Louisa and Adam’s Wedding, Hedingham Castle
Louisa and Adam were married on the 10th October 2009 at Hedingham Castle, Essex.
Louisa getting ready with her Mum
Louisa upstairs in the Georgian House at Hedingham
Louisa’s father, Simon, watches as Louisa walks down the stairs at Hedingham.
Louisa and Simon walking towards the castle in the bright sunlight of a beautiful autumn day.
Louisa reaching the end of the aisle
The ceremony from the minstrels gallery
Adam and Louisa exchanging vows
Adam and Louisa being applauded by their friends and family at the end of the ceremony. The photo of a bride and groom’s first kiss is of course a ‘standard’ wedding photo. I also hope to capture the moment after the first kiss where the couple smile at each other for the first time as husband and wife.
After the ceremony, Adam, Louisa and I went to the room at the top of the castle. The light is always beautiful and in a few short moments we got a lovely set of portraits.
Walking down the stairs… a question often asked by wedding guests when they arrive at the castle is ‘where is the lift.’ Unfortunately, due to a shocking lack of foresight 800 years ago, one wasn’t built!
Louisa, Adam and all their wedding guests
Confetti on the bridge
Louisa during the drinks reception
Louisa and Adam with the Castle grounds in the background
Adam and Louisa entering the wedding breakfast
Simon and Louisa during the speeches
Pru, Louisa’s Mum, listening to the speeches
Louisa during Adam’s speech
Adam’s best man was a woman – Nathalie. Her speech started with a few tears of emotion: ‘That’s why they don’t ask chicks to do this job,’ she commented. Her speech was great fun and full of hand-made visual aides.
Louisa and Adam’s first dance
The full gallery of Louisa and Adam’s wedding photos is now online.
To see them click here.
Charlotte and James’ wedding, Manor of Groves
Charlotte and James were married on October 3rd 2009 at All Saints Church, Nazeing, Essex. Their wedding reception was held at The Manor of Groves, Hertfordshire.
Charlotte’s artistic talents were to be found in many of the details of the day. These are the beautiful hand-made orders of service.
The bridesmaids passed the time waiting for Charlotte to arrive by twirling in their dresses.
A pram with a view. This photo was taken from the back of the church with Charlotte and James at the far end of the aisle.
Charlotte and James walking down the aisle
Charlotte and James with their bridesmaids
The confetti outside the church
Now here is a good tip for any future brides – make sure you have more confetti than you think you’ll need. Once it starts getting passed around outside the church it soon dissapears.
Charlotte, her Mum and other relatives started collecting dried flower petals well in advance of the wedding. Hence the blizzard of confetti. There was even enough for a second round!
James and Charlotte waiting to go into their wedding breakfast
Charlotte’s Father, during his speech
One of the great fringe benefits of being a wedding photographer is being treated to some first-class after dinner speaking. And Charlotte and James wedding was no exception.
James nick name is Harry Potter, due to his striking resemblance to a certain trainee wizard. As he began his speech, and in an effort to add to the evening’s mirth, Charlotte popped on a pair of Potter-esque glasses to try and distract him.
Best man Rob, in full flow
I have to be honest that when it comes to best man’s speeches I consider myself something of an expert. I’ve heard over 200 of them and delivered one myself, so I have a fair idea of what’s good, and what’s bad. I also know the subjects to be avoided at all costs.
However, Rob broke one of the golden rules of being a best man which is:
under no circumstances whatsoever tell any story involving any events that might have allegedly happened in a Thai night-club
The fact that Rob broke this rule, in hilarious style, with an annecdote that would have amused the sternest Aunt – and made the groom look even more charming and adorable than before the story began, was a remarkable achievement.
Rob, I salute you!
Manor of Groves at night
The full gallery of Charlotte and James’ wedding photos is now online.
To see them click here.
Jen and Steve’s wedding, Ramster
Jen and Steve were married at The Sacred Heart Church, Petworth on 26th September 2009. They held their wedding reception at Ramster, Chiddingfold.
Jen and her bridesmaids got ready at The Crown Inn, Chiddingfold. This is Jen writing a card to Steve…
… and this is Steve with the card.
Jen and her father, Duane arriving at The Sacred Heart Church
Steve, and his best man and ushers waiting at the end of the aisle
Jen before exchanging vows
Jen and Steve exchanging vows. The service was conducted by Father Peter Newsam and it was obvious how much he was enjoying it. As he mentioned to the congregation, ‘Conducting wedding services is one of the best parts of my job!’
Steve showing off his new wedding ring
Jen and Steve walking down the aisle
Confetti outside the church
Jen and Steve outside Ramster with their wedding car
Ramster looked absolutely fantastic and Jen and Steve’s families had gone to a great deal of extra effort to make the cake and decorate the room.
Group photo
It’s been my privilege to photograph lots of my friends weddings in the USA – but this was the first ‘half American’ wedding I’ve photographed in the UK. Jen and her family are from upstate New York, while Steve and his family are from England.
There were lots of small touches that gave this very English day an American feel. Check out the group photo and notice how the bridesmaids have arranged themselves perfectly on the right-hand side of the picture. It’s been my experience that while Brits need arranging for wedding photos, Americans know exactly how and where to stand. It must be something in the water…
A stolen moment I just happen to glimpse and record – Steve twirling Jen as they wait to go into their wedding breakfast.
Andy the best man deserves top marks for his efforts. I saw him practicing his speech on more than one occasion and it was clear he’d put a great deal of time into it. Here he is during a trial run, amusing the shrubs in the driveway with his witty anecdotes.
Duane’s touching speech was full of American phrases.
At one stage he thanked Steve’s family and friends using the phrase, ‘Y’all.’ Brilliant!
Jen during Duane’s speech
Steve’s speech
Andy’s speech – practice did indeed make perfect.
Jen and Steve’s first dance
The full gallery of Jen and Steve’s wedding photos is now online.
To see them click here.
Katherine and Kevin’s wedding, Hadleigh Guildhall
Katherine and Kevin were married at The Guildhall, Hadleigh, on September 19th 2009.
The Guidlhall in Hadleigh is surrounded by other historic buildings.
Before taking any portraits I often ask people to remove cameras, phones, wallets etc from their pockets so their suit jackets don’t have awkward bulges in them. This is what Kevin, best man Johnny and ushers Dan and Alex removed from theirs… four mobile phone, some car keys, 2 wedding rings and some bubbles…
A great idea for place names for an Autumnal wedding: the names were written onto leaves.
Katherine and her parents before the wedding ceremony
Katherine and Kevin during the wedding ceremony
Kevin and Katherine, being applauded by their guests after an emotional ceremony.
Signing the register
Katherine and Kevin walking down the aisle.
A group photo with all Katherine and Kevin’s guests. Spot the baby being lifted aloft right at the back!
The drinks reception in the Guildhall gardens.
Grandma putting some extra confetti down the back of Katherine’s dress.
Kevin chatting with guests.
Katherine chatting with guests.
OK, we’ve taken the sensible photos.. now lets have some fun!
Katherine and Kevin kissing outside the Guildhall.
Katherine kissing her father at the end of his speech.
Kevin’s speech.
Katherine giving the flower girls their gifts.
Johnny’s speech was the last of three excellent speeches: warm, sincere and full of feeling.
Katherine and Kevin leaving the Guildhall
The full gallery of Katherine and Kevin’s wedding photos are now online.
To see them click here.
Vicky and Matt’s Wedding, Pendley Manor
Vicky and Matt were married on September 5th 2009 at Pendley Manor, Hertfordshire.
The grounds at Pendley Manor looked fantastic.
Vicky, her Dad and bridesmaids just before walking down the aisle.
Matt with best men Warren and Tom.
Vicky and Matt during the wedding ceremony.
Vicky and Matt walking down the aisle.
A group photo of all the guests at the wedding.
Vicky chatting with guests during the drinks reception.
Matt and Vicky during the receiving line
Vicky and her Dad during the speeches
Matt during his speech
Vicky and Matt outside Pendley Manor
The full gallery of Vicky and Matt’s wedding photos are now online.
To see them click here.
Lynsey and Gordon’s Wedding, Hedingham Castle
Lynsey and Gordon were married at Hedingham Castle on August 21st 2009.
Hedingham Castle – looked magnificent on a beautiful late summer’s day
Gordon waiting for Lynsey before the ceremony
Lynsey waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
Gordon and Lynsey during the wedding ceremony
Lynsey and Gordon’s first kiss
Lynsey, Gordon and their wedding party walking across the ground of the keep.
Confetti on the bridge at Hedingham Castle
Lynsey laughing with guests during the reception
Lynsey and Gordon held their reception at the Eight Bells pub, Saffron Walden. When we left Hedingham castle, it started to rain. About an hour later, when we arrived in Saffron Walden, it stopped raining – perfect timing!
Lynsey and Gordon’s father with nephew Ben
Celebrating Australia collapsing to 138 for 8
Lynsey and Gordon very kindly sat me on a table with their guests. As we chatted it became clear several people wanted to know the cricket score. I explained that there are a couple of things I won’t do at a wedding (because I feel they aren’t professional) and these are having an alcoholic drink or using my mobile phone. However, as it was a crucial Ashes game, I asked if it would it be OK to check the score on my phone… ‘of course that’s OK’ I was told.
My job description then temporaily mutated into sports correspondent…
Lynsey’s Dad looking at the score on my mobile phone.
“Australia all out for 160 and my daughter happily married… all on the same day!”
Gordon and Lynsey laughing during the speeches
Lynsey and Gordon cutting the cake
When I first met Gordon and Lynsey they mentioned there were some beautiful gardens at the back of the pub. It turns out they were Bridge End Gardens, created in the 19th century and restored to their Victorian grandeur. For the few minutes we were there, we had them all to ourselves.
Lynsey and Gordon’s full set of photos are now online.
To see them click here.
Rachel and Andy’s Wedding, Essex
Rachel and Andy were married at St Osyth Priory on June 27th 2009.
Rachel with her bridesmaids and pageboy – remarkably, they are all looking into the camera at the same time…
Rachel and her father stepped from a bright sunny day, into the cool, dark Priory.
When I met Rachel and Andy several weeks before their wedding, certain powers of imagination were required to visualise what the ceremony room would look like on the day. Well, they did a fantastic job, with a set of old church chairs and decorating and lighting the room to perfection.
Rachel and Andy exchaning wedding rings
Rachel and Andy leaving the ceremony
During the whole afternoon, the weather was perfect, with the sun belting down. Meanwhile, down the road in north London there were terrific thunderstorms…
The marquee from Chelmer marquees was just the right size and the catering was done by the superb ‘Talbooth.’
Rachel’s Dad couldn’t resist the comedy tempatation of receiving a ‘phone-call’ during his speech…
… and Andy’s brother and best man, Tim, was given a helping hand during his speach from nephew, Harry.
Rachel and Andy’s first dance
The rest of Rachel and Andy’s photos are online.
To see them click here.
Alexandra and Callum’s Wedding, Tudor Barn
Alexandra and Callum were married at St Mary’s, Northchurch on 30th May 2009. They held their wedding reception at The Tudor Barn, Buckinghamshire.
‘I was really nervous walking down the aisle,’ explained Alexandra, ‘and there were all these people looking at me. Then I saw Callum, and everything was fine!’
‘The service was absolutely amazing,’ Alexandra continued, ‘and I loved evey moment of it – and I loved our vicar and his witty joy.’
The wedding ceremony
Alexandra and Callum left in a vintage Jag – similar to the one driven by Inspector Morse.
The wedding cake and The Tudor Barn
Callum’s speech
Alexandra’s speech
Alexandra explained that on her Hen, all the girls were made-up to look like zombies and they recorded a ‘Thriller’ video.
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To see the girls behaving like zombies, click on the ‘play’ button underneath the picture above.
Alexandra and Callum at ‘The Folly.’ They’re just not taking this whole portrait thing seriously enough…
… still not taking it seriously…
…that’s more like it…
Perfect!
The rest of Alexandra and Callum’s photographs are also online and can be seen here.
Fran and Peter’s Wedding, Woodhall Manor
Fran and Peter were married at Woodhall Manor on 18th April 2009.
Fran and her sister Gina – just before they go downstairs to the wedding
Woodhall Manor is a stunning venue, and was refurbished in 2008 with an interior designers touch. The room that Fran and Gina got ready in was absolutely gorgeous.
Peter, before the wedding
Phil, the best man, was unable to resist a ‘deliberate mistake’ when handing over the wedding rings. It temporarily foxed the registrars but caused Fran and Peter a huge amount of mirth.
Woodhall during the drinks reception
The trees were in blossom, the sun dappled acroos the grass… a portrait from a magical day…
Fran and Peter’s entrance to the wedding breakfast
Fran’s delight at Peter’s completion of the famous ‘John Barnes Rap.’
Best man Phil did a great speech. He explained Peter has a knack for remembering un-necessary details – especially song lyrics. This was demonstrated by asking Peter to recite the “John Barnes Rap” from the 1990 England World Cup song. He was word perfect… if you’d like to see the original, click here
A promise I make to all my clients is that if there was an GB Olympic team for first dance photography, then not only would I be on it, but I’d be the captain. Peter reminded me of this promise shortly before stepping onto the dancefloor…
Woodhall Manor at night
A thank-you from Fran:
“Absolutely brilliant! A great taster of the perfect day and superb photography. Can’t wait to view the full day!”
A thank-you from Peter’s Mum:
“Dear Mark and Bronwyn,
Thank you for attending Peter and Fran’s wedding and taking loads of photos with such care and attention to detail. We are looking forward to viewing the whole package.
I thought the wedding “blog” was great; very funny! It shows your great sense of humour. Its been my experience that humour is sometimes lacking in wedding photographers!
Once again many thanks for all the effort the pair of you put into the event.
Best Wishes, Carole Day”
All the photos from Fran and Peter’s wedding will be online by 5th May. To see them, click here
Sophie and Gary’s Wedding, Fanhams Hall Hotel
Sophie at her parents house before the wedding
Sophie and Gary were married at St Mary’s Church, Ware, on the 17th April 2009. Their reception was at Fanham’s Hall Hotel.
Gary waiting at the church
The ceremony was conducted by Paul, a family friend. He was great fun with a warm and relaxed approach. In fact, the way he conducted the ceremony reminded me of the way my Dad worked – he was a Church of England minister for over 35 years.
The bridesmaids watching Sophie arrive
Sophie and Gary’s wedding ceremony
Sophie and Gary walking down the aisle
Confetti outside the church
Sophie and Gary at Fanhams Hall Hotel
Fanhams Hall is a beautiful venue. The gardens are immaculately cared for, and the staff took superb care of Sophie, Gary and their guests.
The best men: pre-speech homework
Sophie and Gary enjoying the best-man comedy double-act
Gary’s wedding speech
The noisiest table at the reception!
Jennifer and Jeff’s family
A big thank-you to Jennifer, Sophie’s sister. She works at another, well known Hertfordshire Wedding venue, and recommened me to Sophie and Gary.
All the photos will be online by 5th May and you can see them by clicking here
A thank-you from Sophie and Gary:
“We have just seen the photos on your website and just wanted to say thank you for taking such amazing photos and really capturing the whole day so well. I love all the photos you have taken of people relaxed and enjoying themselves, the photo of the best men practicing their speech really made us laugh. Thank you also for making the taking of the formal photos so quick and organised, a lot of guests commented that they really liked not having to wait around for all the photos to be taken.”
A thank-you from Sarah and David
I received a lovely thank-you from Sarah and David, who were married at St Alfeges Greenwich, with their reception at The Old Royal Naval College on 21st March 2009.
Mark, thank you so much for the brilliant job you did on our wedding photos.
I appreciate that we were probably the least snap-happy couple you’ve ever photographed, so the fact there are so many of us looking cheerful and relaxed is little short of a miracle!
They look truly stunning and I am really grateful.
Thanks again, I am forever in your debt!
Sarah and David’s Wedding, Old Royal Naval College
Sarah and David were married on March 21st 2009 – a beautiful spring day in Greenwich, London.
The Ceremony was held at St Alfeges Church and Sarah, escorted by her brother, sisters and friends walked there from the venue.
The interior of the church is beautiful, and the ceremony was conducted by a family friend, Tristan.
Sarah and David during the signing of the register
Waking down the aisle
On their walk back to the Old Royal Naval College, Sarah and David were given lots of waves by passers-by. Cars parped their horns, and an impatient motorcyclist made a surprising effort to try and run them down.
The reception was at Admiral’s House at Old Royal Naval College.
‘Kiss-me-quick, no-one is looking…’
The College provides a stunning back-drop and is one of my favourite places to photograph weddings in London.
Sarah with Canary Wharf in the far distance
The first dance
To see all the photos from Sarah and David’s wedding, please click here
Alexandra and John’s Wedding, Leez Priory
‘When Alexandra arrived at the church,’ said her Dad, ‘she just looked so beautiful…’
‘We stood in the doorway to the church,’ he continued. ‘It was a very touching moment for me, and I wished her all the best for the future.’
Alexandra and John got married on 7th February 2009 at St Thomas of Canterbury, Wood Green. It was a bitterly cold day, but the sun was out and everyone was in fantastic spirits. Father Austin, who conducted the service, did a wonderful job, with his relaxed and warm welcome, and thoughtful sermon.
Jenny, one of Alexandra’s bridemaids said, ‘It’s amazing to see your best friend get married. I was so happy to see her and John tying-the-knot I cried.’
Is that confetti or a blizard?
We arrived at the wedding reception venue, Leez Priory, just in time to take some photos outside. ‘I’m so excited to be starting the next chapter of my life,’ said John, ‘and starting it with Alex.’
It was, by all accounts, flippping freezing! But everyone agreed it was worth a couple of cold moments to get some photos with the snow.
Soon it was dark, and Leez Priory looked magical.
John’s best men, Jan, and his brother Graham were absolutely brilliant. So good, in fact, I think they should hire themselves out as professional best men. They organised the whole day with a light touch and huge amounts of humour. Just before the speeches Jan mentioned that he’d make the crowd laugh – and I quote – ‘Even if I have to get naked.’ Fortunately it didn’t come to that. He had everyone in stitches from his opening line…
Alex and John cutting the cake
The fireworks lit up the night sky – a fitting finale to a great day.
‘It’s gone by so quickly,’ said Alex, ‘I can’t remember everything that’s happened!’
Well the good news is that all the photos from the day are online – plus an Audio-Slideshow with interviews – so Alex, John and their family and friends can re-live the whole day.
Photos / Audio-slideshow are now online: Alex and John’s Wedding Day – Tavistock Avenue Photography – Recent Weddings
