Gaynes Park
Anna & Ben
Set against the backdrop of the parkland and farmland surrounding a historic country estate, Gaynes Park made a stunning stage for Anna and Ben’s wedding when they married at the modern barn-style venue in Epping, Essex. In such an idyllic location, it was hard to believe the motorway, Central Line and London itself were all within striking distance!
With a walled garden, an orangery and two barns, the stylish and imaginatively refurbished rural spot was also a gift for me as their photographer. The oak raftered roof of the barn the celebration was held in also provided a great background – this was the Mill Barn, with its mezzanine floor and gallery.
The joy of the day was obvious for everyone to see: while most people smile for the photographers at these occasions, in this case the wide grins really were natural and unforced.
Anna was already beaming as she sat in her rollers having her make-up done, and she didn’t seem to stopped smiling all day!
Her dress was a full-length sleeveless gown with a sweetheart neckline set off by a string of pearls, while her new husband Ben went for a smart three-piece suit rather than the more formal morning attire of top hats and tails.
As usual, a good mix of formal and informal shots makes for a good record of the big day, and Ben and Anna looked particularly happy and romantic photographed against the night sky and set against the flowers and long grass of the walled garden in glorious sunshine.
We captured plenty of lighter moments alongside the official portraits recording their day, like the one of a toddler “telling off” a grown up, and some of the day’s many laughs and hugs. There were also chances to catch close-ups of the details that tell their story – from the canapés and buttonholes of Ben’s best man and ushers, to the bridesmaids’ dresses hanging from a tree and the festoon lights.
We captured the guests in a variety of posed and very informal shots throughout the day – and they clearly loved every second of Anna and Ben’s wedding as much as the couple themselves did.
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There’s only so much a photographer can do at a wedding. I’ve often said to couples ‘You make the photos, I take them’ which has quite a ring of truth to it.
Welcome to Norwood Place Barn.
The attention to detail inside, the table decor and flowers was beautiful. For me this was a barn wedding to beat all barn weddings before it.
Mussenden Temple
Good, long term friends are hard to find. We meet many people on our way through life and some relationships endure more than others.
They were married this year at 1 Angel House in Brunswick Terrace, Hove. This was the first wedding at Angel House and this lovely Regency building has been recently restored throughout by the owners.
We stayed until the very end, met old and new friends and it was great to be there for them both.
The world-famous Chelsea Registry office in one of London’s smartest boroughs has, over the years, played host to the marriage ceremonies of thousands. The Independent dubbed it ‘still one of the hippest places to get married.’
Based on the iconic King’s Road, the venue was also the setting for Sam and Jay’s Chelsea Wedding. It’s nice to be in London again. I do lots of country weddings and love the contrast between the urban backdrops and what I’m used to.
We also headed down the road to ward the Albert Bridge as it’s always nice there for photos.
It was a real pleasure being a part of the Daniel and Lieve’s big day, which took place in the grounds of the luxurious and Victorian Gothic Oakley Court Hotel, Berkshire, which boasts unrivaled views of the River Thames. Even though the weather was overcast on the day, the bride shone brightly with her beautiful flowery dress and unique button bouquet. The groom looked suave in his blue suit, and complemented the bride’s bouquet perfectly with his buttonhole.
The hotel was the perfect angular backdrop to the initial artistic picture, where the balloons accompany the bride and groom – a fun shot that I feel encapsulates the couple’s energetic nature.
The hotel itself and its grounds easily live up to and even surpass the high expectation it had built up. With the hotel’s magnificent 35 acres of land gracefully scattered with beautifully bright flowers, seen pictured with the bride and groom, water features and most unique of all, carefully sculptured wooden animals, it is easy to see why Oakley Court has quickly become a highly sought after wedding venue. It’s one that I always take pleasure in shooting.
When I was really young I used to be that kid who’d be dragged around flea markets and antique shops looking at well loved teddy bears with bits of stuffing hanging out of them, old records and monkey moneyboxes.
When I was thinking about what to say of Hazel and Ashley’s wedding at South Farm this year that is what my mind cast back to. The level of detail, the things to see and to do reminded me of that time. This was further bolstered by the way South Farm is laid out, the Gypsy caravans , the Piglets, the sculptures and the gardens turned their wedding into a Photographers playground.
After their church ceremony, Hazel and Ashley went to South Farm for a blessing and their reception.
Here is Charlotte and Joel’s wedding from August. This lovely couple said their vows at St John the Baptist Church in Pinner, Middlesex before traveling to their reception at Latimer Place in Chesham.
Charlotte and Joel’s formals list was minimal, ( three group shots ) and this gave me a lot more time to be creative with flash and to have some fun with a Hadoken inspired shot.
Also new this year is that I’m adding a glossier studio look to my work for those who want it. I’ve always been a strong supporter of natural light photography and this in the mainstream is because flash is tricky to do right and do well.
‘I love cows’ was one of the first thing Georgina said to me over the phone when talking about her wedding. ‘My sister is painting cow table names and in the field next to the marquee all the cows will be there’.
Georgina and Will said their vows at St Mary’s in the picturesque village of Leckhampstead in Buckinghamshire. This was a big farm wedding with 180 guests so as you would expect the church was packed with a few of the guests standing.
Special mention goes to Sarah Spade, the Ukelele Lady who, along with two others provided great entertainment during the reception.
The last time (and the first time) I was at Old Luxters Barn it was in March and because it was cold and a little muddy we didn’t have the freedom to go to the vineyard or the woods across the road.
Rachel and Joeseph used the cottage opposite to get ready in and everything took place here.
As favors Joe brewed his own beer called ‘Hoppily Ever After’ and showed some images of the process from start to finish. It was strong stuff!