normal with Nicole as she wanted pictures of her and her girls having their make up done. So I did 30 minutes of photos then headed to The Holiday Inn to see Andrew, his best man and ushers.
Myself and Anthony (spotlight weddings – video) went up to the room to see the boys. Andrew opened the door in his jeans.. nothing else on.. this guy had muscles on top of muscles an exceptional physique.. “but then he is an Olympian “. The boys were having a brandy, the music was going and they were all very chilled. I did a few pics and left them to freshen up before they headed off to the church.
I then went back to the Bride, she was getting ready at The Laura Ashley Hotel a venue that I hold very close to my heart as I was the resident photographer there for 3 years when I started my business in 2000. Nicole was at the same stage that she was at when I left so there was now a hairdresser and make up artist working together on her. She then got into her dress and she looked stunning.
I shot off down to Freezywater to the church and made good time. Once I arrived I met the vicar and also Andrews Pastor – great man.. he had a decent Nikon so I showed him a couple of things that would help him in the strong bright sun. Andrew went in and the guests all followed .. then a coach arrived with more wedding guests on. Shortly afterwards Nicole arrived and then made her way in to the church.
The ceremony was beautiful and what made it even more special was Andrews pastor from his local church delivering a sermon which was amazing. After the ceremony Nicole and Andrew came out and had some pictures outside the door of the church .. I then got Nicole’s grandparents to stand there as they did 50 years ago when they got married in the same church. I then got the guests in to two lines and the bride and groom walked through as the guests all threw the confetti. We all then headed off to The Shire Barnet for the wedding reception.
When I arrived at The Shire I saw the owner .. a lady I have known for many years and not seen for over 20 years when it was Bridgedown Golf Club. We were late and had no time – yet we hadn’t really shot a lot of pictures… so I spoke to her and the chef and they arranged for some time. I took the couple off down to the bridge and then went up to the clubhouse where all the guests were.. it was really hot and sunny but I managed to get a spot and take a few pictures before the meal started.
During the meal .. I took this opportunity to get the whole wedding party outside, so with the help of the groom I got all the guests to come out for a big picture. We then went in and had some more food before the speeches started.
After the speeches Nicole and Andrew had their first dance and were then joined by all the guests and the party was buzzing. I looked out and saw the perfect sunset so I got the bride and groom and took them outside and finished the pictures with a gorgeous sunset picture consisting of Andrew picking up his beautiful wife and kissing her.
Personal note to the bride and groom. I loved the day and meeting everyone. Have a fantastic honeymoon and I look forward to seeing you both very soon. JP
Here is a selection of pictures that I have selected from the day. JP 
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Photographed and written © John Paul O’Donnell Photography.
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Nicole and Andrews Wedding at The Shire Barnet
