Stanhill Court Hotel Wedding with Marie & John

Yesterday I spent the day photographing a special Stanhill Court Hotel Wedding with Marie & John.

https://www.stanhillcourthotel.co.uk/

This was going to be a fantastic wedding, I knew from when the couple asked me.

Over the years I’ve had the privilege to capture the families portraits, not just Marie & John’s, but Jo, Maxine’s and Toni’s too!

The weather looked promising. I arrived at Stanhill Court which 5 years ago was revamped and is a fab place to get married at. With an all in one venue it was a party from the outset.

Bridal preprations took place in one of the fourposter bedrooms. The girls were excited upon my arrival. Marie the bride was a calm figure in a room full of wedding decoration.

Hair and make up was being applied and with six bridesmaids, 3 flower girls and mum’s too the room was a buzz with excitement and anticipation for the day ahead. The dresses were hung waiting and shoes shone in the sunlight through the windows. The wedding dress was fitted by https://myfairygodmother.uk/

Marie is a beautiful lady and she’s a great laugh too. We’ve known each other since school. She’s got a big family and 3 older brothers to look after her. She’s also got John… John is one of those blokes who is a great laugh and a tough cookie. He’s a stocky fella with tattoos, a beard and a heart of gold. I’ve also known John since school and he’s a great friend. They are a great couple and have two fantastic children together. Xaviar and Scarlett. Both as gorgeous as their parents.

John arrived and I fluttered between the preperation rooms, capturing bridal preps with flowers and make up, to the grooms room were Xaviar welcomed me with a massive smile whilst his dad stood with no shirt and half up trousers! Jason the bestman was doing his best  to get John ready for his big day. Xaviar had the rings close to him at all times as he was the bearer. Proudly sat by the window I snapped away as that smile shone, looking forward to celebrating this day that was long anticipated.

John was ready, but his nerves were starting to show, and I left them whilst they drank beer and laughed about days gone by.

Back to the girls where they had jumped into their gorgeous dresses, final hair and make up touch ups were applied and that’s it, they were also ready!

Onto the landing above the beautful staircase they waited whilst the groom made his way down in the lift to go outside for the ceremony. Due to be held in the Ampitheatre. (The secret gardens outside ajoining now home two Goats and you could see them waiting for their breakfast, so cute!).

The Bride and her entourage made their way down the stairs to more photos. That was it, the time was now.

The guests all sat waiting in the warm sunlight, with live music from an amazing violinist in the background.

You can find her on Instagram @LR_violin or http://www.lizzierobertsviolin.com

John and the boys stood waiting at the front.

Two by two the bridesmaids entered the ampitheatre and finally came Marie and her brother Charlie who proudly gave her away. It was like something out of a fairytale.

There was fun and laughter ahead as John muddled through his words, breaking his tension and lightening the load that he had built on his mind.

Before they knew it they had signed the paperwork and they were heading back down the path for a drinks reception at the hotel.

With processco and canapes, there was smiling guests, laughter and fun as the children ran in the lawns playing.

We captured perhaps 15 to 20 group shots, a lot of groups, (but then a lot of family!). There was a massive group shot captured from up in the hotel looking down and more natural shots followed. People enjoying the weather and each others company. It’s easy work when everyone is in such high spirits.

A few romantics of the newley weds around the grounds that stretch for what seems miles. Giving the couple some alone time and a moment to appreciate that they were now finally married.

How’s that for a Bride’s wedding dress!!

The wedding breakfast arrived quickly, which was a wonderful BBQ, with steak, chicken, and burgers. There was a fantastic tomato salad that was served alongside, which I really enjoyed. A benefit of being a wedding photographer is that you are often fed alongside the party. Happy wedding photographer means happy pictures!

After a few speeches given by Charlie, John and Jason, the party continued outside whilst the room was turned around for the evening celebrations.

Stanhill Orangery is a wonderful long glass room with huge hanging iron lanterns. Grey painted woodwork with white hanging cloth. It was still light when cake cutting and first dance arrived. Giving guests a great view of the couple.

Marie and John took centre stage to start the first dance when a guest gave John a Jager Bomb and he threw it back quickly and the dance began. It was hilarious! That’s the kind of guy he is.

I must say thank you to the fantastic couple, their friends and family. I had a blast guys, thanks for allowing me to be a part of your celebration. I hope you have a wonderful married life together and I look forward to seeing you all again soon!

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