All I can say for my first sentence is… WOW what a venue! When I was asked by Ryan if I would assist him as his second photographer, I couldn’t say no. It may seem that most of my blogs I am second shooting a lot. Yes I do and I get booked up because of my documentary wedding background. Anyone who knows me will know that i prefer to work in a reportage style rather than the standard traditional format.

The work I present on my blogs is a true reflection on how I work a wedding of my own in any case - albeit I stand at the back and sides when seconding rather than the front. Sometimes it can work much better than standing in a small space at the front. It’s lovely to have the freedom to move around. It can be very fixed which is why outdoor ceremonies as well as big airy rooms inside work so well.

My day began meeting with the groom and his closest friends at a lodge nearby to the venue. I was there to document the groom preparations before moving onto the venue. I just love how relaxed the guys were. Nothing staged (other than a groomsmen group photo) everything just documented as it happened. It is obvious that for some parts of the day, the couple will wish to have some formal portraits - it’s a wedding it happens. I’m not opposed to group photos (so please don’t think I am) it’s a moment that in time will become extremely important as photos are passed from one generation to another to appreciate and remember people from bygone years that are no longer around.

I digress though - the ceremony was outdoors near the lake which was super stunning and yes it was an incredibly hot day as the sun shone. I just love celebrant weddings, they’re so much more personal and easy going. It was just perfect. Sarah the bride looked amazing in her dress. Look how cute the flower girls are in their super frilly frocks.

Once the ceremony was complete it was time for meet and greets, champagne and canapés as well as the formal photos. At this point I do the candids and assist with ticking off the list to ensure that all the photos are done in a timely manner with the right people.

I do a few bride and groom portraits just working how I would usually go about couple portraits, no fuss just let them be themselves from an alternative angle to the main photographer. I am merely documenting.

The room decor looked amazing in the marque - I’m sure you’d agree? This venue is just superb and I really want to go back. Once the happy couple made they’re entrance, sat down it was time for speeches. I have to say the groom singing to the bride on his ukulele was incredible. Emotions of happy tears, laughter around the room for the father of the bride and the best man, these speeches were just sheer class!

After the meal, we ducked out for another 10 mins to capture the beautiful sun now it was less harsh, taking advantage of the grounds woodlands. Just stunning. The first dance was perfectly choreographed and was just amazing! I just loved documenting this wedding. Anyway, I think I’ve rambled on enough now so here’s a selection of images from this fantastic wedding. So if you’re planning the wedding of your dreams at Longstowe Hall and would love a documentary wedding photographer to photograph your beautiful day as authentically possible, just hit the shall we chat button and yes, let’s chat!