This early March wedding at Cantley was full of laughter and joy. The daffodils were flowering but the weather was freezing. Of course it doesn’t matter what the weather is like when there’s so much indoor space at Cantley.
Getting ready
The bride and her party got ready in the newly refurbished Room 38 at Cantley. She did her own make up and her hairdresser was Tamiyya Parker. The groom arrived ready and dressed from home. I was able to slip out from bridal prep to do a handful of photographs of him while the bride got into her dress.
There were some really lovely emotional moments during the first look.
After some group photos of the wedding party, the bride went to see the registrars. Meanwhile I went to the Oak Room where the guests were already seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin.
The Ceremony
The couple went into the Breakfast Room for champagne and five minutes to themselves. Whilst that was happening the guests lined up outside the Oak Room on the terrace for the confetti run. Those dried petals got absolutely everywhere!
Drinks Reception
Immediately after the confetti is always a great time to get the whole group photo, as everyone is already together. For this I stood on a chair to try and get some height. I can bring a ladder if asked. Although usually I’ll do the whole group photo from the fire exit with everyone stood on the lawn. But in this instance after a wet couple of months there was no way I could ask people to traipse over the very wet ground.
During the Drinks Reception I like to give the couple plenty of time to chat with their guests and the hug photos are always lovely. Before the wedding I ask the couple for their group photos list and for a guest to help gather people. As it was cold we did the group photos in the Oak Room. Since guests are usually called in to the wedding breakfast 15 minutes before the couple, I try to take the couple for their photos just before the guests go in. And 20 minutes was definitely enough time with the cold weather. I try to get my couples to keep moving or to hug each other, especially when temperatures are low.
The Wedding Breakfast
There were speeches by the groom and his Best Man after dinner.
During the turn around of the room ready for the evening party, guests go to the bar for tea and coffee, It’s a great time to grab the couple for a few evening photos if they’ve requested them.
The Evening Party
After the evening guests have arrived, it’s time for the cutting of the cake and then straight into first dance.
I love it when the dance floor is busy, the fun dances like the Macarena always get people up and dancing.
Suppliers
Hairdresser: www.instagram.com/hair_by_tamiyya
Decor: www.instagram.com/addstyleuk
Florist: www.instagram.com/shootsandwreaths
Cake: www.instagram.com/ jo_eleganttiers
Are you getting married at Cantley House? I’d love to photograph your wedding! Pop over to my portfolio to see more of my work or contact me to check my availability for your wedding date. Or visit my Cantley House Weddings Page.
