An elegant and quintessential Summer wedding at St John The Baptist Church Cookham Dean, and a marquee reception in the gardens of the family home.
Yesterday Philip and Sophie said ‘I do’ in the prettiest of settings. The Church of St John The Baptist, in Cookham Dean, is such a beautiful church with an immaculately kept churchyard, and the very nicest vicar I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Afterwards, the couple celebrated with family and friends at Sophie’s beautiful family home complete with a stylish and elegant marquee, a string quartet, delicious canapes and lashings of Pimm’s! Later, guests were treated to the funniest speeches. Then later still, there was live music and dancing.
Today is a rainy ‘meh’ kind of a day, but yesterday was one of those fabulously sunny and warm September days that always feel like such a bonus. My assistant Debbie, started cover with Philip and the men at a local pub, whilst I joined Sophie, her lovely parents, and her six wonderful bridesmaids for some ‘getting ready’ shots. The house and gardens were looking delightful, and Sophie and the girls were getting the final touches to their hair and makeup.
The ladies from Makeup For TV gave the girls gorgeous smokey eyes, which not only complemented the bridesmaid’s charcoal halter neck gowns, but Sophie’s amazing green brown eyes. Hair was worn up in a side chignon with fresh flowers, and I was just a bit impressed that half the bridesmaids had theirs on the left and half on the right, perfect for the group shots!
Sophie chose a beautiful beaded frock by Jenny Packham, which really suited her petite figure. She teamed it with Taormina lace crystal heels by Dolce & Gabbana, and changed into the comfy slipper version for some dancing later in the evening. Flowers were a pretty pink and white with amongst other things; roses, hydrangea, little white wax flowers, and eucalyptus leaves.
This was such a lovely day to photograph. Everyone was so warm and welcoming and great fun. Apart from all the candid shots, I do love the group shots with the bride groom and their respective ‘teams’. I also adore our sunset couple shots which Sophie and Philip had requested. It’s always such a joy to be able to take photographs in beautiful light, and we really got lucky there!
Philip and Sophie, I’ve absolutely loved meeting you both, from our Richmond engagement shoot through to documenting your special day, it’s been a blast. Have a wonderful honeymoon and I look forward to sharing all your photographs with you soon. Until then, here is a preview of some favourites. Jx
After the speeches I was able to whisk the bride and groom off for a few more portraits just as the sun set. The light was gorgeous and these two looked so effortlessly stylish.
Sophie’s family converted their barn into the perfect party venue complete with a live band.
Assistant Photographer – Debbie Gagliano Withers.
Dress – Jenny Packham Nashville.
Bridal Shoes – Dolce & Gabbana Taermina.
Bridesmaids Dresses – White By Vera Wang Halter Gown.
Hair – Abstract Hairdressing.
Makeup – Makeup 4 TV.
Catering & Events Management – Fingers & Forks.
Church – St John The Baptist, Cookham Dean.
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