Ben & Nicola's Wedding at Parley Manor, Christchurch

My Wedding Photography started at Parley Manor with the Groomsmen.  They all seemed to be on top form, and there was a great level of excitement!  The guests all appeared at the same time and descended on the Groomsmen who were waiting to greet them at the front of Parley Manor.  This gave me some great opportunities for some natural photographs.



The Bride arrived with her Dad and Bridesmaids, whilst her Mum and Brother stood regally at the front door. Meanwhile, the boys were clock watching in the ceremony Marquee!

The Civil Wedding Ceremony commenced, and with readings from Nicola’s Mum and Ben’s Grandad to add a nice personal touch, the couple were soon Mr & Mrs!

It was a ceremony of joyous tears and laughter which I think is a great combination for those Wedding memories. 

There was a mix up with the first kiss and the newlyweds never got their chance!! So after the signing of the register, Ben & Nicola had their opportunity.

Just 10 minutes following the marriage ceremony, two guests flew in through the gates after mixing Brighton up with Bournemouth, so following a good 5 minutes of mickey-taking (and rightly so!!) they were forgiven.

The weather always looked like it might rain, but throughout the group photographs the skies held for us, although a few ‘just-in-case’ umbrellas were to be seen. Loving the poses pulled by one of the Ushers here – just had to capture this!

Ben & Nicola were after a more relaxed approach to their photography, which suited both my Documentary Style of photography, and also their Wedding atmosphere – this meant that I was able to get a few sneaky shots of the Bride & Groom over the course of the day that they didn’t know about, for example whilst everyone was milling around waiting for dinner ... that Ben & his Best Man took time out to say hello to!

As ever, the Parley Manor team had done an amazing job inside the Wedding Marquee, and Ben & Nicola’s theme & colour scheme looked fab. Ben’s Usher had organised all the stationery and the table seating plan, which were all first class.

After the Wedding Breakfast, Ben & Nicola spent some time alone outside, whilst inside the marquee the groomsmen hit the cocktail bar in preparation of the party night ahead.

Congratulations Ben & Nicola – thank you for asking me to photograph your wedding! I wish you both bucketfuls of happiness for your future together!

David & Leanne's Wedding at Boscombe's Salvation Army and Parley Manor, Christchurch

Well, this was one Wedding where every possible detail had been thought about!  It was a truly fun-packed day with quite a few surprises for David & Leanne’s  guests!

My photography started at Leanne’s parent’s house where the Bridesmaids, flower-girl and paige-boy were all getting ready. It took a few minutes for everyone to get used to my being there, but I was soon forgotten and I got on with capturing the preparations.

 

I then caught up with the Groomsmen at Boscombe’s Salvation Army, where a Brass Band greeted the guests as they were seated. It was quite deceptive as it seemed like such a slow trickle of people were arriving, but before long the place was packed!

David had written a few movie-themed instrumentals which were being played by the brass band prior to Leanne’s arrival.  I decided my best position for the Bride’s entrance was right at the front, so I was blasted with the full orchestral entrance – it was truly a special moment.  By the time Leanne got to the front David had a tear in his eye (and I nearly did too!! It was so exciting!)

I was able to photograph freely throughout the wedding ceremony and I was able to sneak upstairs to the balcony, as well as down towards the front.  Leanne’s Bridesmaid sang an Adele solo, which was just superb.  I think there was more musical flair in that room than on Britain’s got Talent!

After the service, David & Leanne had arranged for tea and biscuits for everyone before we headed off to Parley Manor.

When the Bride & Groom arrived at Parley Manor, all their guests were waiting.  We had about an hour before their Wedding Breakfast so I decided that we should crack on with the photographs as the weather looked a little dubious!

David’s Groomsmen certainly got into character with some interesting model poses … 

The Wedding Marquee looked stunning with the purple colour scheme.

There was a sweep stake for the Grooms speech – I think a lot of people had banked on it being a verbal marathon, but he wrapped it up in under 20 minutes, which, based on comments from their wedding guests, was pretty good going!

Afterwards David and Leanne went for a walk around Parley Manor’s grounds whilst the guests were entertained with a magician and caricaturist.

And to top it all off, after the first dance we were all treated to a great Fireworks display – wow what a day!!

Congratulations David & Leanne – I had a really great day and thoroughly enjoyed photographing your Wedding. I wish you all the best for your future together!