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

Jenny and Conor were married on 24th April 2010. The ceremony was held at Ealing Abbey with the reception at One Whitehall Place.

Jenny and her getting ready at her parents house

It was the first time I’d been to Ealing Abbey – its a magnificent and beautifully maintained church.

Conor with his bestman and ushers

Jenny arriving at the Abbey

Jenny and her father walking down the aisle

The ceremony was conducted by Abbott Martin

Conor and Jenny during mass

Jenny and Conor in the doorway of the Abbey at the end of the ceremony.

The group photo – this took a couple of minutes to arrnage, but with the stunning backdrop it was well worth it.

After a coach journey, the next stop was One Whitehall Place which used to be the old liberal club. It looks like little has changed since its Victorian and turn-of-the-century heyday. There are paintings of Queen Victoria and Albert, Churchill, Gladstone and other eminant figures from that time. Its a fascinating place for anyone with an interest in history to visit and you can almost imagine the conversations about empire, war and reform all being discussed in its rooms and corridors.

We took several photos on the stairway – and even a couple in the lift which you can see in the main wedding gallery.

Gladstone, bride and groom – a photo that should be on every wedding photographer’s shot list…

Jenny during the drinks reception

The library just before the wedding breakfast

The top table

Jenny’s father’s speach

Conor’s speach

Best man James’ speach – don’t let his droll, dry style of delivery fool you…

… his speach was funny and very entertaining.

Jenny and Conor’s first dance

The view across the river to the London Eye.

To see more photos from Jenny and Conor’s wedding:
Wedding Gallery Highlights
Full Wedding Gallery

Michelle and Andrew were married on 30th January 2010 at St George’s Hanover Square and held their wedding reception at Claridge’s.

Andrew with his brother and best man Michael before the ceremony.

Michelle and her father just after they arrived outside the church.

Michelle just after arriving at the end of the aisle to meet Andrew.

St George’s is a magnificent church, with a long and illustrious history. This is the view from the back of the church, right next to the organ.

Michelle and Andrew exchanging rings.

Michelle and Andrew walking down the aisle.

The room for the wedding breakfast at Claridges looked fantastic. Just before the guests entered for their meal Michelle walked round and said to the staff, ‘Everything looks wonderful and I’m so happy with what you’ve done!’

Before the speeches we found a couple of minutes to take a set of photos in one of Claridges beautiful art-deco corridors. Michelle and Andrew were illuminated by candles in storm lanterns.

Michelle kissing Andrew at the end of his speech.

Michael managed to produce a couple of first class visual aides during his best man’s speech. Some photos of Andrew from the family archive and a signed photo of Daniel Craig! Apparently, he is Michelle’s favourite actor.

Michelle and Andrew’s first dance…

…and dancing the night away…

To see highlights from Michelle and Andrew’s wedding, please click here

To see the full collection from Michelle and Andrew’s wedding, please click here

Nichola and Ed were married at Islington Town Hall on 29th December 2009.

They held their reception at Altitude, Millbank after driving through the city on old London buses.

Ed with his ushers and best man before the ceremony.

Nichola and her father waiting to go into the ceremony.

Nichol and Ed exchanging their wedding rings.

The ceremony was held in Islington is the council chamber which is a beautiful wood panelled room with red leather chairs.

Nichola walking to the buses that took us all to the wedding reception.

To all future brides reading this post – please note Nichola’s foresight in purchasing a white umbrella…

This has helped transform a wet and windy walk to the bus into an elegant, timeless moment. Just imagine this scene with a red and yellow golf umbrella bearing the logo of a well known investment bank…

Dean pouring bubbly on the bus for Nichola and Ed.

Special mention must got to James and Dean for their superb bar-tending efforts.

Most bar-keeps pour drinks with the benefit of a stable surface beneath their feet. However, as the bus rumbled through the rain streaked London streets, swinging from side to side, Dean and James negotiated the aisle and stairs, bottles in hand.

I’d like to think Reg Varney and Bob Grant from ‘On the Buses’ would have thoroughly approved!

Nichola during the drinks reception.

Ed during the drinks reception.

Altitude is on the 29th floor of Millbank tower. This is the view towards the London Eye.

Nichola, Ed and Nichola’s father during the speeches.

The space at Altitude has a simple, contemporary design. The flat screen TV near the bar was used during the speeches to show messages and photos, and also run slideshows of Ed and Nichola’s early days throughout the rest of the evening.

Nichola and Ed’s first dance.

Don’t try this at home!

To see highlights from Nichola and Ed’s wedding, please click here

To see the full collection from Nichola and Ed’s wedding, please click here

Liz and James were married at Hanbury Manor on December 19th 2009.

It was a snowy outside, but bright sunlight filled the rooms in the early part of the day.

Liz walking down the old stairway.

‘A big memory for me from the day,’ explained James later, ‘was turning around and seeing Liz walking up the aisle.’

Liz and James exchanging their vows during the ceremony. A special mention to James’ sister, who is sat in the background of this picture and smiled serenley throughout the ceremony!

Liz and James first kiss. Poles Hall is a great location for a wedding. Its a large room, but has a very intimate feel which meets the guests feel very involved in the emotion of the ceremony.

These are one of the family portraits that were taken in a room pre-prepared by the staff at Hanbury, with a roaring log fire nearby.

Liz and James decided to brave the cold and in a few short minutes we took some photos in the snow as the sun began to set.

James during his speach.

‘It came out about a million times better than I thought it would,’ said James. ‘ I was really worried, but I did some improvisation and it seemed to go down really well.’

Hanbury Manor at night.

Liz and James during their first dance.

‘I just loved every single minute,’ said Liz. ‘Its amazing having all your friends and family in the same room. Its just been the best day ever.’

Liz throwing her boquet – which ended up in James’ sisters hands!

To see highlights from Liz and James Wedding click here

To see the full collection from Liz and James Wedding click here

Lucy and Alex were married on December 18th 2009 at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London.

Alex and his best man and ushers.

Lucy waiting in the car before the ceremony.

The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College is a truly magnificent room.

I’m always surprised at the number of London’s who’ve never been there or even know it exists. It is an architectural jem that is worth a day of anyone’s time to visit.

Lucy and Alex exchanging their wedding rings.

Lucy and Alex signing the register.

Lucy and Alex kissing after walking down the aisle.

After walking down the aisle Lucy and Alex paused, held hands and looked towards me – which meant I was able to take this unexpected and impromtu portrait.

Lucy during the drinks reception.

Alex during the drinks reception.

A group photo of all the family and guests.

What isn’t eveident in this photo is that Tim, my assistant was stood on a chair, holding one of my lights over his head at full stretch.

Even on dark winters days, I try and use flash as little as possible, and Tim’s valliant exertions meant I was able to illuminate the guests – and the surrounds, with a soft, flattering light.

Lucy and Alex walked the length of the Painted Hall to join their guests for dinner.

Alex during his speach.

The top room in the Painted Hall during the speaches.

Alex and Lucy on the stairs leading to the Painted Hall.

Alex and Lucy’s first dance.

To see highlights from Lucy and Alex’s wedding please click here

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 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 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 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.