On Friday the 4th of April I had the pleasure of capturing Ellie and Michael’s wedding at the stunning Parklands Quendon Hall in Essex.
Ellie and Michael have been planning their wedding ever since Ellie landed from her skydive to find Michael down on one knee. They found me from looking at a friend of a friend’s wedding I shot in Essex two years ago and I’m so glad they did. They are such a laid back couple who are clearly meant for each other and it was an absolute pleasure to capture their wedding day for them.
I arrived to start bridal prep and Ellie seemed pretty relaxed with everything running ahead of time. The bridal suite provided a lovely setting for her and her bridesmaids to get ready in and Ellie looked stunning as her father Ian walked into the room to see her for the first time, with them both trying to hold back the tears. Such a lovely moment.
I had nipped out earlier to meet up with Michael and the boys who had enjoyed a morning driving around in a pretty awesome Lamborghini that was to get quite a lot of attention throughout the day. Michael also seemed pretty relaxed and just looking forward to the days events.
With the weather slightly chilly the ceremony was held inside and the room was decorated beautifully with coral colours and flower arrangements. A quartet played for the guests and really set the scene for Ellie’s entrance with her proud father Ian.
The ceremony had some lovely personal touches with Ellie’s Mum Sue giving a heart felt reading and Ellie and Michael reading their own vows which they had written for each other which even got me going.
The sun made an appearance as Ellie and Michael walked back down the aisle as husband and wife so they enjoyed a few moments outside whilst drinks were handed out amongst their guests so we took the time to do a few couple shots before shooting with everyone joined us for group and bridal party shots.
The grounds at Parklands are beautiful and there were so many good photography spots. It was great fun shooting with the bridal party along the main drive and I have to say the pageboy Tyler has the Reservoir Dogs walk down to perfection! “See below”
It was soon time for the wedding breakfast and the Parklands staff headed up by wedding coordinator Suzy had done a fabulous job with decorating the tables and the marquee. A three course meal was enjoyed by everyone and then it was time for Ian, Michael and Karl to take to the stage for the speeches. As you will see from the photos there was a lot of laughter and a few tears as all the gents did a great job.
As the evening guests started to arrive one of Ellie’s bridesmaids Lauren gave a lovely speech before Ellie and Michael took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife to end the day’s formalities and what a wedding day it was.
Ellie and Michael, thanks for much for choosing me to capture your wedding. Leela and I had a great day with you both and all your lovely guests. I hope you have a great time on honeymoon in the Maldives and I look forward to showing you the full collection when you return but for now heres your sneak peek storyboard!