An Early Summer Pre Wedding Engagement Shoot At Great Fosters Hotel
On Monday I met up with Andy and Emma to capture some pre wedding photographs at their wedding venue, Great Fosters. The couple will get married in the Orangery in August this year. It’s such a lovely time of year to get married, and really they couldn’t have picked a more beautiful location.
I first met the couple for a chat last July, and I was delighted when they decided to go ahead and book me to document their special day. It’s always a pleasure to return to this beautiful historic venue, but even more so when you have a super couple like Andy and Emma to work with. Oh, and having a gorgeous sunny day to capture some really loved up memories also helps!
Like many couples, Andy and Emma felt admitted to feeling a little anxious about the whole being photographed ‘thing’, and so decided to book my Platinum package, that includes an engagement shoot. I adore these photographs and think they show the lovely relationship they have. In addition, having now spent more time with them I know they’ll feel more relaxed about being photographed on the day. An engagement shoot can feel a little full on to begin with. It’s just me and you, but I hope that after a few minutes couples are able to see that I like to keep things really relaxed. There really is nothing to be gained from keeping things formal. I want my couples to enjoy the process as well as the results.
We had a chance to take a relaxed stroll around the grounds and discuss how their wedding plans are coming along. Everything is looking fantastic as you would expect at this time of year. The Wisteria is still out, and the rose garden is about to erupt with the colours of purple Salvia and zillions of roses. Knowing the venue as well as I do, I was also able to chat with them about where the sun would be during various times of their wedding day, and where we could go to capture the prettiest light.
If you are planning a Great Fosters wedding, or if you have just discovered this beautiful luxury venue, do have a look at some of the weddings I have photographed over the years. You’ll find them here. The hotel is now under new management (Alexander Hotels), and from what I’ve seen, has been undergoing a little bit of a facelift. However, it still retains all the charm that you would expect from a venue with 400 years of history. It’s very special (and personally too as I had my own wedding reception in the tithe barn many moons ago).
Andy and Emma, it was so lovely to see you again, and I can’t wait to photograph your wedding later this year. J x
Location – Great Fosters Hotel
