Sarah & Marc - Pelham House

Teammates

An avenue of business that is very often fruitful as a photographer, is that of friends you have known across the years. School friends, university friends, colleagues from former jobs, and in this case, football teammates. For about 10 years I played football, on and off, for Westfield FC. The football club of the village I grew up in. I was never prolific in my goalscoring, partly due to my ever growing photography business keeping me from playing regularly. However the best part of that time in my life, were the friendships I made on the pitch. Marc, being one of those friends.

Venue: Pelham House

Brides Dress: Veils & Vows

Suits: House of Cavani

Bridesmaids Dresses: JJS House

Florist: Lovelands Flowers

Hair & Makeup: ViP Beauty Rooms

Videographer: Joe Gasser

Band : Skip Jacks

Sarah and Marc's venue was the beautiful Pelham House in Lewes. A venue that I had photographed only once before, many years ago. I asked to meet Marc and Sarah at an open day at Pelham, a couple of weeks before the wedding day so I could refresh my memory of the place. I was absolutely blown away by the changes that had been made to the place. Not that it was bad before, but the refurb work that had been done made the place look incredible and a perfect spot for a wedding.

So, on the day itself, Aleisha and I rocked up to the venue. Everything including Bride and Groom prep was taking place here, which does, I have to admit, make things easier and relieve some of the stress of the day. Marc was yet to arrive, so Aleisha went off to photograph around the building, including shots of the rooms all set and ready for the day. I went off to find Sarah in the bridal suite.

The bridal suite had lots of natural light pouring in so no worries there, plus, it overlooked the courtyard/entrance to the venue. Excellent for spying. It was thanks to this vantage point I caught this awesome shot of the groom's party taking a selfie. The white is the window frame as the gap wasn't wide enough to get the whole lens through. I like it though as leaving the white smudge tells the story of the shot, rather than cropping that out.

As soon as you enter the house, hotel room, or Airbnb of a bridal party, you are hit with a wave of excitement and emotion that really puts you in the right frame of mind for the rest of the wedding. It's very infectious. Sarah was with her Mum, and both bridesmaids. The first port of call is making sure you have captured all the outfit details. The dress, shoes, and jewelry etc. The bridal suite had lots of natural light pouring in so no worries there, plus, it overlooked the courtyard/entrance to the venue. Excellent for spying. It was thanks to this vantage point I caught this awesome shot of the groom's party taking a selfie. The white is the window frame as the gap wasn't wide enough to get the whole lens through. I like it though as leaving the white smudge tells the story of the shot, rather than cropping that out.

The last time I was at Pelham, the ceremony room was the bar! Now its a gorgeously lit, bright and airy room for marriages. We took up position, myself at the top end by the registrars and Aleisha three and a half miles away at the back of the room. Ok maybe that's being dramatic but it is a very long room. I am delighted Aleisha was where she was thought as she captured a really beautiful moment between Sarah and her Dad just before they made the walk down the aisle.

Marc, bless him, was so emotional when he was waiting for Sarah, when she walked down the aisle and when they were finally announced as married. It's genuinely lovely to see. One of the best moments of the ceremony was as the music played for Sarah to walk in. As it happened, up stood 4 people from the congregation. Who all then proceeded to sing along with the music. Sarah works in the theatre so these were some very talented friends of hers I'm guessing. It was an awesome moment.

After the ceremony, after confetti was thrown it was out into Pelham's garden for drinks and canapes and lots of candid shots and group shots. Alex, 'The Giant Magician' was on hand to entertain guests with his incredible magic.

Then we took Sarah and Marc off for a few shots together. The grounds of Pelham are not the biggest but have plenty of angles and features to occupy your photos. They also have some beautiful inside spaces including the stunning staircase in the foyer.

After the speeches, we took another walk with Marc and Sarah. We often do these walks for couple shots before and after dinner. It gives you lovely variety in the images, plus a couple in a different headspace. Before dinner, they are still in the haze of having just said "I do". After though, everyone is more relaxed, they've eaten, had a drink, speeches are done. Whats nicer than a walk in the grounds of your venue?

We asked Marc and Sarah about how we did on their wedding day, this is what they had to say.

"Darren made the whole day very relaxing and enjoyable and more.

They went above expectations to help our day run smoothly.

Darren worked brilliantly with his colleague to capture the most perfect shots."

Cake cutting, first dance then it's party time people!! What a great party it was. I love the Pelham reception space, such a great blank canvas to add your own style but with so much of its own character also.

We end the night as we often do, with a sparkler send off. Thank you to Sarah and Marc for having us be a part of your special day, it was an honour and a pleasure.