I photographed Charlie-Ann Lott and Frazer’s wedding at St Mary the Virgin in Ingatestone, a lovely old church in the Essex countryside. Charlie-Ann is Pixie Lott’s sister, and after the service everyone went on to a rustic reception nearby with their closest family and friends.
It was a day built around the people rather than the production. A country church, a relaxed couple, and a reception full of fairy lights, wooden beams and wildflowers. Rustic receptions photograph very well: timber and candlelight give every frame warmth, and nobody feels they have to be on their best behaviour.
Pixie Lott sings for her sister
Charlie-Ann’s sister, Pixie Lott, sang for them twice: first in the church, then again at the reception. The moment everyone remembers came during the reception, when she got up and sang for the newlyweds. No stage production, no announcement, just a sister singing at her sister’s wedding, with the whole room turning to watch.
That’s the kind of moment I’m there for. I kept my distance, stayed on the reactions as much as on Pixie, and let it happen. The pictures of Charlie-Ann and Frazer listening are my favourites from the day.
She started on the little stage in the marquee with a guitarist beside her, then took the microphone out onto the lawn in the sunshine. The guests closed in round her, and before long Charlie-Ann was out there with her, glass in hand.
Photographing live music at a wedding
A surprise performance is one of the best things that can happen at a wedding, and one of the easiest to get wrong. A few things I do every time:
- Watch the audience as much as the singer. The picture you’ll keep is usually the bride’s face, not the microphone.
- No flash in the performer’s eyes. It’s distracting for them and it flattens the room. Daylight in a marquee is plenty.
- Move once, early. I pick a spot that shows the singer and the couple in one frame, then stay put so I’m not walking through anyone’s view.
- Keep going after the song. The hugs and the laughing afterwards are often better than the performance itself.
If you’ve got a musician in the family, or a band booked, tell me when it’s happening so I’m in the right place before the first note.
Photographing weddings like this one
Well-known guests don’t change how I work. I photograph the day quietly, as it happens, and stay out of the way of it. The only difference is being careful about what gets shared and where, and I’ll always agree that with you first.
Most of my weddings are in London and Sussex, and I travel for the right ones. If you’re planning a country wedding, have a look at my wedding photography prices, or see more of the London venues I photograph on my unique London wedding venues guide.
Thank you, Charlie-Ann and Frazer.
Barrie
Planning your own wedding? There’s more of my work as a London wedding photographer on the home page. Tell me your date and I’ll let you know straight away whether I’m free. Check your date here.
More country and church weddings
Getting married in a village church? My guide to church weddings covers who can marry where.
