On Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing Simon and Helina’s wedding with the ceremony being held at St Mary’s Church followed by a beautiful reception at the very grand Down Hall.

The day was blessed with glorious sunshine and Down Hall looked amazing as I arrived to start bridal preparation photos with Helina. The upstairs landing provided a nice spacious setting as Helina and her many bridesmaids and flower girls enjoyed the morning excitement and put their finishing touches to outfits, hair and make up. Helina looked stunning in her beautiful lace dress and they all rode to the church in style in three Rolls Royces.

Many of the guests were also staying at Down Hall and Simon had arranged for three vintage buses to take them all to the church. They looked fantastic and the thanks to the excellent weather the sides were up and everyone was waving as they arrived. Simon had two “Best Ladies” and many ushers so Leela took some fun shots of them all before everyone made their way into church for the ceremony.

Helina’s proud sister walked her down the aisle to join hands with Simon and it was all smiles throughout the ceremony. Simon had booked a gospel choir which really gave a fun atmosphere during the hymns which were followed by readings from Simon’s two “Best ladies”. There were many smiles and a few tears as Simon and Helina read their vows to each other to become husband and wife surrounded by all their close friends and family.

There was a little bit of mingle time outside and a confetti tunnel before the guests got back on the buses and the bridal party got in the Rolls Royces to head back to Down Hall. There was another surprise waiting for the guests as the Rolls Royces were lead in by a marching band which proceeded through the hotel and into the gardens where drinks and canapés were served.

It was great to be outside in the sunshine whilst the band played and we captured many fun moments between Simon, Helina and their guests. There videographer led them through a marryoke routine which was also so much fun to watch and capture.

The reception room at Down Hall looked amazing, full of flowers and crystal candelabras and the happy couple got a fantastic reception from their guests as they entered the room to start the wedding breakfast.

It was soon time for the speeches and all the speakers did a cracking job of reliving stories from Simon and Helina’s time together, and growing up along with many jokes! Even Helina made a speech which is always refreshing to see. Both Simon and Helina were so grateful that so many friends and family had made the trip from all over the world to share their special day with them.

After the wedding breakfast Simon, Helina and many of the guests went to their rooms to freshen up for the evening dancing and Simon and Helina came down looking fantastic in their evening wear ready to cut the cake and get the party started.

After their first dance as husband and wife the dance floor came alive with many traditional Ethiopian songs which was great fun to photograph and really gave the perfect ending to such a great wedding day.

Simon and Helina, thanks for asking me to be your photographer. We had a great time with you all on the day and I look forward to sharing the full collection with you both soon. For now heres your sneak peek storyboard!