Being a professional photographer is far more than knowing how a camera works. In addition to being professional, punctual and good with people, we have to be experts on the positions of the sun and moon, and of course, that great British favourite, the weather. As is so often the case, it was the weather that played a key role in Anna and Gary’s recent wedding in East Bridgford and Knipton in the Vale of Belvoir.
Rain. That’s what our online weather app had been telling us for the whole week leading up to Anna and Gary’s special day. When Saturday arrived, the weather app told us to expect thunder and lightning; the rainfall radar said exactly the same thing. It was not looking good. Rain does not ever spoil anything for us photographically, indeed, we always like to make a ‘feature’ out of rain if the bride and groom are amenable, with creative use of umbrellas and the raindrops themselves.
So imagine our surprise when we awoke on Saturday morning to discover bright blue skies and sunshine. We arrived at Anna’s house to find her pre-wedding preparations in full-swing. Anna was having her make-up expertly applied by Rochelle O’Brien. Anna’s bridesmaids were in their custom dressing-gowns and slippers, all labeled with their roles in the wedding. We stepped outside to photograph the beautiful flowers supplied by Scrumpy’s of Gedling.
With make-up complete, Rochelle, as usual, went above and beyond the call of duty, and her remit, to help people attach button-holes. She even grabbed a crochet-hook and swiftly fastened the many buttons on the rear of Anna’s beautiful wedding dress purchased from the Dress Place in Southwell.
We often end these articles with words saying that it has been a privilege to have been part of a couple’s special day, and it’s true. As Anna’s father saw her in her wedding dress for the first time, he was understandably moved to tears. A father seeing his daughter about to get married is always an emotional moment, and it is humbling to have been allowed into someone’s home to witness and document this very special and private moment.
With perfect timing, the wedding car, provided by Scrumpy’s sister company, Scrumptious Cars, arrived to take the bridesmaids to the church. We arrived at St Peter’s in East Bridgford to find beautiful floral displays in the portico and throughout the building. The sun blazed through the windows as Anna and Gary’s guests arrived and took their places. As a brief shower momentarily darkened the skies, Anna arrived and took the short walk into the church and down the aisle, accompanied by harpist Alison Eve. In a break from tradition, there was no organ music at there ceremony, and Alison sung, and played the harp beautifully throughout the ceremony; it was a refreshing change. With vows and rings exchanged and the register signed, the couple stepped out into the warm May sunshine where their friends flanked the path down to the gate at the entrance to the churchyard. Gary is in the RAF, and both he, and his groomsmen were in their formal dress; ‘Number Ones’ as they are known.
Once the couple reached the gate, confetti showered down on them before they left for the Manners Arms in the Vale of Belvoir. If you are planning your wedding, it is worth mentioning that many churches now prohibit confetti on church grounds even if it is biodegradable. This is because it is very difficult to clean-up. Other churches take a different view, believing that people seeing the confetti on the ground days after the wedding will know they are walking past a living church where lots of things happen. It’s an important point, and is well-worth investigating if you are thinking of getting married in church.
After a beautiful drive, passing through a small part of the rolling English countryside of the Vale of Belvoir near Belvoir Castle, Anna and Gary arrived at the Manners Arms. The red carpet was rolled-out, and there were two glasses of chilled champagne on standby as their car drew-up outside their secluded country reception venue. Once they were inside, there was time to inspect the dining room and meet their guests in the conservatory. At this point, the weather app, for once, was proved to be correct and the heavens opened. No matter; the conservatory provided the perfect location for the couple’s short list of formal photographs.
With the formal images complete, it was time for their Wedding Breakfast. Once their beautiful food had been eaten, there was a series of moving speeches by Gary, Anna’s father, Best Man Dickie, and a wonderful, impromptu address by Gary’s Grandfather. With the meal complete, Moonlight Disco from Nottingham was on hand to provide the music, and a dance floor. We took the opportunity to take Anna, Gary and the Bridesmaids into the grounds for a series of formal and informal photographs.
The couple then made their way back into the conservatory for their first dance, followed by their ‘Cake Cut’ in front of all of their friends, family and evening guests who were now arriving in large numbers.
Unbeknownst to Anna, Gary, or anyone else at the wedding, there was a surprise waiting: Fireworks. A stunning, and not to mention loud, display filled the night sky with colour and light. It was a spectacular end to a wonderful day; a day largely free of rain, and one we will never forget.
Below is a mini-collection of 100+ Fine Art images from Anna and Gary's special day. We will share additional previews soon.
As always, enjoy! :-)
About St Peter's Church, East Bridgford
St Peter's Church, East Bridgford is a Grade I listed parish church in the Church of England in East Bridgford.
The church was dates from the 11th century. It was restored in 1671 and 1686. The tower was rebuilt in 1778 by Francis Moore. The chancel windows were renewed in 1862. The organ chamber and lady chapel were rebuilt in 1862. There were 3 periods of restoration work in the early 20th century by C.E. Pointing - in 1901, 1903 and 1914.
About the Manners Arms at Knipton
Owned, but not managed by the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, the Manners Arms offers an elegant yet relaxed dining experience in the heart of the Vale of Belvoir. One of the most popular restaurants in the area, it is well established on the region’s restaurant map. The Manners Arms has become renowned for its innovative, sophisticated food and understated yet attentive service.
This AA rosette awarded restaurant is headed up by Head Chef, Nigel Fish & his team. With a passion for working with the best local and seasonal produce, Nigel’s creative flair creates exciting menus which offer a unique take on modern British dining. Every detail of every dish is carefully thought through, enthusing the senses and delighting the taste buds.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Wedding Planner: Anna (The bride)
Wedding dress designer: Romantica
Which boutique did you purchase your dress from?: Dress Place, Southwell.
Wedding rings purchased from: Chisholm Hunter, Nottingham.
Makeup Artist: Rochelle O’Brien.
Hair Stylist: Stella Haviland.
Ceremony musician / performer: Harpist for the church service - Alison Eve.
Bridesmaid's Dresses: Handmade by Ann Farthingale.
Florist: Scrumpy’s of Gedling (Nottingham)
Transport / Wedding Car Provider: Scrumptious Cars, Gedling. Nottingham.
Groom's Formal Wear: RAF Military Uniform.
Bride's Shoes: Ivory Satin shoes, from Next.
Bride's Jewellery: Cornish Pearls.
Reception venue and caterers: Manners Arms (in the Vale of Belvoir)
Stationary / Wedding Invitations: Lizzie & Ian
Table Accessories: The Range, Nottingham.
Videographer: Alan Vickerstaff.
Rain. That’s what our online weather app had been telling us for the whole week leading up to Anna and Gary’s special day. When Saturday arrived, the weather app told us to expect thunder and lightning; the rainfall radar said exactly the same thing. It was not looking good. Rain does not ever spoil anything for us photographically, indeed, we always like to make a ‘feature’ out of rain if the bride and groom are amenable, with creative use of umbrellas and the raindrops themselves.
So imagine our surprise when we awoke on Saturday morning to discover bright blue skies and sunshine. We arrived at Anna’s house to find her pre-wedding preparations in full-swing. Anna was having her make-up expertly applied by Rochelle O’Brien. Anna’s bridesmaids were in their custom dressing-gowns and slippers, all labeled with their roles in the wedding. We stepped outside to photograph the beautiful flowers supplied by Scrumpy’s of Gedling.
With make-up complete, Rochelle, as usual, went above and beyond the call of duty, and her remit, to help people attach button-holes. She even grabbed a crochet-hook and swiftly fastened the many buttons on the rear of Anna’s beautiful wedding dress purchased from the Dress Place in Southwell.
We often end these articles with words saying that it has been a privilege to have been part of a couple’s special day, and it’s true. As Anna’s father saw her in her wedding dress for the first time, he was understandably moved to tears. A father seeing his daughter about to get married is always an emotional moment, and it is humbling to have been allowed into someone’s home to witness and document this very special and private moment.
With perfect timing, the wedding car, provided by Scrumpy’s sister company, Scrumptious Cars, arrived to take the bridesmaids to the church. We arrived at St Peter’s in East Bridgford to find beautiful floral displays in the portico and throughout the building. The sun blazed through the windows as Anna and Gary’s guests arrived and took their places. As a brief shower momentarily darkened the skies, Anna arrived and took the short walk into the church and down the aisle, accompanied by harpist Alison Eve. In a break from tradition, there was no organ music at there ceremony, and Alison sung, and played the harp beautifully throughout the ceremony; it was a refreshing change. With vows and rings exchanged and the register signed, the couple stepped out into the warm May sunshine where their friends flanked the path down to the gate at the entrance to the churchyard. Gary is in the RAF, and both he, and his groomsmen were in their formal dress; ‘Number Ones’ as they are known.
Once the couple reached the gate, confetti showered down on them before they left for the Manners Arms in the Vale of Belvoir. If you are planning your wedding, it is worth mentioning that many churches now prohibit confetti on church grounds even if it is biodegradable. This is because it is very difficult to clean-up. Other churches take a different view, believing that people seeing the confetti on the ground days after the wedding will know they are walking past a living church where lots of things happen. It’s an important point, and is well-worth investigating if you are thinking of getting married in church.
After a beautiful drive, passing through a small part of the rolling English countryside of the Vale of Belvoir near Belvoir Castle, Anna and Gary arrived at the Manners Arms. The red carpet was rolled-out, and there were two glasses of chilled champagne on standby as their car drew-up outside their secluded country reception venue. Once they were inside, there was time to inspect the dining room and meet their guests in the conservatory. At this point, the weather app, for once, was proved to be correct and the heavens opened. No matter; the conservatory provided the perfect location for the couple’s short list of formal photographs.
With the formal images complete, it was time for their Wedding Breakfast. Once their beautiful food had been eaten, there was a series of moving speeches by Gary, Anna’s father, Best Man Dickie, and a wonderful, impromptu address by Gary’s Grandfather. With the meal complete, Moonlight Disco from Nottingham was on hand to provide the music, and a dance floor. We took the opportunity to take Anna, Gary and the Bridesmaids into the grounds for a series of formal and informal photographs.
The couple then made their way back into the conservatory for their first dance, followed by their ‘Cake Cut’ in front of all of their friends, family and evening guests who were now arriving in large numbers.
Unbeknownst to Anna, Gary, or anyone else at the wedding, there was a surprise waiting: Fireworks. A stunning, and not to mention loud, display filled the night sky with colour and light. It was a spectacular end to a wonderful day; a day largely free of rain, and one we will never forget.
Below is a mini-collection of 100+ Fine Art images from Anna and Gary's special day. We will share additional previews soon.
As always, enjoy! :-)
(SHARE these images but do not edit, crop or remove the copyright details without our consent)
About St Peter's Church, East Bridgford
St Peter's Church, East Bridgford is a Grade I listed parish church in the Church of England in East Bridgford.
The church was dates from the 11th century. It was restored in 1671 and 1686. The tower was rebuilt in 1778 by Francis Moore. The chancel windows were renewed in 1862. The organ chamber and lady chapel were rebuilt in 1862. There were 3 periods of restoration work in the early 20th century by C.E. Pointing - in 1901, 1903 and 1914.
About the Manners Arms at Knipton
Owned, but not managed by the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, the Manners Arms offers an elegant yet relaxed dining experience in the heart of the Vale of Belvoir. One of the most popular restaurants in the area, it is well established on the region’s restaurant map. The Manners Arms has become renowned for its innovative, sophisticated food and understated yet attentive service.
This AA rosette awarded restaurant is headed up by Head Chef, Nigel Fish & his team. With a passion for working with the best local and seasonal produce, Nigel’s creative flair creates exciting menus which offer a unique take on modern British dining. Every detail of every dish is carefully thought through, enthusing the senses and delighting the taste buds.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Wedding Planner: Anna (The bride)
Wedding dress designer: Romantica
Which boutique did you purchase your dress from?: Dress Place, Southwell.
Wedding rings purchased from: Chisholm Hunter, Nottingham.
Makeup Artist: Rochelle O’Brien.
Hair Stylist: Stella Haviland.
Ceremony musician / performer: Harpist for the church service - Alison Eve.
Bridesmaid's Dresses: Handmade by Ann Farthingale.
Florist: Scrumpy’s of Gedling (Nottingham)
Transport / Wedding Car Provider: Scrumptious Cars, Gedling. Nottingham.
Groom's Formal Wear: RAF Military Uniform.
Bride's Shoes: Ivory Satin shoes, from Next.
Bride's Jewellery: Cornish Pearls.
Reception venue and caterers: Manners Arms (in the Vale of Belvoir)
Stationary / Wedding Invitations: Lizzie & Ian
Table Accessories: The Range, Nottingham.
Videographer: Alan Vickerstaff.
Wedding Cake: Verity McLuckie.
DJ / Disco: Moonlight Disco, Nottingham.
DJ / Disco: Moonlight Disco, Nottingham.
If you would like to book Team MP as your Fine Art Wedding Photographers or if you require additional information, then please visit www.markpugh.com