Julie & Shaun’s Medieval Wedding – Kenilworth Castle
Julie & Shaun tied the knot literally with a hand-fastening ceremony at atmospheric Kenilworth Castle. Everyone was in medieval costume and there were some great characters.
In keeping with tradition the dastardly local lord claimed his right to the bride but was challenged and defeated by a gallant knight in armour.
A candlelit medieval banquet was held in the nearby church hall, the low light testing my camera to the limit. Entertainment included mock trials with defendents identified by the groom held in stocks. The poor wretches included the executioner (for having a floppy chopper), the bowman (worrying sheep) and a witch (she turned up late). Fortunately all were found not guilty and so escaped dreadfull punishments although the executioner did spend some time in the naughty corner.
Tanya & Neil – Danesfield House
Danesfield House was in its full, blooming glory last month when Tanya and Neil tied the knot. It's a stunning venue and with such a handsome couple on a lovely day photographer Stefan Zabel and myself had a field day!
Danesfield House is set within 65 acres of magnificent estate grounds within the beautiful Chiltern Hills and overlooks the River Thames near Marlow.
Sharon & Karl – Bisham Abbey
Lovely Sharon got ready at her parent's house and tied the knot with handsome hunk Karl at the beautiful Bisham Abbey overlooking the Thames near Marlow. It's just a few minutes drive from my home and I was with local photographer and good mate Dennis Orchard. Apart from taking super pics Dennis was up to his usual antics keeping everyone laughing and balancing on windowsills and precarious tables.
Alison & John at Stowe Landscape Gardens / Buckingham Old Town Hall
Alison and John finally tied the knot on a beautiful day at the magnificent Temple of Concord and Victory at Stowe Landscape Gardens. It was a wedding reflecting their personalities full of music and great entertainment. They only booked me a few days before the wedding, I can't believe they nearly didn't have it filmed!
On arrival Alison did an impromptu dance to the jazz band with her brother and watched by her father. As she entered the temple their little son Robert was transfixed by the scene unfolding. Two really magic moments captured on film.
At the Old Town Hall the evening was great fun with traditional entertainment. A lively ceilidh band was followed by Berkshire Bedlam morris dancing troupe including John who managed to escape serious injury during the stick dancing. Then the wonderful Chesham Acapella ladies choir featured Alison and a bemused young Robert.
Simon & Glinder at The Elvetham
The first civil part of Simon and Glinder's wedding took place at The Elvetham followed by a traditional Sikh ceremony and celebration a week later in Birmingham. It was the first time I had worked with Cheltenham based photographer Robin Bradshaw who kept an admirably low profile throughout despite looking like a lead singer for Oasis!
Glinder looked fantastic and didn't mind soiling her very expensive looking dress in the damp conditions outside. That's the right attitude I reckon, the dress is for looking great on the day whatever the weather. Simon grew a beard in a week for the Sikh ceremony although it had some way to go to match some of the locals, as you can see.
Anouska & James at Denham and Hedsor House
Early March brought bright sunlight to St. Mary's church at Denham and the lovely Anouska braved a freezing wind to look radiant throughout. It was good to work again with Stuart Bebb, another of my recommended photographers. The reception was at the magnificent Hedsor House and my second visit there in a few months. The couple had worked in New York and several guests came over specially for the wedding. A special treat to make them feel at home was the "Statue" of Liberty greeting guests at the reception. The wedding continued its exotic flavour into the late evening with a Sri Lankan ceremony and traditional dancing.
Sarah & Ben – Blenheim Palace Orangery
I hadn't met Sarah & Ben before the wedding but they were really nice, managing to make me feel like one of the family besides attending to everyone else. We had lots of fun on a buggy ride photo-shoot along with bridesmaid Emma, her partner and my photographer pal Stefan Zabel. Despite the freezing conditions everyone was in a great mood.
And wow - what a great venue. The Orangery at Blenheim Palace is palacial with its own private terrace overlooking the beautiful Italian Garden of the Duke of Marlborough. Having filmed several weddings there I'm pleased to say that BW Videofilms is now on their recommended supplier's list.
Sarah & Paul at Windsor Guildhall & The Christopher Wren Hotel
Who cares if it rains, it's all about having a great time with your family and friends. Sarah & Paul tied the knot at the magnificent Windsor Guildhall recently and partied at Sir Christopher Wren's House Hotel. Only 25 guests but it seemed like 50! It was a chance to work again with photographer Mark Seymour and friendly toastmaster John Grosse who seems to be at every other wedding I film, that's good because he's always very helpful.
I hitched a lift with the newlyweds back to the hotel, filming them and the sights of Windsor on the way though they seemed more interested in each other. I must mention The Palatine String Quartet playing at the the hotel, they not only played beautifully but were very easy on the eye too!