It's been another very busy week this week with the weddings of both, Ellie and Nick, and Michelle and Gary. Both couple's days were equally amazing and beautiful for so many different reasons, but this week we're going to talk firstly about the lovely Ellie and Nick and their wedding at Bourton Hall, so I'll be sure to give you the rundown on Gary and Michelle this time next week!
So on Thursday, I was lucky enough, to head over to the incredible Bourton Hall. One of the most picturesque wedding venues in Warwickshire. If you're planning your special day and looking for a romantic and elegant backdrop to say "I do," Bourton Hall ticks all the boxes. From the moment you enter the grand gates, you'll be swept away by the stunning gardens, the breathtaking architecture, and the undeniable charm of this historic estate.
As time allowed it, as soon as I arrived, I touched base with their wedding organiser and headed straight up to the bridal suite to capture Ellies Bridal prep ahead. Bridal suites are always a hive of activity and as a photographer, I'm incredibly conscious about getting in the way too much as everyone gets very stressed as they're rushing around trying to get ready for the impending ceremony. Ellie and her bridesmaids, on the other hand, couldn't have been more chilled out and relaxed, I couldn't believe how quickly they'd all got dressed and ready giving me plenty of time to get the shots I needed.
Once I'd wrapped up the bridal prep, I headed down to have a chat with the registrars and to have a good chat with Nick to see how he was baring up. If there were any nerves, Nick was doing a wicked job of keeping them to himself as he seemed remarkably chilled out. Lamby, his best man on the other hand, I think was feeling the pressure a little bit. He needn't have worried though, as throughout the whole day he nailed it! Right from looking after the rings, and rounding up guests for group shots to giving an awesome speech, he deserves a massive pat on the back.
Once everyone was seated and sat waiting in the ceremony room, I headed out to snap a few quick pictures of Ellie and her Dad making their way down the venue's grand staircase ahead of the main event to greet Nick.
The plan originally was to have the ceremony outside, and I was gutted that the threat of rain put a stop to those plans, but as it was dry enough, I wanted to make sure at the very least we got the confetti shot before the guests headed in for reception drinks and Canapés.
Once the guests had finished their drinks and Canapés, I began working my way through the list of group shots the couple wanted, as their reception meal was creeping ever closer which we opted to do on the venue's stunning staircase.
Just like that it was time for everyone to sit down for food, so while the wedding guests were tucking into their wedding feast, I snuck away for a few minutes to back up my memory cards and recharge my camera batteries because ready for speeches!
I found a quiet corner of the venue and got to work, making sure that all my photos were safely backed up, and my camera was ready to go. It's like a routine for me, but it's a routine that's essential if I'm going to capture all those magical moments that make a wedding day so special.
Alright, let me tell you about the speeches at Ellie and Nick's wedding - they were absolutely incredible, and I was right there to capture all the action. First, Graham, the father of the bride, had everyone tearing up with his emotional speech.
Then, Lamby, the best man, had the room in stitches with his hilarious stories about Nick, we had a few tears during his speech, but I made a point of telling Nick it honestly wasn't that bad! 😉
And finally, Nick himself took the mic for his speech, and he nailed it! Fit in all the obligatory customs, and did Ellie well and truly proud.
After the speeches, I whisked the happy couple away for some intimate shots, just the two of them. But, wouldn't you know it, it started raining! I knew Ellie and Nick really wanted some photos in the grounds, so after a quick chat with them both, we decided we weren't about to let a little water stop us from getting those perfect shots, so we grabbed a few umbrellas and headed out into the gardens. I've had a quick look over the photographs and I'm really pleased with how they've come out, regardless of the weather!
Just like that, my time with both Ellie and Nick was nearly over, but not before their cake-cutting and finally their first dance, where the couple were showered in confetti for a second time as they took to the dancefloor at the bottom of the grand staircase.
I had an absolute blast capturing the wedding day of Ellie and Nick at Bourton Hall. From their emotional first look to the speeches that had everyone in tears and laughter, it was a day filled with so much love and joy.
But what really made the day extra special was the amazing couple and their guests. They were all so welcoming and kind, and it truly felt like I was part of the family. I loved getting to know everyone and capturing all those candid moments that really showcase the couple's personalities.
As the day came to an end, I couldn't help but feel a little sad that it was over. But I also knew that I had made some new friends. I really hope that Ellie and Nick, along with their guests, remain amongst the couples I call close friends.
In the end, it's moments like these that make me love my job even more. Being able to capture the love and joy between two people and their loved ones is such a privilege. And I'm so grateful to have been a part of Ellie and Nick's special day.
Peace. Love and Photos.
Jono x
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