Shropshire photographer tackles Wales rugby star Gethin Jenkins' wedding

Cardiff Blues star Gethin is the world’s most capped prop ever and has three Grand Slams under his belt, as well as three British Lions Tours.

But despite a career in the limelight, he’s known for being intensely private and has even been said to ‘ration’ his smiles. So when Catherine Evans, from Bishop’s Castle was handpicked to shoot his marriage to Melissa Middleton, it was her job to coax that smile out.

Catherine has been a photographer for more than 10 years, working all over the region and Wales.

She was asked to be the couple’s photographer by Melissa who she met through a mutual contact.

The two clicked when they met for coffee to discuss plans, before Catherine joined the couple for the first time for their engagement shoot at a Welsh National Trust Property.

Catherine said: “The pre-wedding shoot is something I offer and advise all couples to have as it’s a chance for us all to get to know each other and get comfortable. In this case it was even more important because Gethin is really a lovely guy, but he likes to keep his private life private and isn’t at his most relaxed in front of the camera.”

The couple were married in a church ceremony in front of close family and friends before celebrating at Canada Lodge, near Creigiau.

Catherine said Gethin was “beaming from ear to ear” during the ceremony and throughout the day.

“The only time I did feel a bit nervous was when we came out of the church and I was faced with a squad of star rugby players including fellow Lions, Adam Jones, Jamie Roberts, Martyn Williams, Matthew Rees and Tom Shanklin,” said Catherine.

“I knew I didn’t have to worry about asking permission to take their photo on this occasion.

“Melissa is a very successful physiotherapist in her own right – which is how she and Gethin met. She wore a very simple, slim fitting Blue by Enzoani dress and blue shoes and Gethin had a lovely jacket with a very flamboyant lining, which was a bit of fun!” she added.

The couple are thrilled with the photos and Melissa said: “I’ve had so many compliments about them from friends and family.

“It was very evident that Catherine has a lot of experience with weddings from the first time we met her.” She was very efficient on our wedding day and took charge from the beginning to make sure everything ran smoothly and we got the great shots we were hoping for.

“I’m glad we decided to have a pre-wedding shoot. We ended up using one of our photos from the shoot as a guest signing board on the day, which was a nice personal touch.

“The only thing we would change about our big day was that it didn’t go so fast. It was everything we wanted and more.”