I loved everything about Natalie and Scott's wedding. I'd been looking forward to it since the day they'd booked, and it exceeded all my expectations.
Natalie and Scott and such incredibly likeable people. When we first met and they told me about their wedding plans, their friendly, funny, and relaxed personalities make you feel as if you've known them for years and their enthusiasm talking about the wedding was energising. They told me their plan for the wedding was for it to be relaxed and with a garden party feel and they achieved this perfectly.
The venue they'd chosen was Northbrook Park and having never worked there before, I was very keen from the outset. When I looked at the venue's website and later visited before the wedding, it immediately jumped into my list of favourite venues. Although it's a Grade II listed manor house, I felt that the walled gardens, and buildings surrounding the courtyard gave it a mediterranean feel, which I loved.
The thing that really stands out for me about their wedding was how close everyone was. Seeing how everyone chatted with each other, the hugs, the laughter, the jokes, it was clear that majority (if not all the guests) had known each other for a long time and this set a very relaxed atmosphere from the outset. Later on, particularly after the speeches (which were charged with humour and emotion), it was beautiful to see so many of the guests hugging each other, patting each other on the back, and all caught up in the emotion of the day. I remember how emotional I felt on my wedding day being surrounded by those I love most in the world and feeling so much appreciation for them all being there, but was amazed to see that feeling (seemingly) felt by not just the bride and groom, but many of the guests as well.
I feel very thankful that they chose me as their wedding photographer and hope to see them both again in the future.
Here is a little more about them and their wedding in their words:
How did you meet, & how did you become engaged?
"Scott and I met on New Year's Eve at a club in Richmond. He used his charm and charisma to land himself a first date and we never looked back. He popped the question in 2015 at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Through the snot and tears there was a big YES!"
How long did you take to plan your wedding?
"1 year"
What made you choose your wedding venues and how did you decorate them?
"We didn't want a formal event and Northbrook could offer us a more relaxed garden party feel. It only took us one visit before we knew... it was the one."
What inspired you to style your day the way you did? E.g. a particular era, muse, colour etc. or were you guided by religious or cultural values and preferences?
"We liked the idea of a garden party style event so we started everything with our flowers and Pinterest of course!"
How did you decide on your dress and accessories?
"Much like the decor, it was my love of florals and natures elegance that helped me pick my dress. Although my handmade head piece was undoubtedly my most favourite thing."
How did you decide on the outfits for the groom and groomsmen?
"We decided we didn't want top hat and tails because it went completely against the tone of our wedding. So we chose a classic suit in Navy for the groomsmen and a slightly brighter shade of blue for Scott (as if he wouldn't stand out enough lol)."
Who gave you away / walked you down the aisle? And did you walk down the aisle to a particular song?
"My Dad, and we walked down to "can't help falling in love" because both Scott and I, and my family love the UB40 cover and was something we bonded over when we first met."
Would you like to share anything about your vows? Did you tailor your own?
"No, we kept it short and sweet. We wanted to get to the party!"
Please describe your wedding breakfast and the reasons behind it?
"Spring lamb, because it's seasonal. Simple yet tasty food."
Please describe your cake and why you chose it?
"We had three separate cakes and three flavours. Carrot, lemon and Victoria sponge. It was lovely that it paid homage to my mum and dad's wedding cake, as they also had three separate cakes decorated with flowers."
What was your first dance track and what did it mean to you?
"If I ain't got you" covered by James Bay. It took a lot for us both to agree and but it said everything we wanted it to."
What was your favourite part of the day and why?
"The second dance because all that was left was to enjoy the rest of the night!"
What led you to choose Nick from Parkershots as your photographer and please can you comment on the results? .
"I was taken back by just how beautiful Parkershots work was and is. I am so happy with the images and they really do capture the fun and laughter of our day. Nick captured so many wonderful moments but at no point did it feel like he was intruding. I would recommend him to everyone. I can't thank him enough."
On reflection, is there anything you would have done differently with foresight?
"There were a few photos of immediate family that we didn't get. E.g. Natalie and her mum, Scott and his dad. There wasn't enough time after the ceremony but possibly before might have worked if we'd been better organised. I would have minded being told what were good shots to have but I know some people don't."
If you could impart any words of wisdom to a bride to be planning her marriage and wedding day, what would they be?
"None of it matters by the end, forget the stress of the organisation, just let go and enjoy."
The Suppliers:
- Bride’s gown (Designer and boutique) Miss Bush www.missbush.co.uk
- Jewellery (Designer & Boutique) own
- Shoes Reiss https://www.reiss.com
- Veil / Headpiece Miss Bush /. Lila www.lila-lila.com/headpieces.html (website doesn't work on iPads) she's also on instagram
- Perfume Jo Malone
- Hair Stylist Elle au Naturel http://www.elleaunaturel.com
- Make-up Artist - same as above
- Florist - aesme http://www.aesme.co.uk
- Rings - Glydon and Guess Ltd antique Jewellers no website but address is 14 apple market Kingston-upon- Thames
- Venue - Northbrook park
- Décor / Styling all own
- Cake Maker - Andi Freeman -http://www.andifreemancakes.co.uk
- Caterer - white truffle events in house team -www.whitetruffle.events
- Bridesmaids Dresses asos - www.asos.com
- Groom / Groomsmen suits - own
- Stationery - strawberry sorbet - http://www.strawberrysorbet.co.uk
- Entertainment - DJ and uplighters and fairy lights - Farnham light and sound http://www.farnhamsoundandlight.co.uk/_/_.html singer in garden - James http://www.tailored-entertainment.com
- Photographer Parkershots
- Honeymoon - Jasmin holidays http://www.jasmineholidays.co.uk
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