Claire and Chris planned to have their wedding at The Grove and Reception at Wrotham Park in Hertfordshire.We were introduced by the wonderfully stylish Bentelys Entertainments . We met at The Grove in Hertfordshire, they booked and then disappeared. A year or so later Claire, now with a beautiful little girl, reappeared. The date was set.
I travelled up to Hertfordshire for the wedding, entering the gates of The Grove and along the stunningly long avenue with stunning gardens and water feature to the hotel. You fully understand the reason for that avenue - by the time you’ve arrived, you’ve forgotten the M25 and all that London has to offer you. Almost in the countryside but with the convenience of travel connections back!
Claire and Chris had lived in different parts of the globe and had chosen to move from the native Netherlands to London. Their friends and family were also an amazing collection of beautiful people all very welcoming and friendly.
Claire was in her suite at The Grove, getting ready with her bridesmaids whilst Chris enjoyed Clay Pigeon shooting with his groomsmen and friends. I am a great fan of standing back and photographing the room without interacting with all that is going on at this point.
There is enough stress without the photographer adding to it - apart from maybe hanging a dress up or bringing a little note the groom had left by the bed out...I am a photographer after all!
Claire came down the amazing stairs to be met by her father who would walk her down the aisle.
The bride had chosen an all white theme for the ceremony.
Large white pedestals of white Hydrangea and simple white candles adorned the aisle.
The guests wore Black tie and dresses. Style was an essential element to the day.
However, come the signing of the Registrar it was the couple’s daughter who stole the show. She needed to be with Mummy and Daddy adding to the perfection of the moment.
Then it was off to Wrotham Park. Also set in Hertfordshire, Wrotham Park is set in an estate of over 2000 acres of stunning parkland. It’s been used in countless film and television productions. The walls of the house are adorned with many precious original art works.
Photographing the guests was so easy - they genuinely were all far too gorgeous.
After some heartfelt speeches the evening got underway. The tables were adorned with tall candelabras with which lit the marquee perfectly as the evening light slipped away.
A collection of friends and family from different part of their lives, all brought together for Chris and Claire’s wedding.
The stunningly tall wedding cake and first dance brought the formalities to a close. Then it was time to party - and these guys knew exactly how to party!
Thank you for choosing me to cover your wedding - it was amazing!