Old Palace Chester - Jessica & Joe

"Built in 1751, The Old Palace is one of the earliest Georgian buildings in historic Chester" (www.oldpalacechester.co.uk). It was my first wedding shoot at the Old Palace Chester, and it was beautiful. Jess & Joe were married at the end of March, where the weather can go either way - we were in for a treat.

The morning began with Jess and her bridal party at the "Morning Room" at the Old Palace. I used this time to capture the detail at the venue as well as the bridal party preparing for the day ahead, with a few beautiful candid moments. All before leaving for St Deiniols Church in nearby Hawarden.

At the church, Joe waited anxiously awaiting the arrival of his bride. The ceremony could now commence.

Congratulations to our newlyweds Jessica & Joe Muia. Once the confetti walk had been captured, we stayed on the church grounds for further photo's, before heading back to the Old Palace, where drinks were being served.

During the drinks reception we had plenty of time for more candid photo's as well as some group photo's and a short couples shoot with Jess & Joe on their own. I always aim to schedule in a 15/20 minute daytime couples shoot as well as an evening one in an alternative location with the beautiful evening light, which is often more dramatic.

The combination of luxurious decor and interiors at the venue along with the grand windows allowing lots of natural light to flow in to the rooms, it made for some lovely conditions for portraits. Once these were completed, guests were called in for speeches and wedding breakfast.

Before the evening reception began we had time for our evening couples shoot. Old Palace Chester is located very near to the town centre and the River Dee. Immediate locations for intimate photo opportunities are the Grosvenor Park and Queens Park Bridge. We opted for the bridge and the river for photo's.

To the left of this bridge scene was a lady with endless amounts of bread and bird feed who was happy to remain in the shot whilst throwing the feed over the bridge. Thankfully my trust and knowledge of Photoshop, meant it was easy to remove her from the scene.

Back at the Old Palace, and the evening reception was about to begin, starting with the tradition of cutting the cake followed by the first dance.

I’d like to wish Jess & Joe a lifetime of happiness. Congratulations to you both and thanks so much for booking Nathan Roberts Photography to capture your special day. I had a lovely day celebrating and capturing your day with wonderful family and friends.

Jess & Joe's Suppliers:

Photography - Nathan Roberts Photography

Wedding Reception - Old Palace Chester

Hair - Leah from Mane, Chester

Make up - Alisha Heap from Naomi Chantelle Hair

Flowers - Wild, Chester

Caterers - Galloping Gourmet

Suits - Moss Bros

Dress - My Funny Valentine

Cake - Cake, Chester

Harpist - Bethan Griffiths

Caricature - Booked through 'Hipswing'