When I first received a phonecall from Carla’s mother, my wife got all over excited, as she owns Ali’s most favourite shop in the southern hemisphere Su Chases Interiors – and I knew that this wedding would undoubtedly be one of the most stylish I have seen. It didn’t disappoint. I first met the gorgeous Carla and her Mummy in the Crown in Old Amersham, my old stomping ground from teenage years, and also a cracking venue for wedding photography – I have shot several weddings at The Crown and I always love it. However I digress.
I was made incredibly welcome at Su’s house in the morning of the wedding and the atmosphere was so much fun – all the bridesmaids getting ready outside in the sunshine, and once Carla’s hair was finished she was able to join them. The moment she stepped out and they saw her was classic – lots of whooping and cheering…see the photographs below. St Mary’s church was also buzzing with anticipation – I have worked many times as a wedding photographer at St Mary’s in Old Amersham and know it well. I was very pleased to be working (again!) alongside my esteemed colleague Dan from From The Hip films, who (also loves Wine Gums,) never gets in my way or ruins my shots – (RANT ALERT!!! unlike grrr********grumble films who brought three of the most thoughtless videographers I have ever encountered along to the same venue a couple of weeks later in a bid to sabotage most of my photographs. However, I digress again).
The ceremony at St Mary’s was gorgeous – I was struck my the incredible three way glances between Father, Groom and Bride, it was so sweet to watch, everybody willing each other on, and smiling and crying and hand holding – just lovely. Then after being bombed with lavender confetti it was back to the wedding venue of wedding venues Hedsor House. Hedsor House is by far my favourite venue for wedding photography – it never disappoints, and even though I shoot there a lot (four times this month) I always find different ways to shoot, and every wedding at Hedsor House looks incredibly different. This wedding certainly did, as Hedsor House looked as good as I have ever seen it look. No Surprises – as Thom Yorke once sung. Su’s eye for gorgeous interior styling is unique.
The day ran like clockwork, Carla and Gary were an amazing couple and we had a great time. The weather was good so we were able to take advantage of the amazing gardens at Hedsor House, and in the evening the guests spilled out into the Sunken Garden, and to the main lawn for some incredible fireworks, Mr and Mrs Brookes emblazoned across the lawn in fire – just wow. The father of the bride’s speech was also fantastic – I have never seen (what appeared to be) an off the cuff speech be so entertaining and engaging – my steely professional sheen was seen to drop as I spent 20 minutes giggling behind my camera. I love the pictures of her father holding Carla’s hand as he lets her know just how proud he is of her. Beautiful moments, beautiful moments….and why I could never get bored of being a wedding photographer – especially at Hedsor House.
I stayed late to get the fireworks, packed my bags and drove home to the new(ish) Daft Punk album, drank Red Bull, downloaded my photographs, backed them up three times, slept for a few hours and nipped back down to Dorset to rejoin Team Hearn for the rest of my holiday (until the next Hedsor House wedding a week later that is – watch this space). What a day – what a night – a great success. Here are some of my favourites: