A Relaxed, Elegant Wedding at The Fence Gate, Burnley - Alex and Damian

Two years ago I met Lesley and Mark, soon to be married at Mitton Hall. I met with them at their home to talk through their wedding photography plans.

Little did I know that just over two years later, I would find myself walking up the drive to their daughter Alex's house to meet with her and Damian and talk through their own wedding plans.

I had to stop and take a moment to appreciate how wonderful this was, and how much I was looking forward to photographing their wedding.

I arrived with the girls at Alex's parents house to photograph the bridal preparations, while Theo headed over to The Fence Gate in Burnley to capture the morning of Damian and his best man as the guys got ready for the wedding ceremony.

Lewis wanted to be at the centre of the excitement all morning, making sure everyone had enough cuddles! (He's a Long Haired Golden Retriever and just about the most gorgeous dog you'll ever meet!)

The emotions running high in the two locations were a little different. I didn't sense a hint of nerves from Alex (though she might tell you differently), while Damian was starting to feel nervous as he prepared to meet Alex at the end of the aisle.

Alex's maid of honour Amy was with her to prepare, and long-time family friend Tracey and Sophie her local make up artist were there to do their hair and make up, both of whom had been involved with Lesley and Mark's wedding, and the house was full of laughter, chatter and music all morning, and of course, plenty of pink bubbles!

Alex's dad had wanted to drive the party to the wedding; we looked out of the window to see Alex and Mark decorating the car ready for the journey to the venue.

The flower girls were ready and waiting at the Fence Gate as the wedding car arrived.

Alex walked arm in arm with her father to meet Damian and say their vows to one another.

Damian's nerves melted away after their vows were made, a sigh of relief and a big smile!

Maid of Honour Amy was the creator of an entire desert table for the wedding, laden with brownies, macaroons and at the centre - a 4 tiered wedding cake to die for! Amy has been awarded Pub Chef of the Year 2018 and her table was a sweet treat for guests.

After side-splitting speeches, we snuck Alex and Damian away for some photographs on their own.

I cautiously suggested that we walk a short way to a field with a perfect back-drop for photographs, a large part of me thought that, with Alex's wonderfully long and bountiful dress, walking through a field might be out of the question. But as the suggestion left my lips, Alex loved the idea, not wanting to miss out on the great photographs for fear of catching her dress on grass. She borrowed a pair of flip flops from on of her guests and we were off!

I'm so glad we did, we had the backdrop of the hills and a little quiet time to enjoy the view of these two smiling from ear to ear, thoroughly loving their big day.

Alex and Damian continued a tradition started by her parents, inviting Ciaran and Becky to accompany them with beautiful music while the guests mingled.

To seal the day, Alex and Damian sang their hearts out to one another as they danced their first dance as husband and wife, then got straight on to flossing with the flower girls!

I floated home in a bubble of happiness from Alex and Damian's day, with an achy face from smiling all day! I'm incredibly lucky to have met these two and even more so to have photographed their wedding. Alex and Damian, you have a special place in my heart.

A huge thank you must go to everyone who had a hand in making Alex and Damian's wedding so memorable for them and their guests! To all of the professionals listed below - a big thank you. And I'm sure Alex and Damian agree, they couldn't have had such a wonderful day without the help of their family and friends.

Bride and Bridesmaid's hair – Tracey Shackleton (family Friend & Hairdresser)

Makeup – Sophie at Sunflowers, Walsden www.sunflowersbeauty.co.uk

Bouquets, buttonholes and wedding centrepieces– Daisy Chains, Burnley www.burnleyflowers.co.uk

Wedding Cake and cake table – Amy Houghton - Facebook page: @MakingBakingCaking

Music – Ciaran and Becky Vocalists - Facebook page: @ciaranbeckymusic

- plus, The Fence Gate's Resident DJ

Rings – Ernest Jones, Burnley

Celebrant/registrar – Burnley Register Office

Bride's dress – Sugared Almonds Bridal Emporium, Earby www.sugaredalmondsbridalwear.co.uk

Bride's shoes – Charlotte Mills Shoes www.charlottemills.com

Bridesmaids' dresses - Sugared Almonds Bridal Emporium, Earby www.sugaredalmondsbridalwear.co.uk

Bridesmaids' shoes -Next www.next.com and New Look www.newlook.com

Groom and groomsmen's suits + shoes Sugared Almonds Bridal Emporium, Earby www.sugaredalmondsbridalwear.co.uk also Next www.next.com

Wedding invitations – Clintons cards and Alex (The Bride)

Wedding signs – Alex (The Bride)

Décor – The Fence Gate Inn and Daisy Chains www.burnleyflowers.co.uk

Wedding planner/coordinator – Hannah and Keeley from The Fence Gate Inn www.fencegate.co.uk

Janet x