James and Chrissy...The Performing Groom and The Blushing Bride

In May this year I was shooting Emma and Jona’s wedding in Cornwall when I was approached by James and his partner Chrissie (Emma's aunt) and as it happened, they were getting married in September so the three of us had a little chat and I remember my words exactly, ‘Have a look at Emma and Jona’s portfolio and we can go from there.’ Which they did and (luckily for me) they loved them; I got a call and I was booked. Marvelous.  

So here we are, nearing the end of September and James and Chrissie are now a fully-fledged Mr. and Mrs. Their wedding was held in picture perfect Chiddingfold in Surrey on such a beautiful day with barely a cloud in the sky and just the perfect temperature. They have been together for about 15 years so it was a very relaxed affair with a lovely service at St. Mary’s and then a two second walk to the reception at The Swan Inn.   

But let me rewind a little. I walk into the room where Chrissie is getting ready and it’s full of her friends laughing and chatting, Chrissie is having her hair and make-up done and then a discussion is had about ironing the sash on the dress! Yikes. This spreads fear in my heart. Amanda took charge and after a couple of wet pillowcases (newly dyed purple and the words, ‘Lets hide those’ to be heard), two irons and a lot of laughter later the sash was finally crease-free. Phew! I could breathe again. Irons + wedding dresses = *shudder*. All that mattered was Chrissie looked beautiful and there wasn’t a burnt sash in sight ;-)­

The Swan Inn put on an excellent spread and I was so impressed with the marquee in the back garden...it really worked and looked beautiful and although it was a bit squish for me to do my usual stealth (Ninja) maneuvers in and around the guests, I think it really worked as a venue. It bought everyone close and the atmosphere was electric. I think it also helps that the families and friends of the couple have obviously become very close over the 15 years that they have been together. I think James and Chrissie must also have been very proud to have Charles, Patrick and Edward as their ushers and Victoria do a reading. There is certainly something wonderful about having your children at your wedding, as amazing memories are created together and therefore can be shared together. I’m such a softy!

So as the evening progressed, the festivities continued and what better then the Groom getting up on stage to do a few numbers! Now, this could (potentially) be slightly awkward and somewhat embarrassing especially after a few glugs (bottles) of champagne, BUT I was super impressed with James’ performance as were his guests. He is clearly a very talented singer and it was especially lovely to see the pride in his Mother’s face who I must say, gave a really heartfelt speech too. You don’t often hear a speech from the Mother of the Groom, so it was fab to see it for a change!  

It was lovely seeing a few familiar faces and meeting some new ones and it was a real pleasure to photograph and be part of their special day. There was lot of laughter, lots of love and a ton of silly faces courtesy of the Groom. What more could a wedding want!

To finish I must say a big congratulations to James and Chrissie. I wish you both the very best for your future and I hope you will have many (more) happy years together and hopefully the images will be a wonderful reminder of your special day.

Thank you for hiring me!

My very best wishes to you both…

Loukie xx

Antony, Sarah, a campervan, the official looking man, and a bit of Noah’s Ark.

A fabulous cheeky mid-week wedding for Antony and Sarah and what an amazing way to spend a Thursday! Photographing two people in love, in one of the best country pubs in West Sussex on one of the most beautiful days of the year.

I run out of superlatives. Sigh.

So, with Antony out of their cottage the bridal prep could start. Tom and Lucy (Sarah’s children) were in tow, both so welcoming and totally on hand for anything their Mum needed. There were only four of us in the house, but the sense of excitement was tangible – it’s amazing how much energy four people can generate! At one point I was on the Bed of Fire (wink wink Sarah) and I was totally on the verge of doing a few little excitement jumps, the type that you would do in a really posh hotel...it was THAT exciting. Sarah looked fabulous! With a little bit of make-up courtesy of her daughter, some 'damn fine genes' a rather gorgeous Zara dress and an intrepid smile, she was ready to marry the man she loves. 

The ceremony itself was wonderful. A delicate affair at Petersfield Registry office with only 16 guests but enough tears to send Noah’s Ark on its merry way. Which leads me nicely onto the reception, The Noah’s Ark country pub in Lurgashall (nice little segue if I do say so myself) a pub with a prime candidate for the ‘Best Burger Ever’ competition if such a thing exists. Tom is the assistant manager at the pub so it felt very personal and the room looked stunning, a cross between a rustic country banquet and a cosy family dining room with a few romantic extras lovingly prepared by Sarah and a chocolate cake that looked like murder for the waistline, homemade by one very talented bride.  

The weather was beautiful, but very bright which comes with a whole host of problems for me - lots of shadows and little shade so I won't say it was easy, but Antony, Sarah and their guests definitely made it a heck of a lot easier then it could have been so thank you everyone for being so awesome; for laughing constantly and for making me feel like one of the guests. I think the pictures show just how much love and happiness there was floating around that day. Hats off to Sarah’s Dad as well for reminding me of the much loved and long forgotten cartoon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Oh I chuckled.  

To Sarah and Antony, I think you're awesome; I laughed so much throughout the day and I have to say one of my favourite moments was your insistence that the unsuspecting official-looking man in the yellow jacket had his picture taken! I laughed so hard I think the shot is slightly out of focus!  You’re both such fun, so easygoing and your families and friends are a real credit to you both. Everyone was lovely and completely up for being silly and enjoying such a special day. I didn’t once feel like an outsider and I think that’s indicative of just how ace you two are. It was also great to see Gav again (best man extraordinaire) who I haven’t seen for about 10 years! I must also say that it was lovely meeting Rod from www.retrocampervan.com - we had a good old chinwag over burgers. 

So to end my chatter, I wish you both all the very best for your future together. If you keep laughing as much as you did, keep smiling with all that love, and keep your nearest and dearest super close, I think you’re in for a fun ride!  Just keep the candles away from the bed y'hear ;-)

Big love to you both!

Loukie xx