Here are the images from Simon & Claire’s St Georges Hall Wedding Blog. You are welcome to download the images from the gallery (see link at the bottom) however we respectfully ask that, in line with copyright restrictions, that you do not crop out our logo or apply filters or edit the images in any way. Please feel free to share the images on social media, all we ask is that you please tag 'Bancroft Photography' when you post.
I have known Simon for around 33 years. Now that’s a bold statement and you all must be amazed beyond belief as we both look so fresh faced and young for our age, but it’s true. We went to the same high school. Our Journeys took us in different directions but, thanks to social media, we stayed in touch. Simon has always stayed true to his musical loves and I was thrilled to hear about Simons success in getting his novels published. I read them and absolutely loved them (Mrs Hodgson would be so proud of your literary achievements!!). I was honoured when Simon contacted me and told me he was getting married and asked me to photograph his wedding. It was an absolute honour and a privilege to be asked to share such a momentous occasion. It was obvious when we got together that Simon and Claire were destined to be together, they are a perfect match in every way. Claire has the most gentle, kind and beautiful energy about her, the kind of person you gravitate toward, so it was no surprise Simon popped the question because she really is amazing. They chose to marry on a very special day in November, it would have been Claire’s beloved dads’ birthday. If heaven wasn’t so far away, I know Jack would have been there in person. Now when they remember their wedding day, they can honour the memory of Jack and share the celebration with his birthday.
Simon and the fabulous ushers met me on the steps of St Georges Hall (one of my favourite landmarks in the city I was raised). With the Christmas markets in full flow and bustling shoppers around them, the boys settled their nerves with a couple of drinks and waited the arrival of the bride. Claire looked so relaxed and totally at ease, completely ready to marry the man of her dreams. Dressed in her stunning chiffon gown with lace bodice and illusion back with a Grecian delicate drape. The bridesmaids wore subtle rose-pink chiffon gowns and looked so beautiful.
The bridal party made the short walk from the Marriott Liverpool to St Georges Hall, with cars, buses and people shouting cheers of excitement and horns beeping in celebration; It was fabulous. Claire entered the grand room on the arms of her mother and brother and as well as myself I could count numerous more who were crying with pure emotion. Simon couldn’t take the smile off his face, and who could blame him. It was so beautiful to witness and share these two fabulous people pledge their love to one another.
When we emerged from St Georges Hall the sun had set, and the grand pillars of the hall were lit with glorious red light. The City shops and markets sparkled with twinkle lights and the whole city felt so festive, just like it was celebrating with us. The group photos went without a hitch thanks to the amazing ‘Ray of light’ whom dutifully held the LED light panel with his drinking arm just, so all the shots would be perfectly lit (Thanks Ray). Once all the formalities were done, we made our way to the Marriott to carry on the celebrations.
Simon and Claire are meant to be together, and I can’t let this blog go without my favourite literary interpretation of love. So, this one is for you two. Thank you for letting me share your incredible day.
‘Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you must make a decision. You have to work out whether your root was so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. that is just being in love, which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Those that truly love have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two.’ - From Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres
