It was a wedding Mark Pugh and his team had been looking-forward to for a long time.
We adore this couple so much, and we were intrigued and excited when they told us of their plans for their wedding day.
Leanne and Grahame's special day was finally here, and the couple made the trip from Swindon for their wedding ceremony at Belvoir Castle with a reception at The Chequers Inn at Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir (NG32 1LU).
THE DAY OF THEIR WEDDING
To begin the day, Mark Pugh visited groom Grahame and his Best Man at their groom preparation venue as they had just changed into their suits. He took them for a brief stroll around the grounds of the venue to capture a few pre-wedding photographs before setting off for The Chequers where Leanne and her ladies were getting ready.
Leanne's party had taken over several of the rooms at The Chequers Inn which are across the driveway from the main building. The Chequers Inn remains one of our favourite venues, and is, in our opinion, the quintessential English pub, complete with a range of fabulous food and drink, combined with a beautiful building.
After capturing Leanne with her many bridesmaids, there was just time for a few fun photographs as Leanne's Rolls Royce arrived to take her on the short journey up to Belvoir Castle.
After being met by the staff at Belvoir Castle, Leanne was whisked through the building and up to the King's Bedroom on the first floor. There, she met the Registrar, and there was a short wait before she was escorted down the grand picture-lined staircase where the couple's friends and family were seated in the Guard Room, accompanied by a gospel choir.
After a beautiful ceremony, their guests were taken on a tour of Belvoir Castle whilst Mark Pugh and the newlyweds took their own private tour of the building for a newlyWED photography session. The newlyWED tour included a balcony, as well as the picture gallery.
The couple were then reunited with the rest of the guests in the Duchess's rose garden where drinks and canapés were served by Belvoir Castle's appointed caterers, Stones Events.
The gospel choir had moved into the Rose Garden as well. Mark Pugh then took a short series of formal photographs using Belvoir Castle as the background.
Mark Pugh said: "Although Belvoir Castle is local to us (I am fortunate to be able to see the castle from my studio window), I never tire of photographing the Duke and Duchess of Rutland's incredible home, and I find a new facet every time I visit."
Coaches were then on-hand to take the guests from Belvoir Castle to The Chequers Inn just down the road in Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir. The Chequers Inn boasts a fabulous new dining room extension, which allows 120+ guests to be seated comfortably. It was the perfect location for the couple's reception.
Out in the gardens, Leanne and Grahame had gone to great lengths to ensure that their guests wouldn't be bored.
There were a outdoor photo-booth with empty picture frames attached in-between trees to allow for fun photographs. There was a candy floss machine, and a Victorian Fair complete with Hook-a-Duck, coconut game, shooting gallery and darts. The Tabletop Trixta was working his way around the indoor and outdoor tables, dazzling everyone with his close-up magic.
With the festivities in full swing, the time had come for Leanne and Grahame to be announced into the dining room for their wedding breakfast. With a series of hilarious speeches complete, and a beautiful poem written especially for the occasion, there was time for fun with the Victorian Fair before the first dance got underway.
Mark Pugh said it was wonderful to be able to spend time in the company of such a lovely group of people.
Congratulations Leanne and Grahame
It has been difficult to decide which images we should share, as their beautiful wedding photography collection contains over 500 images. However, Mark Pugh's Team have decided to share 200ish photographs on behalf of www.markpugh.com, and these can be viewed below.
As always, enjoy.
ABOUT BELVOIR CASTLE (www.belvoircastle.com) Ceremony Venue
Belvoir, meaning beautiful view in French, dates back to Norman times. The English pronunciation 'Beaver' was built up over many centuries through the inability of Anglo-Saxons to master the French tongue.
Belvoir has been the ancestral home of the Manners family for five hundred years and is currently the family home of the 11th Duke and Duchess and their five children. The present Castle is the fourth to have stood on the site since Norman times. It was completed in the early 19th century after previous buildings suffered complete or partial destruction during the Wars of the Roses, the Civil War and a major fire in 1816.
From the elegance of the Elizabeth Saloon and the majesty of the State Dining Room to the delights of the Regents Gallery and the military splendour of the Guard Room, Belvoir possesses one of the most stunning interiors of the period.
In contrast to the grandeur of the State Rooms, the Old Kitchen and Bakery fuel the imagination of 'below the stairs' life in 1825, while the School Room and Nursery enable children to experience games from Regency times.
The Castle contains many notable pieces of art and includes paintings by Gainsborough, Reynolds, Holbein and Poussin. It houses outstanding collections of furniture, porcelain, silks, tapestries, French furniture and Italian sculpture. Sculpture extends outside into the Rose and Statue Gardens which are elegantly laid out round a central fountain. The statue collection terraced into the hillside includes work by Caius Cibber - sculptor to Charles II.
ABOUT THE CHEQUERS INN (www.chequersinn.net) Bridal Preparation and Reception Venue
Imagine the quintessential English inn. What do you see? An idyllic rural setting? A cricket pitch in the grounds? A wide selection of fine ales and exquisite food? A roaring log fire and cosy atmosphere?
The Chequers Inn at Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir has all of these, and more, and is the perfect place to unwind with friends and enjoy a drink.
With its four bedrooms, it is the perfect base to explore the unspoilt beauty of the Vale of Belvoir, or to end the day after visiting Belvoir Castle which can be seen from the grounds.
A word of advice: The pub gets very busy in summertime, so it is important to book well in advance if you would like to stay or eat the award winning cuisine
There is a sizeable beer garden and a large dining area for weddings and larger functions. Despite all of this space, The Chequers always feels cosy, warm and intimate, and it is for this reason it is on our list of highly recommended places to visit and stay in the Vale of Belvoir.
THE TALENT INVOLVED
Photographer: www.markpugh.com
Wedding Planner: The Bride, Leanne.
Venue Stylist: Venue styled by Leanne. Lanterns provided by The Hanging Lantern Company
Wedding Dress Designer: A friend of Leanne. Designed by Leanne and made by Jo including bespoke shoes and veil to match. Lace and Swarovski crystal, backless bodice with four layers of silk skirt and puddle train.
Bride's Shoes: Kurt Geiger (Adapted to compliment Leanne's dress and wedding theme).
Hair Stylist: Jenny at J&N Oadby
Makeup Artist: Leanne's friend, Heidi Buchannan.
Bride's Jewellery: Swarovski
Bridesmaid's Dresses: Custom made by Jo (who made the wedding dress) Burnt orange, full length, one shoulder.
Stationery / Wedding Invitations: Designed by (Bride) Leanne, made by Jo Johnston at Grace & Bramble www.graceandbramble.co.uk
Table accessories: Made by (Bride) Leanne. Table runners made by Leanne's nan. Favours made by Grahame's Dad. Homemade marmalade.
Transport / Wedding Car Provider: Coaches: Travelwright, Newark. Bridal car- Rolls Royce Phantom from Mann's Limousines Birmingham.
Bridesmaids hair/make-up by: Jenny & Heidi (the same as Leanne's)
Bridesmaids shoes: Plain burnt orange from New Look. Customised with shoe clips made by Leanne (bride).
Groom Attire: Blue three piece custom suit made by designer Marc Wallace.
Groom shoes: Barkers
Other groom clothing: Belt by Barkers. Tag Heuer watch given to Grahame on the morning as a wedding gift from Leanne.
Wedding rings purchased from: David Dudley in Marlborough, where the engagement ring was from. Leanne's ring made to fit into the heart diamond on her engagement ring.
Ceremony and reception Florist: Zinnia in Bingham.
Caterers: Stones at Belvoir castle for canapés. The Chequers Inn, Belvoir by Woolsthorpe for reception catering.
Wedding Cake: Macaron tier. L'amandier macarons.
Musician / DJ / Entertainers: Six piece gospel choir at Belvoir Castle Gospel Touch. Magician: The Tabletop Trixta.
To enquire about Mark Pugh’s availability to capture your wedding or event, contact his Team at customer.service@mpmedia.co.uk or complete the form below.
Pricing is available to view at the following link.