Rachael and Danny’s Fabulous Wedding at Prince Regent, Chigwell 26th June 2015
Bride – Rachael Vaissiere
Groom – Danny Bruce
Maid of Honor – Kellie
Bridesmaid – Mel
Bridesmaid – Ellie
Bridesmaid – Vicky
Bridesmaid – Paula
Bridesmaid – Jess
Bridesmaid – Sam
Bridesmaid – Lucy
Bridesmaid – Jemma
Bridesmaid – Charli
Bridesmaid – Stefanie
Flowergirls – Nancy
Flowergirls – Lillie
Flowergirls – Ava
Flowergirls – Skylar
Flowergirls – Olivia
Flowergirls – Sophia
Flowergirls – Frankie
Best Men – Will and Joe
Ushers – Richie, Lewis, Lewis, Charlie, Joe Joe, Alfie, Harry, Chapman, Pope, Ben, Jase, Matty, Bamford, Hatty and Joe
Pageboys – Freddie, Harley, Taylor, Taylor, Teddy, Jamie
Brides Parents – Jackie & Greg and Carl & Kate
Grooms Parents – Lynne & Frank
Ceremony and Reception Venue – Prince Regent, Chigwell
Photography – John Paul O’Donnell
Make Up – Diane Saunders
Hairdresser – Lauren Carpenter
DJ – Jessica Rose Events
Singer – John Sessions
I first met Danny and Rachael about two years ago at a Wedding show. As soon as I met them both we immediately got on very well and prior to their wedding I have photographed Danny, Rachael and their two beautiful children Freddie and Nancy in the studio.
When they first came over to my Studio to chat about their wedding and potentially booking me… Danny and I both had a connection and that connection is that we both lost our brothers, we got on great and by the end of the evening they had booked me for the biggest package I do and were confident that I was going to deliver a set of photographs that they will treasure forever.
The Wedding day started at 9am with photos at Danny’s parents house (Lynne and Frank) in Chigwell, Essex.. as I was to be starting with Rachael at 11 am I arranged for Steve (my colleague) to go and cover the photography that end – which was to include a private trip to the Cemetery where Danny was to place a Buttonhole for his brother (and as was said later in the speeches).. his true and real Best Man. This was done in a beautiful private way and Danny then went back to join the rest of his very close mates back at his parents for a cooked breakfast and a drink all in time to reflect on the day ahead.
I arrived at Rachael’s mum’s and Greg’s House at 11 am and I will be honest.. It’s close to being the biggest house visit I have ever done… there were 18 Bridesmaids and Flower Girls.. it all worked out. Rachael looked stunning and when she got in her dress all the little flowergirls told her how pretty she looked. It was a great morning.
I left with Anthony Video to make the 45 minute trip over to Chigwell and got there 30 minutes before the Ceremony. Wheres Danny ? he had popped home to get his son Freddie’s shoes..noooooo, but it was all ok he arrived 10 minutes later. I saw him in the bar and did a few photos.
When I got into the ceremony room I saw Danny and all his ushers etc together. You realise when you see this just how popular and loved this guy is, his friends and him are a very tight close group “great people and lovely guys”.
The ceremony then started and was lovely with Nancy going to her dad as he put the ring on Rachaels finger “a beautiful moment”. Afterwards we all headed outside for drinks.. I took a picture of the complete 180 people and then started other shots. The pictures took about an hour then we all headed in for the speeches before the meal.
The speeches were probably the hardest speeches that I have personally ever photographed because of the circumstances, his late bro must have been some guy coz the room was silent with tears. Danny did brilliant to get through it and his two best men aswell. His Best men were Will and Joe “two great guys” Joe was Danny’s late brothers Best friend and during the speech when it was tough Frank (Danny’s Dad) got up, put his arm round him and took the microphone and told everyone how hard it is for him and to be patient whilst he tries to get through it.. Joe then carried on and the room was all with him and wanting him to put his words across which he did in a very beautiful way. It was a very emotional moment but one that I am glad I witnessed. After the speeches the top table was inundated with friends and family cuddling Danny and the others.. ” what an amazing close family and group”.. that’s all I can say.
Then everyone sat down and what followed was a fabulous meal…the couple had sat us all together in the room and treated us to the full meal (not a ploughmans as Danny had told me he had arranged) “personal joke”.
John Sessions sang beautifully throughout the meal and he managed to get a full dance floor .. everyone enjoyed it and the wedding was going beautifully.
The ushers all got on the dance floor and Danny and the boys had a dance off, before the bride and groom started the main evening off with a first dance worthy of something off of strictly come dancing.. LED dance floor, effect lighting and their names in lights on the dance floor. It looked amazing and it was.
I finished the night off with photos of the saxophone man playing Ibiza classics and the Bongo man as well, plenty of drunken dancing pictures were done and Rachael doing her Sunglasses Ibiza dance moves with everyone on the dance floor was the money shot.
I would like to say personally to Danny and Rachael. “Thank you for booking me for your wedding, I loved being part of it and wish you and your families good health for the future”… your great people and I am glad that we met and we will stay in touch after all this.
Here are a selection of pictures I have chosen from the Day. If you was at the wedding then Danny and Rachael will give you details shortly of how to see the complete set all 1100 plus.
Photographed and written by © John Paul O’Donnell
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