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Victoria & Tom – Rushton Hall

An sleepover at a nearby Travelodge left me refreshed for Victoria & Tom's wonderful Autumn wedding at All Saints Rushton followed by reception at Rushton Hall.

It was warm and the sun shone all day, as did Victoria's smile.

I must thank Capture It a husband and wife photography team who recommended my services. It's always a pleasure to work with Richard and Sarah who produce lovely, creative images and are really nice people.

Rushton Hall

Rushton Hall is described as "the epitome of the new generation of country estate hotels". Well having been there I wouldn't argue with that.

Rebecca & Samuel – Ashdown Park

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My old photographer pal Peter Prior lives near Eastbourne so I only get to work with him occasionally. He recommended my services for the beautiful wedding of Rebecca & Samuel at St.Paul's Tunbridge Wells. Peter produces some wonderful images as you can see on his blog so I was pleased to get very enthusiastic feedback from the family about my DVD.

The reception was held at Ashdown Park, my first time there. Ashdown Park is a beautiful country house hotel set in the heart of Ashdown Forest, East Sussex.

I enjoy occasional trips for weddings outside my usual area. What a nice job I have, seeing fabulous new places and meeting new people enjoying their big day.

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.