Photographer Stages Lego Wedding in Creative Quarantine Shoot

Photographer Andy Matheson was on day 22 of his quarantine due to the coronavirus when he had a creative thought: Why not stage a wedding with toys—starring a couple, their guests and their vendors? "Usually at this time of year, I would be busy capturing incredible weddings each weekend," says Matheson, a full-time photographer based in West Yorkshire, England. "So I've definitely been missing it a lot."

Initially, Matheson considered a Barbie wedding, but he wasn't able to source the Mattel dolls fast enough. "After more head scratching, the Lego idea came to mind," he says. "I found that these tiny little figures looked cuter than the Barbie dolls, so I began the process of gathering what I needed to create the best day ever for these two little Lego figures." The photographer named the bride and groom "Rachel and Rowan," though sourcing the lovely couple proved slightly challenging.

Andy Matheson

Like the Barbies, Legos were hard to find with many shops remaining closed and online delivery windows ballooning. By coincidence, Matheson's cousin knew of a family in their proximity whose two children were Lego fanatics. "The main figures I needed were a bride and groom, and I also asked for a selection of Lego guests to attend the big day," he continues. "I knew the [kids] would be spending most of their days playing with the Legos, so I didn't want to borrow too much."

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With some help, decor was added to the makeshift Lego wedding, along with vendors for different moments. "My cousin and her sons even helped by creating an Arbor for the couple to stand under as they said their vows," he laughs. "At just over four centimeters tall, it's a very intricate process to position the figures where you would like them. And as it was an outdoor ceremony, the wind also something to contend with." As a daily problem solver, Matheson sourced double-sided tape to keep the figurines in place.

Andy Matheson

Andy Matheson

Andy Matheson

"For an April day in the UK, though, blazing sunshine is a blessing," he adds. "They couldn't have wished for better weather."

He then followed his usual wedding day photography schedule, beginning with hair and makeup in the bridal suite complete with a vanity mirror with mini twinkly lights. Matheson gave call-outs in his original blog post to select preferred vendors within his network. Rachel and Rowan exchanged vows underneath a gorgeous floral arbor and guests tossed lentil seeds as the newlyweds made their way back up the aisle.

"My usual approach to capturing wedding days is to be hands off and capture the day as it unfolds, letting the genuine laughter cry out and emotions flow, without interrupting the day," he explains. "Whereas during this Lego shoot, everything had to be positioned. It was really fun, though, to recreate scenes and photos from weddings I've photographed in the past."

Andy Matheson

Andy Matheson

Andy Matheson

As his post has captured the attention of the public, Matheson says the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive especially from people who've said it's "made their day." In fact, Matheson encourages other photographers to do the same with other toys as they're seeking to grow their portfolios. He adds, "It's gained so much more attention than I expected… Just like so many other creatives who are putting work out at the moment, the aim was simply to create a bit of laughter."

Andy Matheson

Andy Matheson

Andy Matheson

For his larger-than-life couples, Matheson has been entirely focused on pre-existing clients and helping them navigate the continual shifts and postponements of weddings through the next calendar year. He's also thoughtful about the overall wedding community. "My best wishes go out to everyone planning a wedding right now," he says. "My inbox is always open to give advice, whether it's about wedding planning or how to capture a Lego wedding day like this one."

If you're a prospective client, he jokingly concludes, "I can assure any non-Lego couples that I won't be bringing tape to keep them in place while I capture their wedding day."