My Springtime wedding season kicked off on Saturday when I photographed the beautiful wedding of Sophy and Richard. They filled St Thomas’s Church in Navestock for their ceremony and then held their reception at Blakehall in Ongar.
It was lovely to see Sophy and her family again as I arrived to start bridal prep photos (I photographed Sophy’s sister’s wedding, Tash, in 2017). Sophy’s family home was the perfect setting as everyone enjoyed a glass of champagne, whilst getting pampered with hair and make-up. The natural light in the open plan kitchen and dining area was a dream to photograph in and everything ran so well to plan that we had plenty of time for some group photos before heading to church.
Sophy and her bridesmaids all arrived in fancy black cabs complete with wedding ribbons and made the short walk down the path to the church doors. It was lovely seeing everyone’s faces as Sophy walked down the aisle with her proud father, Nigel to see Richard and join hands to start the ceremony.
The ceremony was lovely with readings from close friends, hymns, and words of wisdom before Sophy and Richard said their vows and exchanged rings (expertly delivered by Richard’s Grandad) in front of all their closest friends and family. You couldn’t wipe the smiles from their faces and it was simply a pleasure to capture it all for them.
The sun was out as we left the church and after making their way through a confetti tunnel it was time for everyone to board the Double Decker London Bus to head over to Blakehall for the drinks reception.
As we arrived, so did the snow! It only lasted a few minutes, and the sun soon returned as Sophy’s brother Josh joined the band and took to the mic to sing a few songs for everyone and get them in the party mood.
The sun played ball and stayed out for the group photos. We then walked the beautiful grounds with Sophy and Richard and got some stunning portraits for them both before heading in for the wedding breakfast.
After everyone was treated to a three-course meal we spotted the perfect sunset and nipped out for some photos. It wasn’t the warmest so thanks Sophy and Richard for being such troopers!
Next up it was time for the speeches, which were definitely one of the highlights of the day. Nigel, Tash, Richard and Best Men, Sam, and CJ all did a fantastic job and had the guests in fits of laughter. We loved capturing it all as you will see below.
After the final formalities of cutting the cake and the first dance, the band really got the party started! Everyone joined the happy couple on the dance floor and so did a large dressing-up box! Great idea, and as you will see below the guests loved it. The perfect end to a fantastic wedding day.
Sophy and Richard, I hope you are reading this with a cocktail in hand whilst you enjoy your honeymoon in Jamaica! Alex and I loved photographing your wedding, thanks again for asking me to capture it all for you. Without further ado, here are a few sneak peek photos for you.
Big thanks also to Alex Bradbury for assisting and 2nd shooting, great job as always.
