Hilary and Russell - Standlow Farm, Kniveton, Derbyshire

Hilary is a lifelong friend of mine, having known her since our childhood, so I was thrilled that she asked me to photograph her wedding in Derbyshire.  I met up with Hilary in London a few months ago so that I could meet with her then fiancé, Russell, and from the moment I met him I knew they were perfect together - and that their wedding was going to be so very very funny!

I joined Hilary at Standlow Farm in Kniveton, Derbyshire, along with her 11 bridesmaid (yes, 11!) I thought it might be quite chaotic with all the woman getting ready under one roof, but it was surprisingly calm and they were ready ahead of schedule! 

My friend and fellow photographer, Jules, joined the men for their preparations - who were all busy in the hot tub on her arrival.  They were also getting ready at Standlow Farm, as it's a great sized venue, it's easy for the Bride and Groom to be getting ready in the same venue without them bumping into one another. And they have a hot tub!!

The marriage took place in a fantastic Yurt, provided by Yorkshire Yurts. It was beautifully decorated by one of the couple's friends, with flower walls and foliage, and the ceremony was held by Hilary's friend, Paul, who added that special personal touch and made every single person weep with happiness.  After a beautiful service, with amazing singing and the perfect readings, the guests congregated outside for some jazz music and canapés whilst I took a walk to a cliff face with Hillary and Russell for some photographs in a stunning setting, followed by some formal photographs with the family.

The wedding breakfast resumed, with the 200 guests enjoying a roast and hysterical speeches, followed by a surprise choreographed dance to Michael Jackson's 'The Way You Make Me Feel', which set the evening celebrations off in style.

From Hilary and Russell - Thank you for everything on the wedding day, before and after- a big task with so many people!

Pre-wedding photography, Thame

There are so many amazing wedding venues in Thame, including Notley Tythe Barn and Notley Abbey. 

I'm going to be fortunate enough to be photographing at both venues over the coming year. So I was eager to get into Notley Abbey to explore and find the perfect location for this stunning couple.

Fidelma and William - The Fishes, North Hinksey

Fee and Will are a beautiful, kind and sweet natured couple and a perfect match, so photographing their wedding was lovely.  They married at St James the Great Church in Radley, a small village just outside of Abingdon.  The church is small and quaint and the village locals regularly attend weddings there, an old tradition the village very much keep alive!  Fee looked picture perfect in her princess dress with layer upon layer of silk, you could see the happiness in Will's eyes as she approached him at the alter.

Following their ceremony everyone made their way to The Fishes in North Hinksey village.  I've frequented this restaurant on several occasions and always been impressed with the quality of the food here, but this was my first wedding in the grounds, so I was excited to see how it would look.  The reception took place in the 'festival grounds', where a tipi resides, a band and several home made games were set up.

Heavy rain was intermittent throughout the day, so we made every opportunity we could to grab some photographs around the grounds whilst the guests enjoyed the festivities. With the towering trees and picnic area, you really forget you're next to a busy restaurant and it's the perfect setting for some classic style photography.

A buffet style dinner was served and I left the guests shortly after a great fire was lit, the band had started and the dancing was in full swing.