When Natalie and Keval contacted us to ask if Mark Pugh would capture their wedding at two of his favourite venues, St. Mary's Bottesford and Stoke Rockford Hall, how could he possibly refuse?
A little light drizzle didn't stop anything on the morning of Natalie and Keval's special day. MP met Natalie at her parent's house and photographed the last hour or so of her bridal preparations, including Made Up, Make up and Beauty by Claire, flowers by Glen Esk Flowers, Rachel Simpson shoes, and the all-important Benjamin Roberts gown.
We always advise couples to try to relax and soak-up the atmosphere of their wedding, as the day goes so quickly; it's our job to capture the little details that are often overlooked. In keeping with the fact that wedding days seem to fly by, Stuart from Classic Car Hire arrived to take Natalie to St. Mary's which was just around the corner. We've enjoyed Stuart's company before at a wedding event in the Vale of Belvoir, and it was wonderful to finally work with him and experience his outstanding customer care.
As Natalie stepped into the church with her father, everyone was turned-around waiting to see her walk down the aisle. St. Mary's is one of the most architecturally interesting churches in the United Kingdom, with its dramatic monuments, huge spire that dominates the skyline, and as the burial place of many of the Earls and Dukes of Rutland.
After a beautiful ceremony which involved a giant bar of Toblerone... don't ask, the couple stepped outside to discover that the clouds had parted to reveal brilliant, beautiful August sunshine.
A short drive down the A1 took the couple to Stoke Rockford Hall, one of the most dramatic and grand country house hotels in the United Kingdom. With the weather perfect, it was only proper that drinks and canapés should be taken in the extensive grounds.
MP took the guests to the rear of the building for a short series of formal photographs. Large number of formal photographs can be onerous, and we recommend that a maximum of ten group shots should be taken; we're always happy to fit-in additional group shots throughout the day.
With speeches, a beautiful meal and the cake-cut complete, all that remained was to dance the night away in the orangery courtesy of Vibetown, who were superb, and extremely professional.
It's been difficult to decide which images we should share, as their wedding photography collection contains over 400 images. However, we have decided to share 200ish photographs, and these can be viewed below.
As always, enjoy.
THE TEAM INVOLVED IN THEIR SPECIAL DAY
Wedding Dress Designer: Benjamin Roberts - ivory lace, fishtail dress with a sweetheart neckline and zip and button fastening. It has a gorgeous train, customised with a diamanté belt.
Which boutique did you purchase your dress from?: Bradgate Brides.
Transport / Wedding Car Provider: Classic Car Hire, Easthorpe.
Bride's Shoes: Rachel Simpson (shoe clips used to accessorise).
Makeup Artist: Made Up, Make up and Beauty by Claire.
Bridesmaid's Dresses: Coast sage short Allure dress.
Groom's Formal Wear: The Wedding Hire Company, Oadby Leicester.
Wedding rings purchased from: Excel Jewellery, Nottingham.
Ceremony Florist: Glen Esk Flowers Grantham.
Reception Florist (if different): Lily King of Stamford.
Caterers: Stoke Rochford Hall.
Wedding Cake: The Cake shop Leicester (eggless sponge).
Musician / DJ / Entertainers: Vibetown.
WEDDING VENUE INSIGHT
The spire of St. Mary's Church, also known as 'The Lady of the Vale' dominates the Vale of Belvoir skyline. With 123 steps to the top of the 210 feet tall church tower, it is believed to be the tallest church in Leicestershire.
www.stmarysbottesford.co.uk and a Google Virtual Tour of the Interior of St. Mary's Church, Bottesford.
RECEPTION VENUE INSIGHT
Stoke Rochford Hall's www.stokerochfordhall.co.uk present building dates from 1843, and was designed by architect William Burn for Christopher Turnor. For the rest of the 19th century and early 20th century it was owned by the Turnor family. Christopher Turnor's grandson sold 6,000 acres of the Wragby estate in 1917. He started holding summer conferences at the hall. In August 1940, the estate was taken over by his first cousin, Major Herbert Broke Turnor.
In 1940 the house was requisitioned by the War Office, and used for a variety of purposes. It became the headquarters of the Second Battalion, the Parachute Regiment. It was in the Library at Stoke Rochford that the ill fated 1944 Arnhem ‘drop’ was planned.
If you would like to book Mark Pugh to capture your wedding - view his 'Price Options' or complete the form below.