Micklefield Hall Wedding - Documentary Wedding Photographer — Wedding Photographer UK

“Jack did a great job for us as our photographer on the day itself and with the pictures that came through afterwards - we were delighted with the results. On the day he showed the perfect balance between capturing the right moment and staying in the background in a way we hardly noticed photos being taken. ”

— Caroline & Paul

Last weekend, Micklefield Hall invited me back to exhibit at their annual Open Day. As always, I met lots of lovely couples at various stages of planning their big day - many of whom had already chosen Micklefield. As I told many of them on the day, I simply love weddings at Micklefield. It has so much to offer - a beautifully renovated barn, stunning grounds, magnificent views, a stylish marquee and new for 2017 a state-of-the-art bridal suite for getting ready. It even has a folly and a lake where the wedding ceremony can take place. And amazingly all within the M25!

Caroline and Paul's wedding last year showcased what a special venue it is. I arrived at the Bedford Arms as Paul and his ushers were popping the fizz and putting on their wedding suits. That done they headed to the pub garden for a fortifying pint before the ceremony. I left them to it and made my to Micklefield where Caroline and her bridesmaids were putting the finishing touches to their makeup upstairs in the Great Barn. We started to hear the excited chattering of guests beginning to arrive in the courtyard outside as Paul and his ushers helped each other with their button holes.

I followed the stream of guests through the rose garden and down to the lake. The seats lined the lake and everyone took their places for the ceremony as a pianist played by the water's edge. Paul and his best man headed to the folly at the top of the lake to wait for Caroline to make her entrance. She followed her bridesmaids down the stone steps and around the lake to take her place beside her husband-to-be. As the ceremony began, it struck me what a unique setting this is. And it certainly makes for great photos!

Afterwards the couple led their guests to the courtyard of the Great Barn where they enjoyed canapés and champagne. The children were particularly fascinated by the french fountain - the perfect antidote to a warm summer's afternoon.

As a documentary photographer, I love this part of the day. It allows me to blend into the background and seek out the little moments which the couple will treasure afterwards.As we were nearing the start of the wedding breakfast, I stole a few quiet minutes with Caroline and Paul to do some quick portraits on the lawn. The stunning backdrop always reminds me of a Gainsborough painting.Inside the Great Barn, the meal was served as the couple made their way around the tables catching up with friends and family. Kalm Kitchen created real wow factor with their signature Patisserie Boutique – a stunning display of desserts. One of my favourite moments was Caroline playing peak-a-boo with their little boy.

The bride and groom cut the cake and took to the floor for the first dance accompanied by a live band. Everyone followed and I finished the night by getting some fun dancing shots.Another lovely wedding at Micklefield Hall - I'm looking forward to even more there this summer.

CONGRATULATIONS TO PAUL & CAROLINE!