I had the best day with Clare and Andy. They are the sweetest, kindest couple you could wish to know, and it was an absolute pleasure to spend their special day with them.
I knew the moment I first met Clare and her mum that I wanted to photograph the wedding. I was delighted when she booked and even more delighted when she told me that she wanted to use as many local suppliers for their Sprivers Mansion wedding as possible. Not only was I very local, but so was Lisa from Lily and Myrtle, the Horsmonden florist, Carol from Cut Above Productions and Nigel from Distinctly Vintage Car Hire. I love working with these guys.
Petal Love Heart
The bridal suite at Sprivers is vast and comprises three rooms, all interconnecting, and it was here that Clare and her girls were getting ready. The girls included her sister and two nieces, plus Clare’s mum.
Carol and I were greeted by a striking red petal heart on the bed when we joined the girls. Andy had carefully created it as a surprise for Clare, how romantic! Clares beautiful and unusual Ian Stuart dress from Go Bridal looked a picture on the mannequin in the room and a lovely backdrop to the photographs. While Clare was in hair and makeup by I Do Bridal Hair and Makeup, I captured some of her details, including the gorgeous pastel pink bouquet by Lisa of Lily and Myrtle.
The boys were also getting ready at Sprivers in the Rose Garden Wing. My second shooter for the day, another Claire, was busy documenting Andy’s preparations and formal shots with the boys and his family and the gorgeous vintage 1926 Rolls Royce Phantom One from Distinctly Vintage Car Hire.
The Staircase
Before leaving for the ceremony, I wanted to capture a couple of shots of Clare on the famous Sprivers staircase. She looked an absolute picture with that beautifully textured gown like a waterfall on the stairs as she descended. This black and white shot has been one of my favourites since this wedding.
A Horse and Carriage
One of the many highlights of the day was the wonderful horse and carriage from the Maple Leaf Carriage Company. These beautiful animals just about took my breath away; they were stunning. What a fantastic wedding present from Clares uncle!
St Margarets Horsmonden
I’ve photographed several ceremonies at St Margaret’s, and it is always stunning. The setting is fantastic, and the church itself very picturesque. Lily and Myrtle had created a lovely arch of flowers by the main door through which the guests entered. Clare arrived with her mum, and I loved the look on her face as she saw Andy as she came down the aisle. After the vows, the Horsmonden choir sang for the congregation, which included Clare’s mum.
Garden Reception
Back at Sprivers, the guests waited for their bride and groom’s arrival in the horse and carriage. It was a lovely day, so the drinks reception took place on the front lawn. While everyone was catching up, I popped into the marquee to grab some shots of the details and the tables, including the fantastic cake which Clare’s aunt had made for them. For their table place names, they had photos of every guest printed in a Polaroid-style; it was incredibly personal. There was also a memorial table for the fathers as both Clare and Andy’s dads had passed away.
While guests were being seated for dinner, I took Clare and Andy around the lovely gardens of Sprivers for their bride and groom shots and some quiet time together. When everyone was seated, the couple were announced into the marquee.
Heartfelt Speeches
The speeches were heartfelt and very lovely; Clare’s mum brought a tear to all of our eyes, as did Andy. He described his new bride as gorgeous and incredibly kind and the most beautiful soul anyone, could wish to meet. The best men, one of whom was Andy’s brother, followed that with lots of jokes and laughter! It really was speeches of two halves!
The evening headed on into cake cutting and a fabulous rehearsed dance by the bride and groom.
This was one unforgettable day for two very special people. Congratulations, Clare and Andy. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
Suppliers:
Venue – St Margarets Church Horsmonden and Sprivers Mansion
Brides Dresses – Go Bridal
Hair and Makeup – I Do Bridal Hair and Makeup
Flowers – Lily and Myrtle
Videographer – Cut Above Productions
Car Hire – Distinctly Vintage
Horse and Carriage – Maple Leaf Carriages
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Take a look at the Cut Above Productions film of Clare and Andy’s beautiful wedding day. Clare & Andy Wedding film.
