This is the story of two extraordinary people Emma & Pete who created something totally unique to them and beautiful on their Wedding day. This is my account of the day from the viewpoint of photographer, bridesmaid and most importantly a friend. Are you sitting comfortably? so let me begin. Once upon a time the ever so beautiful and talented Emma Case met the equally handsome and creative Pete Smyth on Myspace… they fell in love, moved in with each other, supported each other to realise their full potential, nurtured each other, laughed a lot and Pete popped the question. Yes they were destined to be together and wanted to share the rest of their lives together and they did want to get married and become man and wife, well kind of! Just not in the conventional way.
I am lucky enough to know Emma & Pete and as a couple they totally get it; they clearly love each other enormously, in their company you will laugh a lot, smile and probably dance! They have a unique gift where they nuture and cherish each other; enabling each other to realise their full potential.I think this is totally precious and it is a gift that they have also extended to me for which I am grateful. Emma is a kick ass photographer and now that Pete has joined Emma at Emma Case Photography I think that together they really will take over the world.
Anyhow back to the story I remember Emma calling me one night saying that the practical realisation of trying to plan their wedding had taken the spark and excitement out of the Wedding (sound familiar) I remember her saying there must be another way, I think we talked about an egg themed wedding at Easter and other crazy notions! Thankfully the egg theme did not make it, however Emma and Pete did start to hatch a plan to have a surprise wedding, “a surprise wedding, are you nuts, how are you going to do that?” I remember I exclaimed after the initial whoop whoop you are getting married, in March? Anyhow they decided definitely on the 19th March, which was Emma’s 30th birthday; by the way are you free? Hell yeah was my response I will make sure I am. So being in on the plan meant I was sworn to secrecy (which is really difficult but I told no-one).
So fast forward to the 18th of March the day before the wedding, everything that they had planned had come together it was a master plan. Everything was in place they had decided on doing a first look before the ceremony in teh morning, booked the registry office and their lovely friend Zoe was conducting the service a small intimate affair for 20 guests was planned with lunch on a barge afterwards heading to Bourneville to the reception venue. The evening do was a 50s style prom called ‘The enchantment under the sea dance’ Emma and Pete had invited all of their friends to this event under the guise of Emma’s 30th birthday party, however this was not a birthday party it was the Wedding reception where they were going to have a non-religious ceremony witnessed in front of their family friends! I remember their excitements will it work or wouldn’t it, what happens if no one turns up, is it really happening, lots of doubts and worries was understandable. However I remember saying just imagine that you will create something extraordinary and unique? And guess what they did.
Thank you Mr & Mrs Smyth for following your dream and creating something so special, thank you for sharing this day it was an honour to photograph and document the day and even more so to be one of your bridesmaids (thank god you did not make me wear a peach blancmange dress). There are gaps in my photographs through the day when I was being a bridesmaid, however there are no gaps in my memories they are packed with good fun times. There are so many and stories from the day I cannot tell them all but highlights were; pete forgetting the rings, the cine 8 guys being on the canal side everytime you looked out the window, Emma & Petes neighbours on there decking on the canal with a banner shouting at the barge. Taking polaroids and just slipping them into Emma’s bag then hearing her squealing with excitementwhen she saw them, ‘Edward sharpe and the magnetic zeros’ first dance, matts powerpoint speech, going nuts dancing with pete to loads of indie tracks, brilliant guests, friends and family, singing kareoke with Kat and yes it was Bananarama someone told me, sitting in a curry house eating poppadoms with the bride and groom at 4 am!!! I cannot believe looking back that Mr & Mrs Smyth that had a curry on your wedding night; priceless. This my gift to you, how I saw your day and how I see you both together very much in love; hand on heart I know that you are truly going to be one of those couples that will live happily ever after. Much love. x
To see more of this wedding visit Rock’n Roll Bride website KAT has the full scoop, more stories, more photos and a video….. the very lovely Steve Gerrard shot this wedding alongside me so check out his shots too. For more polaroid loveliness and Emma’s brilliant insight and account of the day pop over to her blog to see some more. I shot this wedding using my canon 5D mark2, a 35mm minolta, my diana F+ and a trusty polaroid…. phew oh and a fisheye lomo (yet to be developed), my camera bag had never looked so good and heavy 
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36 Comments
AMAZING WORK!!
everything about this rocks:)
Leex
Amazing day. Amazing couple. Amazing photos.
Loved shooting alongside you Jo. Love how we both captured the day in our own styles.
Marvellous!!!
What a lovely story and lovely set of photographs to document such a lovely surprise wedding truly filled with love and happiness Congrats once again to Mr & Mrs Smyth xx
You are a genius with the camera(s!) amazing Jo. Really love the write up too. There was so much beautiful love at this wedding and we love seeing all that went before. Emma and Pete- you are fabulous, thank you for being lovely and we are loving getting to know you more. My favourite has to be… the pixie in the forest! and the your stunning close-ups of Mr and Mrs Hottie Smyth! x x well done you fabulous photographer… you are inspirational x x xo&c
i love it love it love it.
every single one.
x x x
Stunning set of images, I particularly love the first look photographs. The expressions on Pete & Emma’s faces are priceless. You have captured precious moments of their day perfectly!
Super gorgeous and I love the “love”! (hope that makes sense) Great work Jo! You captured Emma and Pete’s day so beautifully
xx
Oh so very very beautiful
Beautiful in every way
These are INCREDIBLE!!! Love them so much – they are so magical and dreamy, and they capture Emma and Pete perfectly. Can’t believe you managed to help plan it, shoot it (with 5 different types of camera!!!) AND be bridesmaid. You rock like no other Ms Brown. Can’t believe I had to miss it through having to shoot another wedding, but your pictures make me feel like I was there. (I very much was in spirit, spent the whole day shivering knowing what was going on down in Brum!) So much love to you all xxx
Wow Jo!! They are sooooo gorgeous!! You girl ROCK!
xxx
ps. “The borrowers” polaroid made me crack up again
)
Wow, these are totally gorgeous! well done
x.
Oh. My. God.
The love, the sweet sweet love. I adore you all. xx
There’s nothing like having a little weep at one’s desk over lunch whilst looking at gorgeous wedding photos…
This wedding is awesome! Love your photos!!!
So stunning. All of it. The way they looked, and looked at each other. The photos, the style of the day, the secret they managed to keep a secret. I just love it all.
The fact that tears are streaming down my face says it all. I can taste the air, smell those flowers that grass, but above all, through your delicate, whispering photographs Joanna, love is seeping through the screen. Like a little salty tear betraying you and running out the corner of your eye. Beautiful.
I’m crying…………..your words and pictures really express what the day was about! perfect for them, what an amazing couple! Congratulations Emma and Pete xxx
Wow! This is just so magical! Absolutely in awe. Beautiful!
Stunning stunning stunning!
Just simply beautiful. I love your style. It looked an immense day
beautifully captured, what an artist you are x
These are truly amazing Jo! You have captured so much in these images that reflects Pete and Emma personalities and their love for one another. Gorgeous! Being so far away I watched their wedding via Twitter! Even left dinner early when I knew it was about time for the surprise to be announced… Thank you for showing us how beautiful it was through your stunning view of the world xxx
your photos are utterly gorgeous jo! thanks so much for letting me blog them too!
Stunning. Some of those images from the first look took my breath away. Truly gorgeous, and the trust your friends have in you as the photographer is clear. BEAUTIFUL
Fab wedding. Fab people. Fab photos
xxx
Beautiful…the words, the photos, the happy couple…all just beau
These are gorgeous! What a totally fun wedding
)
These are stunning, Jo. So beautiful. Perfect!
GORGEOUS Joanna!The wait was worth it. You’ve captured it so beautifully. I can feel the love & warmth through each image. You have this ability to make me feel apart of their most special day. By the way you looked lovely in your vintage bridesmaid dress. Thank you for sharing it with us x
So excited have been waiting to see how gorgeous Emma and Pete’s special day was. Love it all. So them!
Hey Jo Jo! don’t know where to start. I absolutely adore everything here. Paticular favourites are the first look shots and the black n whites in the registry office. Made me teary all over again. Your words are gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous and spot on. Couldn’t be happier, we are so so lucky to have had you with us all day and the week for that matter, keeping us sane! Feel blessed that we now have you as a friend for life!
Muchos dancing in indie clubs again please! xx
What a lovely blog <3
Wow these are just gorgeous! And Emma’s cheekbones are incredible!
Speechless. Simply heartfelt. And I cried again listening to that song :p
Oh my gawd!!! I’ve just returned from the US of A and thanks to my crappy phone missed seeing all the lovely photos earlier! Amazing job Joanna! Beautiful beautiful and just beautiful xxx