Tavistock Avenue Photography Wedding Blog

Amber and Mike were married at the Abbey House Gardens, Malmsbury on the 7th May 2010.

When Amber and Mike were first telling us about their wedding plans, they mentioned that the gardens were quite amazing. And they were right… the Abbey House Gardens are stunning and worth a day-trip to go and see them. They’ve been created by Ian and Barbara – also known as ‘The Naked Gardeners’ – and they have ample photographic evidence to prove their unusual style of horticulture.

The Gardens from above. Being slightly more conservative than Ian and Barbara – and more susceptable to the cold than I imagine they are – I’m quite happy to be known as ‘The fully clothed wedding photographer (with an extra jumper in his bag just incase.)’

Amber, about half-an-hour before the ceremony.

Mike, about 12 years before the ceremony, contemplating Glam Rock. (As Mike is one of my oldest friends, he must have known that an old photo would appear from the archives.)

Mike and his Dad share a moment in the hotel before the ceremony.

Mike and the fellas walking to The Abbey House.

Amber and the bridesmaids in the grounds of Malmsbury Abbey.

The registrars in Wiltshire seem to run a stricter regime than those in other counties – and for a while it seemed that they might prohibit any photographs of the ceremony. However, due to some delicate negotiations, with a great deal of help from Barbara the venue’s owner, the registrars allowed me to photograph Amber and Mike exchanging their rings.

Mike and Amber just after the first kiss.

Walking down the aisle.

Amber and Mike’s first glass of Champagne

Ambers boquet resting in the gardens.

Mike and Amber chatting with guests during the drinks reception.

The chess set on the lawn.

Fiona and Andy remember that they’ve left the kids with their folks.

The group photo.

Amber and Mike in the gardens.

Mike and Amber with Andy and Fiona (on the right) and me and Bronny (on the left.) I got to know Mike because he was good friends with Andy and Fiona at Leeds University. Over the years we’ve been to dozens of parties together, had some great times and due to my travels in the USA, I’ve visited Mike several times since he moved to Chicago seven years ago.

It is always a privilidge to photograph someone’s wedding, but it was very special to be asked by Mike and Amber to photograph their wedding. Bronny and I were very touched that Mike – one of the most considerate people I’ve ever met – even thought to mention our recent wedding during his speech.

Amber’s Dad just before giving his toast.

Mike’s Mum during the speeches.

Mike’s speech.

Amber’s Mum during the speeches.

Mike’s brother and best man Julian during his speech.

Lead singer and drummer of pop sensation ‘Circus Mcgurkus’ laughing during the speeches.

Mike and Amber kiss at the end of the speeches.

Amber and Mike dancing the night away.

I’d also like to say a big thank-you to Mike and Amber for the very generous donation they made to Mibila Village Clinic – a project that provides primary healthcare for 5,000 people in rural Zambia. I have supported this project for several years with Tavistock Avenue Photography and The Gadget Scientist. Read more about Mibila Village Clinic.

To see more photos from Mike and Amber’s wedding:
Highlights
Full wedding gallery