Phil Ryott Photography

Monday, January 23, 2012

The Little Church of the West, Las Vegas

Destination Wedding in Las Vegas

Micheal & Alex’s wedding at The Little Church of the West, Las Vegas

We feel humbled that Micheal and Alex had narrowed down a huge list of very good photographers, and after two meetings with us, they could feel so comfortable and relaxed enough to trust us with their wedding photos in Las Vegas. We take pride in the fact that we can get along with anyone, and we think this wedding adventure went so well because of this. They had placed a lot of trust in us, and now the job was to repay that trust with results.

With re-searching and booking accommodation for 19 of their family and friends and the organization of nine days of full on partying, Alex and Micheal had enough on their plate, so leaving to photos to us was a relief for them. It was something we reassured of during our pre-wedding chats.

The nine day trip started with everyone meeting at 6am for the bus trip (coffee and breakfast on route as well) down to Manchester for our Virgin flight’s to Las Vegas, and this is where we saw Alex’s organizational skills for the first time, 19 people through check-in, 20 mins, impressive. It was a good flight.

We were all staying in the MGM Grand, and Micheal & Alex had booked us a fab room, NO COMPLAINTS what so ever.

Micheal & Alex had planned to tour the strip for the best images on the day, we had to plan it out. We explored the strip on foot, and built a timeline for the wedding day, based on what we discovered during the two days recce. We had thought about various shots to take, and went about finding those spots that we had planned to use.

This was our first time in Las Vegas, and it did take our breath away. It was Labour Day weekend, and the place was packed.

A visit to the Little Church of the West gave me concerns about the power of the direct sunlight on the entrance (it’s a photographer thing), but even more so was the heat on the day, should I have bought a white suit to wear? hmm No! Everything would work out fine on the day. This is a wonderful place to get married, as it is a really pretty church with a long history attached to it.

We needed to visit the Venetian Hotel. Part of the plan for the day, which was kept secret from all the family, was a gondola ride. We found the most amazing spot for a picture, I was getting excited now.

Then the reception was going to be held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which was our next stop for a look see. Wow, what a relaxing place, stunning. The lobby had me excited, and the rest of the hotel was better again. We were going to have a lot of play time here.

The day before the wedding had me (yes, they payed for me to go with them by helicopter) at the floor of the Grand Canyon for a champagne lunch. We got some funky portraits and also took a set of pictures that I stitched together as a group panoramic. A trip to remember, as we flew down the strip on our return.

The Wedding Day

The weather had changed, with a little bit of cloud. This suited us down to the ground, as it calmed the temperature down and the light was soft and bright.

Micheal had a wonderful suprise waiting for him when he opened a letter from his future wife. An AC Cobra (his all time favourite sports car) was waiting for him at the front of the hotel, and he would be driving it to the church. He was beside himself, and we were there to capture it. He did say that he enjoyed the spin around the block.

Meanwhile, Alex and her Mum Susan where at the Christoph Salon, having her hair prepared, and we were there to capture it.

Alex’s Ian Stuart Dress was waiting for her at the apartment and it looked fantastic. All the girls looked fantastic, but Alex’s mum Susan looked fab in the black dress and hat.

We moved between the rooms, to capture the whole party as they got themselves dressed. Susan left with the wedding party in the limo for the trip to the church, capturing those candid’s that see’s so well, while I remained with the girls for their journey to the church.

It was a bit tight in the church, but we did manage to remain out of sight and got some delicate moments while staying silent. We had to make every shot count as the ceremony only lasts 15 mins, so no time to wait for second chances.

The sun stayed behind the thin cloud as we all came out for the celebrations, and candid’s were mixed in with the formal photo’s at the alter and at the front of the church. Wonderful.

Then our tour of the strip started after the first stop off at the original “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. It was busy there, as everyone wants the same picture. With Alex in her stunning dress, everyone almost stood back and thought wow.

The sun came out at the end of the day, to give me the chance to get my signature shot of the “sun in the photo” while we were outside The Bellagio.

The reception was waiting for us, and it was something special. While still working and taking picture throughout the day, we were touched to be included at the long table that waited for us. We were not treated like the hired help, we were friends of the family. But I still had a job to do, and while we enjoyed the fabulous food, I had shots that just had to be taken. There was no way on earth that I was going to pass up the opportunity to get some amazing images for Micheal and Alex. This is what we were there for after all.

The black marble corridor, the gold wall, the vista of the strip at night from reception, the balcony group shot ( I was glad to have my fisheye lens with me), the entrance lobby, phew. This was at 11pm and we were drawing on reserves by then. What a special day, now to bed.

The day after!

We had planned a half day with Micheal & Alex, to visit a ghost town, and The Valley of Fire, for some once in a lifetime photos with Alex back in her dress and Micheal suited up, with that Icon of a car, the AC Cobra. The plans did not work out as the Cobra did not make itself available (it broke down), which was a huge disappointment for us. This turned out to be OK with Micheal & Alex, as it meant that they could spend some time together by themselves, and who could deny them that. They had just got married, and wanted to be by themselves for a few precious hours in Las Vegas.

The last night of the trip was spent all together, starting with a meal at The Hard Rock Cafe then a trip to The Fremont street Experience, which was a great chill out night for everyone.

Micheal and Alex know how to throw a party, the whole 9 days was one long party.

One more party at Wynyard Hall

For the family and friends who could not make it to Las Vegas, Micheal & Alex needed to have another party, and why not pick one of the most impressive venues in the north east.

We were to cover this event as well, so out came that stunning dress again so that the formals and group shots could be taken before any of the guests arrived.

Then party party.

We had a slideshow ready for them, an early edit from all the shots taken on all the trips. It was projected in the corner of the room, and it had everyone’s attention. What I had not told Micheal & Alex was that I had shot a bit of video during the trip to the Grand Canyon, and then placed it into the middle of the slideshow, it blew them away (I think)

A memorable wedding, made even more memorable by the hospitality and friendliness of Micheal & Alex’s family and friends. It could not have worked so well without them.

Tags: Destination Wedding, Las Vegas, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, mgm grand, Newcastle Wedding Photographer, The little church of the west, Wynyard Hall, Wynyard Hall wedding

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Monday, November 28, 2011

Judges Hotel Wedding

Graham & Rachel – Judges Hotel, Yarm - 25th September 2011

You can sense when a wedding day is going to be relaxed, and this was one of those days. The weather had taken a turn for the better, late September sunshine and autumn leaves.

We arrived at Judges and were greeted by Graham and his best man Matt, both looking extremely relaxed. As is customary we took shots of the guys together then had the respective dads and brothers join them for group shots. Judges Hotel is a beautiful country house location with lovely gardens and features which lends itself to creativity and producing great images.

Rachel had seen us with the guys from the room she and her bridesmaids were getting ready in, so was prepared when we knocked on the door. There was a slight flutter of nerves before the dress was put on, befitting the occasion, but soon dispelled once final preparations and photos got underway.

We know our wedding dresses and designers, and Rachel’s was no exception to all the many stunning dresses we’ve been privileged to photograph.

The ceremony was taking place in a separate building away from the main hotel, a few minutes walk. But, just as Rachel was due to step out of the hotel a heavy rain shower fell, and there was a dash to get a car arranged to take her around.

Minutes later Rachel arrived on the arm of her dad and entered the ceremony room. The registrars were very welcoming and conducted a beautiful ceremony. As if on cue the sun came out letting Graham, Rachel move out into the inner courtyard at Judges where their friends and families congratulated the newly married couple.

Being aware the weather may turn it was decided to get the group shots taken as soon as possible. The guests were great making what can be the hardest part of the day for photographers very easy.

Graham and Rachel were very accommodating too and we took them off to get some couple shots. Rachel especially was in her element and was more than happy to recreate the poses we’d tested at the pre wedding shoot. It was Rachel who spied a little hidden niche in the gardens which we creatively used to produce a fabulous effect.

We had some shots we wanted to take just as it was getting dusky, so after the reception and before the evening party we caught up again with the couple for another short shoot.

Graham and Rachel were an absolute delight to work with and their enjoyment of their day is very evident on the photographs we took.

Tags: Judges Hotel, Wedding

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Monday, November 28, 2011

Bamburgh Castle Wedding

Adam & Angela

Pre-wed shoot – 21st May 2011

We were at Bamburgh beach to do the pre wedding photo shoot of Adam and Angela who are getting married in Bamburgh Castle on 13th August. This really helps break the ice with the couple. They see how we operate behind the lens and we get to see how they are in front of it. We keep it informal and enjoyable, an hour or two with new friends. From experience this “time” investment prior to the wedding makes for stunning results on the wedding day.

Adam and Angela are proud owners of a VW Camper Van. We asked if they would bring it as we had some ideas how it could be used in the shoot. It was a bright breezy day; there was the threat of rain, making the clouds dark mean and moody, which gave dramatic effect to the shots. Adam and Angela were great to work with, happy to try our ideas, from sitting in the dunes to jumping on/off huge concrete blocks. We reviewed the shots with Adam and Angela to show them what their poses would create and they we’re very pleasantly surprised, especially how the camper van in juxtaposition with the castle could impact an image.

Angela’s mum and dad had come along too, to sit with the dogs while the photo shoot was happening. We operate on the premise, “what’s important to you is important to us” and seized on the opportunity to have the dogs included too. This was an unexpected bonus for us and we got some great shots. We were very happy with how the shoot went and the images it produced will remind Adam and Angela of the fun time they had on the run up to their wedding day.

The Wedding day, Bamburgh Castle – 13th August 2011

Adam and Angela had decided on some interesting features for their wedding. They had chosen the beautiful location of Bamburgh Castle for the ceremony, with canapés and champagne on the battlements, followed by a reception in a fantastic Tepee on the lower lawns adjacent to the castle. Bamburgh Castle is a favorite venue for couples from all over the world, making it a top destination wedding location. Transport used was their VW campervan. The campervan had been a focus on the pre wedding photo shoot and was to be a feature on the wedding day too.

We started the day with Adam in Bamburgh, taking some formal photos of him, his best man and usher at the Victoria Hotel then some informal shots of the guys outside with the castle in the background. We checked in at the Tepee and got some more informal shots of the guys.

Next was a visit to Angela’s mum and dad, out in the beautiful Ingram valley, which was a few miles from Bamburgh where Angela and her bridesmaids were getting ready. Outside the house was Adam and Angela’s VW Campervan decorated with flowers and ribbons in preparation to take the bride and bridesmaids to the castle. The girls were all in good form, sipping on champagne while the finishing touches to hair and make up were being applied.

We took detail shots of the dress, shoes (which had “I Do” on the soles), jewellery and flowers before the girls got ready.

Angela’s dress was a vintage design and suited her perfectly. She looked absolutely stunning and enjoying every minute of her day.

We got a head start on the bridal party, who were traveling in the VW Camper Van, to get to Bamburgh Castle in time for them arriving. Up at the castle Adam and guests were making their way into the Great Hall. Susan hid away up in the balcony to get the wide angle overall shots and I was up front to capture, discreetly, key moments during the ceremony.

Having worked at Bamburgh Castle over the years we’ve built a good working relationship with the staff. Following the ceremony there is a lovely shot I like to take of the bride and groom coming out of the Great Hall. It’s their first formal photograph as husband and wife and the Bamburgh staff assist by gently stalling guests from leaving the Great Hall until after this shot has been taken. This is great for me, but also gives the couple a moment or two for themselves before the celebrations continue.

Once all the guests had spilled out we took the big group shot and then stood back to give the couple and wedding party time to mingle and enjoy the canapés and champagne. We also mingled amongst the guests taking the opportunity to get some nice informal shots of small family groups and candids.

Weddings at Bamburgh Castle are governed by time and not wanting to waste the fabulous back drop of the castle we moved onto getting the formal group shots Adam and Angela had requested. Shooting list in hand we managed to get the wedding party organised and photographed before having to leave the castle grounds, with Adam and Angela using the VW Camper Van to go to the Tepee.

The Tepee had been closed up earlier in the day; seeing it opened up was absolutely amazing. We wouldn’t have believed from the outside structure (which was pretty amazing itself) what was housed inside. It was decorated with garlands and lights. There were log burning fires and a band, dance floor and bar.

Prior to joining the reception we whisked Adam and Angela away for a quick couple of shots on the dunes. We delivered them back just as everyone was finding their “Bums on Seats” as the seating plan was referred to. They made a grand entrance from the back of the tepee dancing as they came in to rapturous applause from their guests. Speeches were before the meal and Angela’s dad was first up. His speech was one of the funniest I’ve heard from a bride’s dad and dare I say a bit saucy in parts. It was heartfelt and full of sincere sentiments.

Adam had a hard act to follow but did a wonderful speech too. He was followed by his best man, aka his brother who didn’t let the side down and pulled a great joke about “little black books”. Customer confidentiality prevents me from saying any more!!

The weather had been perfect and as evening fell we got some stunning shots of the happy couple with the castle as silhouette.

Adam and Angela’s day flowed effortlessly (all credit to their planning and organisation) and it was soon time for the first dance. We were in place to capture the moment and got some great images which captured the romance between Adam and Angela and their fabulous wedding day.

A memorable couple and a memorable day.

Tags: Bamburgh castle, Destination Wedding, Northumberland wedding, Pre-wedding photo shoot, VW Camper Van

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Monday, November 14, 2011

Seaham Hall Wedding photography

Paul & Rachel - 3rd June 2011

We knew that this wedding was going to be a very relaxed affair, because our meeting for the Pre-wedding shoot went so well, and we had a good feeling about how they wanted the day to go. We all got on so well that day.

We arrived at Seaham Hall and were greeted by Paul and his best man Darren who were fully all suited and ready to go. Rachel’s two boy’s were also in their suits and looked very Chilled Out on a beautiful sunny day at Seaham Hall.

We started with the terrace for some formal and informal groom and best man shots and a few of all the guys in suits, before went up to see Rachel and Catherine who were getting ready in the bridal suite.

Rachel looked fabulous and her dress was stunning. We got some great shots capturing that special bond between mother and daughter. I stayed with the girls while Susan went off to cover photos of the guests arriving.
Rachel made her entrance into the ceremony on the arm of her eldest son, and looked radiant. The ceremony was beautiful and without disturbing the flow we were able to get the key moments and the emotions were beautifully caught.
The guests then went outside onto the patio and were entertained by a young couple playing keyboard and guitar and singing. The female singer and had an amazing voice.

While the couple were mingling with their guests we took the candid shots and then after a while arranged the group shots. While the guests enjoyed the hot summers day, went about our discreet way getting the shots Paul and Rachel wanted.

We took a break while the wedding party enjoyed their wedding breakfast and started again for the speeches. The best man had lined up a great gag involving keys and had just about everybody other than the bride and groom in on it. It worked a treat. He got the desired reaction from Paul and Rachel and we got the photos.

After the reception we took more creative shots of Paul and Rachel this time at the front of Seaham Hall.

We predicted that it would be a relaxed day, and that’s how it turned out. A day which resulted in lots of wonderful images and memories being captured.

Tags: Pre-wedding photo shoot, Seaham Hall

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