A Winter Wedding at Oaklands Hotel, Norwich / Ella and Luke

I’ve got a soft spot for Norwich, having spent my student days at the University of East Anglia, so I was glad to have another excuse to pay this fine city a visit to film Ella and Luke’s wedding.

As they were having a 4pm ceremony, and I wasn’t due at bridal prep until 1:30pm, I was able to spend a leisurely morning with Luke and his groomsmen. It isn’t always possible to film both preps, there often isn’t enough time or the locations are too far apart. But when timings are this generous, and with a very short drive to bridal prep, it was too good to pass up. Luke was one of the most organised grooms I’ve ever met too, dressed and ready to go with plenty of time to spare, which gave me some extra time to familiarise myself with a new-to-me venue.

I arrived at bridal prep to find a hive of activity. The hairdresser was in full swing, the bridal bouquet and buttonholes were being delivered, and the prosecco was popping. I swear time speeds up as soon as any bride puts her dress on, and we were all systems go!

After the ceremony, the couple shoot and group shots, the dinner service and cutting the cake, it was time for the speeches. Ella and Luke had booked the ‘with audio’ video, so I was excited and a bit nervous to see what the speeches would have in store. Having amazing speeches can make a video really special, but the content is obviously something that I have no control over! I had nothing to worry about; the speeches were in turns funny, emotional, and really personal to the couple and their family. It may not be traditional, but I love it when a bride gives a speech too!

And then it was time to dance the night away, topped off with the groomsmen circling the newlyweds in an interpretive dance, culminating in a big group hug. Having a wedding video can capture these spontaneous moments between best mates, and they’re some of my favourite moments to witness.

- Frances

You can watch Ella and Luke’s wedding highlight video below.