Sunderland Wedding Photography Review from the National Glass Centre

SUNDERLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER:
LEILA AND LEWIS ON THEIR PRE-WEDDING SHOOT ON WHITBURN BEACH ONE EVENING - PHOTOGRAPHY BY DIRK VAN DER WERFF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

BLACK AND WHITE GIVES A WHOLE DIFFERENT FEELING TO THE IMAGES FROM THEIR PRE-WEDDING SHOOT

ONE OF THE MANY IMAGES I CREATED AT LEILA AND LEWIS' WEDDING AT SUNDERLAND INTERNATIONAL GLASS CENTRE

LEILA'S LOVELY DRESS FITS THIS WEDDING PORTRAIT ON TOP OF THE GLASS ROOF AT SUNDERLAND GLASS CENTRE PERFECTLY - PHOTOGRAPH BY DIRK VAN DER WERFF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

2012 .... SMALL INTIMATE WEDDINGS AT SUNDERLAND GLASS CENTRE, MIDWEEK FROM £750.
Wedding reviews are very important to a bride when she is researching for a wedding photographer.

Reviews give a one-to-one impression of the hard work and personality and skills needed to be a top-class professional creative wedding photographer.

That's why I put such value on wedding reviews by brides and grooms - and often Mum's and dad's too, as often they pay towards the cost of the day's celebrations, sometimes in their entirety!

This week, Leila kindly wrote to me with a review of her and Lewis' summer Humanist wedding at Sunderland Glass Centre, one of the newer, more distinctive wedding venues in north east England.

It was an exciting day for more than a couple of reasons, it was my first Humanist wedding, indeed it was my first wedding photography commission at Sunderland Glass Centre and the modern, post-industrial setting made for some lovely photographs.

It being summer of course we had the weather too .... dark dramatic skies, heavy rainfall, skittish winds playing up and down the River Wear .... but what a great day Leila and Lewis had, and I had a lovely time with all their friends and relatives capturing the essence and fun of their great wedding day!

Leila writes: When we were seeking a wedding photographer, I searched literally dozens of photographers’ websites, and I must admit that Dirk’s grabbed me instantly. His photos stood out a mile, and those that came close were from photographers charging twice as much.

I loved the relaxed, natural, yet at the same time very precise feel of the photography. Relaxed doesn’t mean sloppy, but rather effectively and skilfully capturing the atmosphere of the wedding day, the exact moment people gasp or smile.

Once we had signed up, it was a bonus to have the pre-wedding photo shoot. This gave us a chance to get used to being photographed and to tell Dirk about what we wanted.

Our wedding was slightly unusual in some ways but Dirk was enthusiastic about doing something different. Our venue had an industrial feel and the weather on the day was dramatic and changeable, but rather than spoiling the day this added to it as Dirk used the setting to create lovely, unique images.

On the day we were married facing inwards in front of large glass windows so the lighting was a real challenge, but Dirk captured the ceremony fantastically and a year on the photos evoke the reality brilliantly.

During the day, Dirk blended in easily with the guests and was charming and polite with everyone. Some group shots were taken but these were arranged quickly and efficiently and were in keeping with the informal style.

After the wedding day, we were able to enjoy looking at our photos on honeymoon, just 4 days after the wedding. Everyone who has seen them has commented on how much they love the photography. We have found Dirk to be very professional and provide excellent service throughout.

We haven’t yet committed to a wedding album, but the main thing is that we have a set of fantastic photos that capture our wonderful day, and that we can enjoy forever....."
Many thanks indeed to a great couple and their family and friends - it was an absolute pleasure to be part of your day at Sunderland Glass Centre.
If you would like me to be the official photographer at your wedding in Sunderland - or anywhere in the country, I would be delighted to hear about your plans! Telephone me  anytime on my mobile 0778 7150966 and tell me all about your BIG day!

LEILA AND LEWIS' ORIGINAL WEDDING BLOG POST IS HERE

SUNDERLAND'S OTHER FINE WEDDING VENUE, THE QUAYSIDE EXCHANGE, IS WHERE DEB AND LIAM WERE MARRIED, SEE THEIR NATURAL RELAXED WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS HERE

DIRK VAN DER WERFF 2012

LEILA AND LEWIS' WONDERFUL WEDDING AT SUNDERLAND GLASS CENTRE

LEILA'S BEAUTIFUL DESIGNER WEDDING DRESS - PHOTOGRAPH BY DIRK VAN DER WERFF

LOVE IS .. LEILA AND LEWIS' EYES MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME

LEILA HAS FUN WITH THE BOYS .. WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM DIRK VAN DER WERFF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY ... LEILA AND HER NEW HUSBAND LEWIS IN THE NATIONAL GLASS CENTRE SUNDERLAND

I've been looking forward to Leila and Lewis' wedding at Sunderland Glass Centre for a long time.
I love weddings which are a bit different, and couples who have their own ideas on how to personalise their day of celebration, and this was always going to be fun!!
I started off at Leila's parents house at Norton, Stockton on Tees while she was getting ready and then headed off up the road to the National Glass Centre on the banks of the River Wear to meet Lewis where preparations were under way for the wedding.
Leila arrived in a lovely VW camper van from LoveDub Cars with her bridesmaids and her parents and when she stepped from the van her beautiful Ian Stuart Bridal wedding dress could be seen in all its glory! She looked fantastic - and when she walked down the ailsle I'm sure Lewis was knocked out when he saw her.
Leila and Lewis chose a Humanist ceremony, conducted by Kate Clarkson from Hexham and is was a really beautiful ceremony of commitment to each other and families and friends - there were a few tears.
After celebration champagne and a quick opportunity for me to get some relaxed, informal family groups we enjoyed a fine meal and entertaining speeches - including a celebratory announcement by Leila's father who had also retired the day before after 35 years of work, guests could go for a guided walk down the banks of the River Wear or watch glass blowing demonstrations!
This afforded me the opportunity to get some unusual photographs - and as a HUGE storm cloud and rain started pounding on the glass roof of the building, we had five minutes to create some superb images - wedding photographs just a little bit different to most weddings - but as good, if not better because they were so different!
The evening entertainment finished in the main hall and cafe of the Glass centre with great views across the river and lots of opportunities to meet with new guests and family friends as the first dance and the live band took the party to midnight... and for me, home to bed after a very long, but rewarding day with Leila and Lewis and their great wedding day of celebration!

If you would like me to be your photographer during your wedding at the National Glass Centre, ring me now ... small intimate midweek ceremonies from £550 and standard weekend coverage from £1100 - £1395 .. ring me in the office on 01429 423165 before 6pm or on my mobile at any time, 0778 7150966 and tell me all about your plans!
DIRK VAN DER WERFF