Simone & Mark | A Sun-Soaked Summer Wedding in Lincoln Bailgate
Twenty years. Two children. One absolutely scorching Lincoln summer's day. And a wedding that, I can say with complete confidence, nobody in that room will ever forget.
Simone and Mark tied the knot at the beautiful historic Assembly Rooms in the heart of Lincoln's Bailgate, with Simone getting ready in a gorgeous rented apartment on Steep Hill just up the road. Which, if you know Lincoln, you'll know is about as perfect a morning setting as it gets.
Before I get into the details (and there are so many details, because Simone is an absolute details queen), I want to talk about the moment that completely floored me on the day. When you've been together for twenty years and you have two children, getting married isn't just about the two of you - it's about your whole little team. And what I wasn't prepared for was just how emotional and beautiful it would be to watch Freddie and Holly see their parents get married. They were tearful. Genuinely moved. And so was I. It was one of those moments that reminds you why this job is so special. That kind of love doesn't need a grand gesture, it just needs to be witnessed.
Right, the details, where do I even start?
Her dress was absolutely stunning, lace from top to bottom, long sleeved, high neck, intricate and romantic.
Simone had thought through every single second of that day more carefully than any bride I've ever worked with. We're talking hand-painted and personalised perfume bottles for her bridal party. Hand embroidered handkerchiefs. Personalised tambourines. Ribbons sourced from a local shop. Hand-poured candles. This woman did not miss a trick and it showed in every corner of that day.
Her dress was absolutely stunning, lace from top to bottom, long sleeved, high neck, intricate and romantic. And the veil. OH, the veil. Custom hand embroidered with flowers, and honestly one of the most beautiful I've ever photographed. She looked incredible.
The ceremony was held outside in the courtyard of the Assembly Rooms and thank goodness the weather played ball on what was an absolute scorcher of a day. Afterwards, we took the bridal party on a wander round the Bailgate for some portraits, including a brilliant shot past Follie, the infamous pink shop on the hill. Simone and I had already bonded over our shared love of Josie and her shop during bridal prep, so it felt entirely right that it made it into the wedding gallery.
Simone and I had already bonded over our shared love of Josie and her shop during bridal prep, so it felt entirely right that it made it into the wedding gallery.
The Assembly Rooms itself was dressed beautifully, wildflowers adorning the huge fireplaces, tables named with hand-painted postcards. Relaxed, warm, completely them.
For the evening portraits, we waited until the sun had dropped a little, because frankly the afternoon heat was relentless and slipped out into the Bailgate when it was quieter. Just the two of them, a bit of golden light, and some time to actually breathe and be together. Mark is not a natural in front of the camera (his words, not mine), so keeping it casual and low-key was everything. No staging, no stiff poses, just a walk, a laugh, and a few quiet moments. Those are always my favourite shots.
And the first dance? Only Simone and Mark could pull this off. They had guests write song suggestions, popped them all in a basket, and had their children pick one out at random. Whatever came out, that was the song. I love that so much — it's spontaneous, it's inclusive, and it perfectly captures who they are as a couple. And then, just after - confetti cannons. Inside. The whole room absolutely erupted. It was chaotic and joyful and made for the most incredible photos.
Twenty years in the making. Worth every single second.
If you're planning a relaxed, personal, fun wedding in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, or anywhere across the East Midlands — and you want a photographer who'll notice the hand-embroidered veil and the confetti cannon moment — I'd love to hear from you.