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Elegance, Style, Charisma, Warm Sunshine and a French-Style Chateau … on Anglesey!
These are the elements that came together for the truly amazing wedding day that James and Daniel had planned for so long.
A very ‘French’ Welsh Chateau
When you arrive at the exquisite Chateau Rhianfa, on the shores of the Menai Straits, you could believe that you were in fact in deepest France looking up at a beautiful ornate Chateau. The intricately designed Grade II listed building, set in beautiful tiered gardens, is a real fairytale location for a wedding.
Speeding down the Menai Straits
The day before their wedding, James, Daniel and a few of their family & friends went off for an exhilarating Rib Craft ride down the Straits, and we tagged along to grab a few photos and film as the boat took off at speed!
Morning Preparations
The next morning, James and Daniel prepared themselves in separate rooms along with family, make-up and hair professionals, plus all the hustle and bustle that comes with it. Daniel chose a pale pink tailored suit with blue suede shoes and matching silk cravat, whilst James wore a pale blue suit with magenta coloured shoes and silk cravat. Both grooms finished their stunning outfits with delicate broaches and single white lilies for buttonholes. This incredible attention to detail ran throughout the whole day with so many beautiful touches.
Champagne and Sunshine
After the Ceremony and glasses of champagne, we all headed outside to the beautiful terraced gardens, leading down to the waters edge. Confetti on the lawn was followed by group photos and more champagne. The sun came out as we took the grooms away for a little time out to relax and take some portrait photos, exploring the grounds for some perfect locations. It was easy to see the strong connection James and Daniel have as they were so natural in front of the camera, almost as if we weren’t there.
Then it was time for an outfit change, swapping into matching pink and blue waistcoats and bow ties. So much thought and creativity had clearly gone into their attire!
After the Wedding Breakfast it was time for the grooms to read their vows to each other, a very moving moment with beautiful words, even though Daniel confessed he had only written his that morning! After a brilliant speech by Daniel, for some unknown reason virtually the whole wedding party decided to go up to James’s mum’s room!
June absolutely loved all the company but it was virtually impossible to move so Daniel and James retreated down the corridor to their palacious suite with freestanding bath tub in front of a huge bay window, overlooking the straits and views of Snowdonia in the background.
The Third Outfit Change!
The time had come for the third and final outfit change, even more impressive than before with bold striped blazers, huge sparkly matching peacock brooches and statement footwear – James had chosen Louboutin black patent leather shoes, complete with red soles….just stunning!
King of Champagnes
Thoughtful as always, James and Daniel invited close friends and family to join them individually so that they could thank them personally with well chosen gifts and share a few minutes with them on such a busy day. With Krug champagne and caviar this was a treasured moment, even offering us a glass of the ‘king of champagnes’ – which was indeed very very good!
Gary, their good friend and MC for the day, soon found his signature call for getting guests attention with a loud Woooohoooo …especially helpful with keeping them to the timings of the day and helping to organise any unruly guests. Gary too had changed from his day wear of lilac trouser suit and pearls to a very glittery gold suit in the evening, which totally matched his personality! He announced Daniel and James into the room for their first dance which, I have to say, was very impressive and beautifully choreographed, as they confessed afterwards that they hadn’t really practiced!
Rainbow Fans and Dancing
Then the party really got started, with some great moves and rainbow coloured fans everywhere. All evening the dancefloor was packed with guests loving the 80’s & 90’s classics! Just as we started to pack away and carry our kit back up the many stairs to the car we could smell the lovely scent of burning wood. Outside, the grooms and a few friends were standing around the Fire Pit, watching the flames and quietly talking through the incredible day they had all just experienced. A very memorable wedding that we will definitely always remember!
If you’d like us to be your Chateau Rhianfa Wedding Photographer, please get in touch!
