An Autumnal Military Wedding At the RMAS & Afterwards At Pennyhill Park
On Saturday I had a brilliant day documenting Alex and Stuart’s wedding at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and afterwards at Pennyhill Park.
I’ve lived virtually next door to the RMAS for many years, and although I’ve visited for family shoots, the odd bit of equine photography, and social occasions over the years, this was my first wedding. I met up with Alex and Stuart several weeks ago to walk around the Royal Memorial Chapel to plan their photography, and we also decided where to shoot their formal photos and couples shots. On that occasion it was raining really heavily, but I could see the tremendous opportunities the facilities provided for great photographs. Then, when it came to Saturday, we were blessed with mild weather and great soft light, so I really was a very happy ‘tog’!
I began my day by covering bridal prep at Pennyhill Park. Alex, her mum Margaret, and her 7 bridesmaids, Kirsty, Beth, Josie, Nell, Celia, and Fabienne, were all looking stunning. Alex chose a lace gown by Pronovias, and navy ‘twist and tie’ frocks from Coast for the girls. Alex’s mum, looked fabulous in taupe with some super millinery to finish the look. Flowers were fresh and fragrant and featured Gypsophila and Rose.
Meanwhile my assistant Debbie was already at the chapel documenting Stu, his groomsmen, guard of honour, and friends and family’s arrival. The chapel is large, and so we decided it would be good to have two of us to cover all angles. It’s quite an unexpected and beautiful building, built with red brick in the Byzantine style.
Alex, her father, and bridesmaids, made a rather regal entrance to Handel’s ‘Zadok the Priest’ performed by the choir of the Royal Memorial Chapel. The ceremony was emotional, solemn, but very joyful, and Alex and Stu were absolutely brimming with happiness from the moment they met at the alter. Afterwards, we all made our way to the parade ground for a mix of funky and formal group shots on the steps of Old College. Then as the guests went on to Pennyhill Park, we stayed behind for some beautiful bride and groom portraits down by the Trout fishing lake.
The bride and groom then made their way onto the hotel in an especially wedding themed Land Rover Defender, complete with sheepskin seat covers, lace bunting, and a ‘Just married’ spare wheel cover. Drinks and canapes were served in the library and on the terrace, before a receiving line and the wedding breakfast in the Sandringham suite. Later, there were speeches, the cutting of their beautiful cake (made by Alex’s grandmother), and dancing to live band The Fabulations.
This was a really special day, full of ceremony, rituals, heaps of love, happiness and fun, and I thoroughly enjoyed capturing it.
Alex and Stu, it really was a pleasure. Here is your wedding photography preview. There is lots more to come! Enjoy your honeymoon. J x
Assistant – Debbie gagliano Withers
Makeup Artist – Lora Papez
Alex’s Dress – Pronovias
Bridesmaids Dresses – Coast
The Band – The Fabulations
