An absolute scorcher of a day, flaming June it certainly was! With a perfect azure blue sky I made my way to the very stylish Stoke Place to meet the lovely Katie and Richard. Having met at a previous wedding I knew what they were like so this would be a very creative and freestyle wedding photography experience. Also some of the guests would be lively to say the least. Stoke Place is a beautiful location for wedding photography with its classic architecture, design features and beautifully manicured grounds. I have covered weddings here in the sunshine and the rain so knew we had plenty of options.
I met with Katie, family and bridesmaids in the Queen Anne suite and was soon caught up in the energy of the preparation. Plus some very posh frocks on show ! Plenty of time and wonderful light allowed for some lovely moments. Richard and the boys were located in one of the cottages and looked suitably grand in lovely designer suits, if a little hot and bothered due to the immense heat. Still the atmosphere was great and very fun. Guests soon began to arrive and fill the wedding venue and into the ceremony room. I raced upstairs to check on the bride and captured some stunning moments as they descended with great anticipation.
The atmosphere in the ceremony room was quite amazing as the bridesmaids entered soon followed by Katie and her very proud father. With a long aisle I captured both the long walk and the guest’s wonderment. A well lit and beautiful ceremony provided many emotive and creative images. The elated newlyweds exited onto the sun drenched terrace to exotic drinks and a steel band – didn’t quite feel like leafy Buckinghamshire! With a very relaxed and at times hilarious party feel everyone loved the reception. Soon the scene was set for a stunning wedding breakfast as its such a fantastic set up. Richard had opted for a football team with the West Ham legends! Great food, wine and speeches followed with so many hearty cheers and tears it will live long in the memory.
I pulled Mr and Mrs Thornton to one side and we strolled in the grounds around 7.30pm. Its a perfect time for some private moments. This gave some immense light and long shadows which we used to maximum effect. Finally it was time for a rather lively first dance and empathic follow on the the party crowd. What a day...
