Back in August 2017, I travelled up to the East Midlands for my first wedding at Langar Hall in Nottinghamshire. There are many great things about being a Langar Hall wedding photographer, but the main building is simply stunning, an old English country manor with a hint of Indian design favoured by it’s former owner, with huge suites to capture some truly stunning wedding preparation shots. It was a perfect venue for journalist and editor Annabelle and husband-to-be Matthew, the attention to detail from the owners melding beautifully with Annabelle’s great ideas and vision for the wedding.

After a glorious sunny Friday afternoon in nearby Bingham, we feared the day may be somewhat damper, but luckily the rain gods were kind. As I arrived at the venue to capture the details, a few specks of rain threatened the videographer’s drone shots flying overhead, so I went inside up to the wedding suite. Grand old clocks, a cosy little bar and small yet grandly decorated dining room greeted me as I walked in, and moved up the marble staircase to the rooms upstairs. It’s an amazing thing to be a Langar Hall wedding photographer, due to the incredible light coming in to the huge rooms from two angles in the master bedroom, along with a second room off the main converted into a makeup studio by the remarkably talented Amalie Russell, as she worked on the Annabelle and the six bridesmaids. Interchanging with the hairdresser Laura, champagne was sipped and flowers and family arrived.

Escaping the bustle, myself and Kris from Honey and Blossom films escaped to the local village of Long Clawson to meet up with groom Matthew and his best man and ushers. After a few quick shots in the local Crown & Plough, and a recce to the church, we returned to Annabelle and her bridesmaids. She looked truly beautiful in her veiled traditional Shanna Melville dress. Her six bridesmaids (which included Annabelle’s sister) were wearing pale green matching dresses.

After a traditional late arrival (when aren’t they?!) Annabelle in an elegant vintage car just after her tiny nephew and nieces, who were on flower duties. The church entrance, pews and the marquee were decorated with blooms from Sophie’s Flower Company, and they also provided the bouquets Annabelle and her bridesmaids held. As is sometimes the case with church ceremonies, we were not able to photograph or video the ceremony in the church, so we captured the couple signing and leaving before they got swamped with petals outside and everyone piled onto the bus for the return to Langar Hall.

Upon our return, my job as a Langar Hall wedding photographer was only starting. I whisked the couple away for a 30 minute shoot around the grounds, whilst guests mingled and got to know each other better back at the drinks reception in the hall itself. Whilst I call myself a ‘reportage’, ‘documentary’ or ‘alternative’ wedding photographer, I know some people want more traditional group shots (hello grans!). Whilst it’s not something I do often, I was more than happy to accommodate in the front of this grand building, in the now thankfully gloriously warm weather.

Groups shot done, we piled into the marquee for food, drinks and (in my case) photos. Speeches caused the acceptable amount of laughs, wincing and cheers, and the marquee (with accompanying pink donut wall) converted into the dancefloor and everyone partied long into the night, complete with a cheeky whisky and cigar bar. Good times!