Since first photographing a wedding at Birtsmorton Court in 2007, it’s been a regular fixture in my diary ever since. Some years however, (2013 for one) my bookings clashed and unfortunately any enquiries I had for wedding dates, were already taken. Fast forward to this year, and I have 2 weddings at Birtsmorton Court in as many weekends. It’s great to have variety in the venues I work at, yet comforting when you return to somewhere you know well and can slip right back in. Knowing the staff, how the venue operates and great locations for photos always helps. Even regular suppliers like Maria the florist, or celebrity make-up artist Sophie Everett had been draught in to make me feel at home. ;-)
However, any wedding ‘backdrop’ is only ever as good as the couple & guests themselves….and what a couple James & Karen are. On the run up to all weddings you learn a little about the couple, picked up from correspondence (or lack of it), meetings, telephone calls, Skype or even an engagement shoot. I soon gathered with these two, James was very much the lad who needed to settle down, and Karen was a lady who liked the nice things in life. This was reinforced during the speeches when I picked up that James had to sell his beloved Porsche, and Karen is now the proud owner of a Range Rover. Okay, reading this back it all sounds very materialistic, yet these two are possibly the nicest couple ever. Always considerate, checking I’d eaten, or asking if I need a drink and eternally grateful for my effort on the day.
So if I took away all the amazing details surrounding this wedding (Cake, Flowers, Venue, Dress, Shoes, Photo Booth, Singer, Band, Fireworks) would it have changed my opinion. Certainly not, this couple were fantastic as were all their family and friends. I was simply lucky enough to have the picture perfect wedding to work with.
It wasn’t exactly a hardship photographing bridal preps. Who wouldn’t want to look at these lovely ladies all morning? :-) Is it just good make-up or a good foundation to work from? There was one small hic-up in Karen’s beauty regime though, which came in the form of Mount Etna……however with the powers of photography and make-up I defy you to even ‘spot’ it.
Everyone it appeared had a go at doing up the dress. Here we have mum, below the bridesmaids.
A MAN IN A GIRLS WORLD. Yes, that it what it feels like to be a male photographer during bridal preps. My metrosexual nature though means I have a good understanding of just what makes a good photo….and if you have a beautiful hair piece (and are a hairdresser) then I’m sure you’d like to see it in the photos right?
Love the ‘touch’ from mum.
“Hands up, YOU are the best looking bride I have EVER seen”.
You know the moment dad enters the room and has a tear in his eye seeing his little girl all grown up ready to get married. Well, that didn’t happen. Instead dad walked in and asked “are you not changed yet?”
Birtsmorton Court is renowned for it’s Angel Gate, which Karen incorporated into the order of service design.
I tell you, the dress (and veil) didn’t just happen to fall that way……top marks to the bridesmaids.
You’re missing the action tucked around that corner huh?
‘Group hug’ ……uh, maybe include the bride and groom? ;-)
Drinks were served in the Courtyard at Birtsmorton Court, before guests flowed through to the gun terrace.
“yep, that’s a keeper”
Drinks on the Gun Terrace….followed by a quick ariel group photo.
Before (above), after (below).
Possibly one of my favourite spots around Birtsmorton to take a ‘straight forward’ couple portrait. Great light, lovely leading lines, simple background. BOOM.
At this point in the proceedings, I realised it was time to quickly nip back to photograph the marquee before a hoard of guests sat down and ‘messed up’ all those lovely details!
The marquee at Birtsmorton Court set out for a wedding breakfast.
When I caught back up with James & Karen, they’d taken some time out to relax in the Great Hall. Karen also wanted some photos in her favourite part of Birtsmorton’s grounds, the White Garden, so we sneaked off whilst guests were getting settled for dinner to finish off the couple portraits.
And because the Angel Gate featured on the wedding order of service, an interpretation in the wedding photos was a must too.
There were a few shakey moments during dads speech, following his recent major heart operation, but a few timely jokes from wedding guests helped lighten the tone, and were certainly well timed.
Clearly these two (James & the best man) had spent many good times together. Some more questionable than others……
After dinner one of the wedding guests (a professional musician… how handy) entertained during the twilight hours.
…and yes, the photo booth opened at 7pm too.
…meanwhile the kids were fuel’d up on sugary sweets so they’d make it to the first dance and beyond!
It’s meant to be a fancy dress photo booth, however these hats kinda suit these guys – what do yoa reckon’?
Videography, a kinda dirty word to a photographer! However, I’ve now met Chris (from Indah Wedding Films) who’s a truly fine man, that I would thoroughly recommend for your wedding day. Clearly if you video kids, you then have to show them straight after!
There has to be one looser I’m afraid.
A packed dance floor for the Chip Shop Boys first set.
The Chip Shop Boys provided live music and are a band I’ve seen a few times at weddings Always on top form, certainly worth considering if you’ve got the need for live music.
With the finale in sight, fireworks lit up the sky, before guests headed back for the final set from the Chip Shop Boys and rocked this wedding party through the night.
If you have been looking for Birtsmorton Court wedding photos as you have your own wedding planned here, then please contact me as I’d love to hear from you.