LAURA & TIM | HAMPTON COURT HOUSE WEDDING
Surrey Wedding
Laura And Tim’s Story
“Tim and I met just over 2 and a half years ago. This was only a couple of months before I was due to move to Dubai. Despite the distance we stayed in touch. Tim visited a couple of times and I returned home after a year to move in with him. Over new year this year Tim took me to Barcelona as a birthday surprise which is where he proposed!!!”
These guys are such a wonderful couple, not least, because they share a great sense of humour and a relaxed outlook on life. So, after meeting them in London for the first time, I was giddy when they asked me to be their wedding photographer. And even more so because of where they’d decided to tie the knot.
They were married at Hampton Court House, a privately run School with an excellent reputation. They host weddings in the house, which is brimming with character and atmosphere. From the Grand red ballroom to the shell grotto and from the stunning gardens to the deer passing by the windows in Bushy Park. It’s hard not fall head over heels in love with this place, right away.
SETTING THE SCENE
I arrived on Laura and Tim’s wedding day and the entire park was covered in a soft mist giving an instantly epic feel. Stags were grazing on the grass outside the window where Laura and her bridesmaids were getting ready. The whole thing felt like a fairytale. The girls all got so excited when a humungous herd ambled up and perched themselves right outside.
The staff offer such a personalised service here so they will always go out of their way to help the day flow smoothly. Their wedding planner, Candy was warm and open from the very first moment I met her so I knew it was going to be a lovely day to photograph.
THE PREP
Laura got ready in a classroom which was fitting because she’s a teacher! Initially I found it a little weirdy but it actually provided a really interesting backdrop to the photos…
FABULOUS SUPPLIERS
Venue: Hampton Court House https://www.fengarievents.com/hampton-court-house/weddings
Wedding Planner: Candy from http://www.candyrozierevents.com/
Dress: Confetti and Lace Bridal https://www.confettiandlace.com/
Flowers: Honeysuckle Rose heidi@honeysuckle-rose.com https://www.honeysuckle-rose.com/
Band: Ruby and the Rhythms https://www.rubyandtherhythms.com/
THE MAIN EVENT
The ceremony was held in a stunning space and the tree was still and beautifully adored from Christmas. Tim looked excited but nervous as the guests were asked to stand to receive the bridal party. Laura’s bridesmaids entered. In this moment at every wedding, you can feel the electricity in the air. The excitement but almost a collective holding of breath. The expressions on people faces as the bride enters the room.
THOSE GOLDEN MOMENTS
The brides face is so often the focus but occasionally there are those in the audience who look back to see the groom. Truthfully, everyone in the room has a shift in that moment, the mother of the bride feels a rising of emotion, the father feels pride. The mother of the groom looks to him to make sure he’s happy (which he inevitably is, of course). The friends all feel a twinge of something. It’s quite a magical moment and something I’m so privileged to be a part of.
ANNNNNNNND RELAX…
After the ceremony and the formalities, people start to relax and the whole atmosphere changes. There’s an air of excitement and celebration, naturally. There’s an explosion of colour as the confetti’s released which is a fitting analogy for the release of emotion after the formalities are done.
This is one of my favourite parts of the day, the tension has gone and it’s time to mix, mingle and party!
THE DEETS
Between the ceremony and the speeches, there’s a great opportunity for me to steal away and grab some great shots of the beautiful detail of the reception. Because, every couple puts so much heart and time into styling their perfect wedding so it’s important to capture these parts too. They help tell the story of the day.
They had chosen these fantastic centre pieces that looked almost alive and growing! The incorporated lots of lush green foliage, dried seed heads and mosses and created something new and unique I had never seen before. they were interspersed with candles and wine bottles (obvs) and these gorgeous little favours which were a personal touch.
Laura Grandma’s, who sadly was too poorly in hospital to attend the day, had toiled over making enough sloe gin for all of their wedding guests. It was decanted into these adorable, and very classy, little shot bottles for guest to enjoy with their meal.
I usually put together a curated sample gallery for my couples within the first week of the wedding but because Laura had serious concerns about her Grandma’s health I made sure they had something to show her when they visited the following day.
THE PORTRAITS
One of my favourite times on the wedding day is photographing the couple. You may notice thatI have a few favourite parts of the day, this is essentially because I cannot chose a favourite part of the day!
I really try to capture their personalities and the connection between them. Every couple is unique and we were lucky enough to have the most incredible light on this gorgeous couple’s day!
FUNNY BITS AND MONOLOGUES
For me, the other best part of the day is the speeches because there’s no other time where you can capture these kinds of outbursts and expressions! People literally cannot be anything but 100% natural…
THE AFTERPARTY
The icing on the top of a fabulous day is the evening party! And these guys knew how to party! I’m signed up to stay until first dance but I really wanted to stay all night photographing these guys and their loopy friends!
If you’re looking for a Surrey wedding photographer then feel free to drop me a line! I’d love to hear from you!
