Bright & Colourful Wedding Anniversary Shoot

We have a BEAUTIFUL story for you today, and some incredible photos to go alongside it! This anniversary shoot was sent into us by one of our Unconventional Supplier Directory members, Felicity Westmacott. This badass dress maker seized lockdown as an opportunity to finally finish her dream wedding dress. These photos not only showcase her incredible skills, but are a bold and proud celebration of identity and growth.

A Story of Love and Self-Discovery

My spouse Rachel and I have been married 14 years. A lot has happened in that time – six pregnancies, three babies, two houses, lockdowns and lots of smiles and tears. My spouse also made a discovery with the extra headspace lockdowns gave us. A long-held confusion with her identity finally crystallized into the realisation that having been assigned male at birth, she was in fact, and had always been, a woman.

Our anniversary shoot was a celebration of so much: our love for each other, finishing the dress, Rachel’s self-discovery and our joy at knowing so much more goodness lay ahead. It was important to me to make this anniversary shoot more than just a recreation of our wedding day. I wanted to plan photographs that would echo the sentiments we had exchanged on that special day and also show how we had grown and changed.

Handcrafted Style and Symbolic Locations

My wedding dress was handmade from scratch. The bodice was layered green shot-silk and gold floral lace. The silk skirt was simple at the front with a spectacular green and gold waterfall at the back. I hand embroidered vines of Fuschia flowers in Japanese silk thread all down the train and added a tiny bee to represent my spouse’s family crest. To change things up from my real wedding, I went all-out on hair and make-up for our anniversary shoot! I wore a purple ombre wig and lots of pretty gemstone rings.

Rachel wore a silk waistcoat I made for her in an eighteenth century style, with embroidered pockets. I also made her gold cravat and the bee-shaped cravat pin was my wedding present to her. Her hair was dyed in pinks and oranges and worn in a french plait. We added a little green eyeliner part way through the shoot, when she changed from trousers into the skirt we made together.

We returned to the Church where we married, St Nicholas, Charlwood. The church is over a thousand years old and has a very special hollow yew tree that may be even older than the church! We also visited a place very dear to my heart, the gardens of a big house nearby that used to be my family’s grand home back in Victorian times.

The Importance of Anniversary Photography

Over the years we’ve done anniversary shoots for couples who’s wedding days we didn’t photograph to give them the wedding photos they always dreamed of. Jacqueline and Mark contacted us earlier this year ahead of their 10 year wedding anniversary; while their wedding was an incredible day they just didn’t feel like the photos did it justice. Life changes a lot in a decade and for Jacqueline and Mark that meant the birth of their two (super cute) daughters and more recently the start of a new business.

The following data highlights the unique aspects of these different celebrations:

• Couple: Felicity & Rachel — Milestone: 14 Years. Key Focus: Handmade fashion and celebration of gender identity. Location: St Nicholas, Charlwood.
• Couple: Jacqueline & Mark — Milestone: 10 Years. Key Focus: Capturing the photos they always dreamed of. Location: Almscliffe Crag, Yorkshire.

Why Consider an After-Wedding Shoot?

You’re married now and your wedding dress is hanging somewhere in one of your wardrobes. Would you like to wear it again? How about the anniversary photoshoot? Stay in touch with your wedding photographer because there is many more ideas to put into practice now – the after wedding shoots. They might be a great present for your first wedding anniversary – why not have a portrait session with your other half in your favourite location? The best thing about the after wedding shoots is that you already have had this experience. You have already been in front of the camera and you know what to do. You also don’t have to worry about your dress anymore. Just relax and have fun.