Last August we had the huge honour of photographing Shaun and Christine’s wedding day in Woodhall Spa. The venue, Petwood, an elegant and timeless hotel in this much loved town steeped in history and with stunning grounds. Famously known as the home of the legendary WW2 “Dambusters” squadron, not to mention a long and distinguished list of dignitaries, aristocrats, stars of the stage and screen and the monarchy.
Shaun and Christine had planned their wedding day to perfection down to the very last detail. All that was left was to hope that the sun would shine and it did! After much nail biting, praying and weather dances, we were blessed with a gorgeous, hot summer day in the most picture perfect of locations.
A quick coffee in the hotel restaurant and we were ready to go and set to shooting the bride and groom prep. With designer wear including Jimmy Choo and Tom Ford together with an expert hair and make up team, Shaun, Christine, bridesmaids and groomsmen looked stunning.
Emotions were high! Love and laughter filled the rooms as we prepared for the ceremony. And all too soon the time had come. Christine looked positively radiant as she descended the grand staircase in her classic cut gown. Adrenaline was pumping and hearts are beating 10 to the dozen as we proceeded to the Woodland Suite for the ceremony. Now it’s always a buzz to see the groom and guest reactions when the bride arrives and Christine lit up the room as she walked in to a live rendition of Ave Maria. A very emotional service full of smiles and tears and laughter with vows and rings exchanged they were married! Once everyone had retired to the bar we set off with Sean and Christine across the lawns towards the pavilion for their couples shoot.
Prior to the wedding we had discussed the type of photography they wanted and Christine has always been a fan of lifestyle/magazine/fashion imagery which was right up our street and we were able to make great use of the natural light and shade available that afternoon together with a soft box and outdoor studio set up.
Once done, it was back to the Woodland Suite for dinner and speeches which were delivered brilliantly. Thank goodness for steady hands and image stabilization as we laughed together with the guests.
Day turned to dusk and we prepared for the second shoot with the bride, groom and close party. A similar set up again with a casual shoot and much fun with the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Think Sex and the City meets Suits. The lighting was perfect and this time, within the beautiful flowered gardens.
Lastly, we made our way back to the reception party where Shaun and Christine had their first dance! This was the end of the most amazing day and we bade them goodnight and bon voyage as they were to set off straight after on a brief honeymoon to Rhodes and then on to Barbados.
We wish you all the happiness in the world in your new life together.
