I had so much fun shooting Annushka and Mark’s day, a gorgeous church ceremony followed by a reception at the beautiful Stoke Place in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire. It was strange being at Stoke Place as one of the very first weddings I shot was held there. It’s undergone lots of changes and has been completely transformed since my first visit; it’s a stunning venue. The decor is stylish and modern whilst being completely sympathetic to the building built in 1690.
Most couples book their wedding photographer a long time in advance, however Annushka and Mark only booked me about a week before their wedding. Their original photographer had sadly fallen and broken her ankle and was unable to cover the day (get well soon Julie!). We’d usually have a while to get to know each other – brides follow my blog and see what I’m up to week to week so, after lots of emails and chats about their wedding, I feel I know them pretty well. So I guess I was more nervous than usual about shooting Annushka and Mark’s wedding because I wanted them to feel confident that I would do a great job for them so they could just relax and have an amazing wedding day.
The weather couldn’t have been better for November – clear blue skies! I arrived at Stoke Place to find Annushka getting ready. Here are some of my favourites from the day…
Annushka’s grandmother had bought her this pretty pearl necklace from the Isle of Wight
The bathroom had these great mirrors everywhere, I really enjoyed playing with them!
Just to reiterate – IT’S NOVEMBER!! Just look at that sky, it could be June!
As I waited outside, poised with my camera for Annushka’s imminent arrival at St Pauls, Annushka’s little 5 year old page boy Thomas looked up at me with his huge blue eyes and asked me “What happens when you die?”. I’m rarely flummoxed at questions guests ask me but this one was certainly a challenge. I don’t have children, so I’m not used to these sort of probing questions!! I stumbled through it and somehow ended up talking about “doggie heaven”. What a sweety Thomas was, he kept me on my toes with lots of questions throughout the day including “Why is your camera so big?”. Another question that I could’nt answer!
The ceremony was really emotional and even I had to take a few deep breaths at points.
Married!
What was really refreshing was the amount of guests that came over and hugged the couple. I have noticed a worry trend of guests who just seem to stand around and point their phones and compact cameras in the couple instead of offering their congratulations – its was nice to photograph such lovely warm emotions from people.
It was about 40 minutes before sun set at Stoke Place by the lake and the light was to die for. As those of you who follow my blog will have noticed I’m all about simple, romantic, natural pictures and these are the type of pictures I love to shoot.
I love this one of Mark & Annushka
Everyone had homemade Jam as their favours
Thomas!
Congratulations Annushka & Mark!
If you were a guest at their wedding you can register to see the pictures once the bride and groom have seen them by clicking HERE.
by Kerry Morgan
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