Ruth and Carmelo - Bristol Wedding Photography at No.4 Clifton Village
As a professional Somerset wedding photographer, every love story I have the privilege to capture is unique and beautiful in its own right. Recently, I started the 2024 wedding season off and had the pleasure of photographing the enchanting union of Ruth and Carmelo at the stunning No.4 Clifton Village in Bristol. Their wedding was a celebration of love, family, and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives together. It was also a chance to roll out my acquired Spanish phrases, with an almost all non-English speaking wedding party.
Nestled in the heart of Bristol, No.4 Clifton Village provided the perfect backdrop for Ruth and Carmelo's special day. The historic charm of the venue, coupled with its newly decorated and elegant interiors, set the stage for a truly magical wedding. Coupled with this, No.4 Clifton Village is a stones throw away from the picturesque surroundings of the Avon Gorge and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
From the moment I arrived, I could feel the excitement and joy in the air. Ruth looked absolutely radiant in her exquisite gown, adorned with delicate lace and intricate beadwork, while Carmelo was the epitome of elegance in his tailored suit. Their love for each other was palpable, and it was evident that this day meant the world to them. Credit must go to the work of Fozya Artistry for perfecting Ruth, her mother and her aunties hair and makeup.
As the ceremony began, emotions ran high. Friends and family gathered to witness Ruth and Carmelo exchange vows and commit to a lifetime of love and partnership. Saying “I will” as Carmelo did was a lovely icebreaker and in all honesty it happens to the best of us. The intimate setting of No.4 Clifton Village added an extra layer of warmth and intimacy to the proceedings, making it a truly unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Kudos to the team at No.4 for their hard work and continuous commitment to making the venue more fitting of a wedding venue and the redecoration work, particularly in the ceremony room, is so much better and more photographer friendly. Topping off the ceremony room for this wedding were simply stunning flowers provided by Camila at ‘Forest and the Flowers’.
Following the ceremony, we took advantage of the venue's beautiful gardens and historic architecture to capture the confetti throw and some breath-taking portraits of both family and friends. Against the backdrop of Clifton's iconic landmarks, Ruth and Carmelo's love shone brightly, and I felt privileged to document their happiness on camera. Being a photographer that loves to shoot candid, natural and unobtrusive photographs, this time was especially special as I quietly went about my work around the gardens to capture all the conversations and love being shared with the couple.
The reception that followed was a joyous affair, filled with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt speeches. Guests were treated to a sumptuous feast, expertly prepared by No.4 Clifton Village's talented chefs, and the atmosphere was one of pure celebration. I can too vouch for the food, it was amazing!
As the evening drew to a close, and the party moved on to Somerset House (a local pub), I stole a moment with Ruth and Carmelo to reflect on their day over at Clifton Suspension Bridge and Clifton Observatory. Apart from being told off by the bridge police for standing in the middle of the road, the couples photoshoot was a success and the weather befitted Spain more than it did the United Kingdom, as we enjoyed an gorgeous sunset. The couple expressed their gratitude for the memories we had captured and shared their excitement for the future that lay ahead. It was clear that their wedding day had been everything they had hoped for and more.
Once the couples photoshoot had finished, it was time for the party to start over at Somerset House. As soon as we arrived, a very unique first dance played, which was expertly choreographed. This set the mood for the evening which was full of dancing, laughter and all-round positive vibes.
As I packed up my equipment and said my goodbyes, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Ruth and Carmelo's love story. Their wedding at No.4 Clifton Village was a testament to the power of love and the beauty of two souls coming together as one.
In the years to come, as they look back on their wedding photographs, I hope Ruth and Carmelo will be reminded of the love, joy, and happiness that filled their hearts on this magical day. It was an honour to capture their special moments, and I wish them a lifetime of love and happiness as they embark on this new journey together.
On a personal note, Ruth and Carmelo’s wedding was the perfect start to this years wedding season, which closely followed with a surprise proposal photoshoot up Glastonbury Tor and something I will share with you all in the next blog. For now, here are a few more photos to share from this awesome Bristol wedding.