Joys o’er-flow the heart {Matt & Lucia}

And she laid her hand on me
And this she did say:
It will not be long, Love,
Till our wedding day.

From ‘She Moved Through the Fair’, traditional Irish folk song

Late last year I met with Matt, who is a gifted classical singer, to take some images for his new website. Matt and Lucia had already chosen me to document their wedding, and when we parted at the shoot, Matt exclaimed how excited he was for me to meet Lucia – she is the most beautiful, kind and enigmatic of people, and he knew I would love her. When I met Lucia at their Surrey engagement shoot, she shone even brighter that the description that preceded her.

They chose Matt’s grandfather’s garden as the location for their session, for its beauty and the many happy childhood memories that that grounds hold. It was a bright, hot summer afternoon. The greens were greener; the sun danced with the leaves creating playful shadows between the beautiful out-buildings, rhododendron trees and perfect lawns.

Both talented singers and musicians, they talked about their favourite music, the songs they like to sing, and we looked through sheet music to try to find old Irish folk songs Lucia was especially fond of. They told me more of their story and shared memories of the last few years.

Their banter was quick and bright, their discussions deep and their mood both playful and caring. I am certain that together they will navigate the best of lives. I am glad to have shared such a beautiful afternoon with them. I know my heart will dance to share in and document their wedding celebrations.