It snowed heavily the day before Jo and Jason's wedding, and everyone was concerned it would affect their guest's travel plans, but on the morning of their wedding, the snow had cleared and beautiful blue skies and sunshine greeted the couple, their friends, and family.
THE DAY OF THEIR WEDDING
Mark Pugh joined bride Jo at her parent's house to photograph the final elements of her bridal preparations. In addition to hair, makeup, dress and shoes, he was able to capture the moment when Jo's three bridesmaids were in the front room practicing their walk down the aisle. They were taking it all extremely seriously, which was to pay-off later in the day.
Mark Pugh takes up the story: "After completing the bridal preparations, I put my sunglasses on in the blazing sunshine to head down the A1 to Stoke Rochford Hall where the finishing touches were being made to the Orangery, Grand Hall and Library.
One vintage car brought the Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaids to the Hall, whilst the second brought Jo and her father Jim. Jo has Scottish heritage, so it was fitting that a piper accompanied her as she exited the car. After meeting with the Registrar, she was ready to make the short walk into the Orangery where Jason was waiting for her.
The Orangery remains one of my favourite rooms to photograph in, as the light is similar to being stood outdoors, but offers complete protection from the elements.
With their beautiful ceremony compete, I photographed everyone at the wedding in the Orangery which provided the perfect formal group photograph location and allowed everyone to remain warm. After a few moments, I took the couple outside, along with the bridesmaids and groomsmen for a series of photographs with the imposing Hall in the background.
We returned to the Library where the wedding breakfast was waiting to be served. In a nice touch, the couple opted for circular tables throughout the room with no 'top table'. This gives a nice equitable feel to the wedding reception, and the spacious library provided the perfect backdrop for food, drink and speeches. After the meal was complete, everyone made their way into the Great Hall next door where the staff of Stoke Rochford Hall swiftly transformed the Library into a chilled-out seating area for wedding guests and the evening guests, who had just arrived."
Mark Pugh took Jo and Jason outside to the rear of the Hall where he used the rear floodlights to great effect to create this stunning sequence of images.
After returning inside, the trio went into the Orangery, where the couple's friends who had attended their wedding were also in a band, and provided the music for the disco. The couple also took the time to cut their wedding cake, which unusually had 'his' and 'hers' dinosaurs on top, complete with matching tie and necklace. Jo and Jason were extremely proud of their creation.
With the Library and Orangery busy, Mark Pugh stepped outside to get some further shots of the hall with the stars in the sky, before leaving this truly memorable day.
Jo and Jason have been a fantastic couple to work with throughout the entire process, and it has been a genuine pleasure to have had them as clients.
Their final wedding photography collection contains 400 plus images and we have decided to share 150 of our favourites.
As always, enjoy.
ABOUT STOKE ROCHFORD HALL
The current Stoke Rochford Hall building was constructed in the 1840sThe estate was occupied by Harry Wyndham Jefferson and his wife Gwendolen Mary Talbot at the beginning of the 20th century..
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.
Purchased in 1948 from the War Office by Kesteven County Council who built modern student accommodation, the hall was home to Kesteven College of Education, a teacher-training college which closed in 1978. It retains a connection with education, as the training and conference centre of the National Union of Teachers. It is not solely used by the NUT, but is used by national organisations and companies for conferences or seminars, being closely situated to the A1 and Grantham railway station.
On 25 January 2005 a fire gutted the interior of the hall. It was restored by English Heritage which cost £ 12m over three years.
Link: www.stokerochfordhall.co.uk
THE TALENT INVOLVED
Wedding photographer: www.markpugh.com
Stationery / Wedding Invitations by: Bride/Groom
Table accessories by: Bride/Groom
Transport / Wedding Car Provider: KR Classic Cars
Wedding Dress Designer: Enzoani. A mermaid style with lace sleeves.
Which boutique did you purchase your dress from?: The White Boutique in Leamington Spa.
Hair Stylist: Kelly Warner
Makeup Artist: Georgette Beadling
Bride's Jewellery: Thomas Sabo
Bridesmaid's Dresses: ASOS lilac, chiffon
Bridesmaids hair/make-up by: Kelly Warner and Georgette Beadling
Groom's Formal Wear: Ted Baker
Wedding rings purchased from: Ernest Jones
Ceremony Florist: Mandy Taylor
Bouquets created by: Mandy Taylor
Caterers: Stoke Rochford Hall
Wedding Cake: M&S
Musician / DJ / Entertainers: Band – Imogen Gray
If you would like to book Mark Pugh to capture your wedding or event - view his 'Price Options' or complete the form below.