Katie & Ashley
I have just realised that this years weddings include quite a few faces from the past, mainly old school friends. It's a lovely thing to be a part of someone's day who in Katie's case, you have known since the age of four! Buxted Park was our venue for this glorious summer's day wedding. A sprawling country hotel set it huge rolling grounds with ponds, statues and other vintage structures in various states of repair. A photographer's dream.
Steph my regular weekend colleague was attending this wedding but not in her usual capacity, but as a bridesmaid! Having known Katie, like I have for many years. So it was Aleisha who buddied up with me to shoot the celebrations ahead. We arrived before 11am and got down to work with photos of dresses, flowers and all those other beautiful details that make a day. Katie's dress was particularly stunning as were the flowers by the super talented Shimzu Flowers and who doesn't love a pair of Jimmy Choos? I used the gorgeous fireplace in the suite to its full potential to capture these images.
After helping me out with the initial images, Aleisha went off to find our Groom Ashley, who was now with his Groomsmen and his boys in their room, and then went with them down to get ready for the ceremony!
The ceremonies at Buxted can take place in a few different locations, but my favourite spot is beneath the pillars on the exterior of the building. A beautiful location for getting married. With guests sat on the lawn in full view of the beautiful summer sun and a particularly cool looking Groom ready to go, the ceremony kicked off.
I really love how the colour palette the couple had chosen complimented the pale stone look of the ceremony area. Everything worked together really well. Especially the flowers by the supremely talented Shimzu flowers. I also really like the colour of Ashleys suit, perfect for a summer wedding.
After the ceremony, Katie, Ashley and their guests retired to the other lawn of the hotel. We did as we normally do and went straight into the confetti and big group photo. It is always a good idea to do this straight after the ceremony because its two photo opportunities that you need everybody for. If you go for it straight away you haven't lost anybody to the bar, toilets or checking into their rooms. Something that can be really time consuming for a photographer, especially when you have limited time to get the photos you want.
Clouds had started to form in the sky so I used the much needed shade to take a few group photos the couple had requested. I used another facade of the hotel this time. Every angle of this building and its gardens lends itself to photos so you are spoiled for choice.
After drinks and canapes had stopped flowing it was time for dinner and speeches. These really were some of the funniest speeches of last year. All were written from the heart and you could tell the guests were up for all of it. I particularly enjoyed Ashleys speech, with his two boys holding up flash cards as punch lines, it was fantastic fun!
We then took time as we always do, to take the Bride and Groom off for a stroll and a few couple photos. We left this until after dinner because the weather was never in doubt and the light towards the evening is always nicer for photos. The grounds are spectacular and every angle of the building compliments the photos well. I wanted to make sure we had plenty of shots with the hotel architecture visible in the background because lets face it, you've paid to have your wedding at a place like this, you want it documented! One of the best photo spots is the pond area which can create some magical reflections as you can see.
We wandered back to the wedding with Katie and Ashley to take some natural shots of guests enjoying themselves and then the first dance, followed by a surprise . . . Katie had always been an amazing singer, even in Primary School and continuing throughout her life. So unbeknown to anyone, she sung with the wedding band. It was an awesome moment.
Just time for a bouquet throw then home for me and Aleisha, leaving Steph to enjoy the wedding evening. Katie and Ashley were such fun and we wish them all the happiness for the future.
Dress - from Champagne & Confetti by Essense of Australia
Bridesmaid Dresses -TFNC London
Grooms Suit -DapperM, Battle by Remus Uomo
Flowers -Shimizu Flowers, Hastings
Rings -F. Chambers Ltd, Hastings
Hair -Red Hair, Hastings
Make-up -Jane Mather Make-up & Personal Stylist
Cake -Art of Cake by Sylvia
Band -Saviours of Soul
