I love Ruth and Rick. Not ashamed to say it. Love them! First, let me tell you a bit about them…
They sing. Amazingly. They’re both successful Jazz singers – Ruth’s from our shores, and Rick’s from the US of A. Their 21st Century love story began on virtual reality website Second Life. Rick was due to perform on there and as luck would have it, Ruth was on before him at the same virtual venue.
Rick turned up early for his set and fell in love with the voice he could hear. And Ruth came tumbling after.
They met in real life soon after, fell head over heels in love and decided they wanted to marry each other. Then the gods started working against them. I won’t recount every detail of their troubles, but the UK government did their very best to keep them apart. It’s not a nice story, and dodgy lawyers also didn’t help in getting them to the altar. Lots of dollars, pounds, forms, blood, sweat and tears later they made it.
And I was lucky enough to be their photographer.
To me, these first three photos capture Ruth and Rick perfectly. Sinatra, singing and Skype. The three ‘S’s that have played such a big part in their life.
I saw this fridge magnet and wondered how many times Ruth’s started at it…
A car that Sinatra himself wouldn’t have looked out of place in…
Ruth’s getting ready stage was one extreme or the other – huge giddy smileyness, or mild panic!
Ruth arrived at The Cinnamon Club, in Bowdon Cheshire an hour early. That’s right – the bride was early! It didn’t help her nerves when she was told that the registrar wasn’t there! You can forgive these two for expecting that something was going to go wrong – but luckily it didn’t and the registrar turned up with minutes to spare!
The weather wasn’t perfect but there were lots of people with umbrellas to make sure there was no rain on Ruth and Rick’s parade.
The Cinnamon Club is a jazz club, in Bowdon Cheshire. It’s an unusual venue for a wedding, but it suited R&R perfectly. Rick’s family couldn’t make it over for the wedding, but did it matter in this digital age? Nope – Rick just skyped them all in and pointed the laptop at where they’d be standing!
Waiting in the wings… ‘They’re ready for you Ruthy”
This was the moment she appeared…
…and this was the moment he saw her.
Formality complete – Ruth revealed her wedding shoes!
After a few group shots, we escaped to a local park for some private shots of the newlyweds. This is one happy couple – it was like two years of pressure was lifted from their shoulders and all they wanted to do was kiss, hug and laugh. And I loved every image.
I wanted to get some photos of Ruth laughing so I told Rick to make her laugh from behind me. I still don’t know what he did and I’m guessing it’s probably better that I never do!!
I was lucky enough to get a lift back to The Cinnamon Club with them and I took this over my shoulder – it’s one of my favourite photos of the year.
They had an astoundingly brilliant jazz trio playing through their wedding breakfast – The Guy Porteous trio.
Look at this cake!
The speeches were so personal, heartfelt and emotional. Everything a wedding speech should be.
I love the fact that R&R changed for their first dance and evening reception. I felt like I was in a film set. Here come two more of my 2010 favourites.
I had been looking to this all day – I knew Ruth and Rick would be performing a song each and they didn’t disappoint. Truly awesome talents.
Guys – you already know this but I think you’re both brilliant. I’m so happy to have met you, got to know you and been your wedding photographer. You deserve all the happiness in the world and I wish you an amazing life together.
You did it your way.
—
If you want the finest Sinatra impersonator at your event – Rick is available for hire – http://www.sinatra.bz/
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3 comments
Neil Redfern - Wow, what an amazing day, captured brilliantly. Great story too :-)
Rick & Ruth - Adam, Thank you! To anyone reading this. If you know Adam you know that he is literally the finest photographer in England. The quality of the photos speak for themselves but because of Adam’s personality, professionalism and talent for putting people at ease Ruth and I could not recommend him more highly. Not only do we have a beautiful and lasting record of our day, but we have a fantastic new friend. Adam, as someone who has performed for over a thousand weddings in my musical career I have met a multitude of photographers. None of them compare to your professionalism. The level of customer service has been spectacular from start to finish. Thank you for remembering our anniversary :-)
Claire Fisher - Wow absolutely beautiful Images and an absolutely lovely couple.
Happy anniversary xxxxx