Situated in the Derbyshire High Peak near the slopes of Kinder Scout and overlooking Kinder Reservoir Upper House is possibly one of the most scenic settings for a house. It is quite simply stunning. Once home to the sister and brother in law (Margaret and James Watts) of Agatha Christie this exclusive wedding venue plays host to a small number of luxury weddings every year. I was privileged enough to photograph the very special celebration of Charlotte and Adam, a wedding with some extra special moments.
As you’ll likely already understand by now my photography is all about letting the wedding flow as much as possible. Whilst Adam (the groom) made ready for his day by putting on his suit and tie elsewhere, I photo documented Bride Charlotte in Keepers Cottage. Under the careful preparation provided by make up artist Amy Conway and hair stylist Libby of Theaker & Scott, Derby Charlotte was (if that was somehow possible) made prettier. The two bridesmaids helped manage flowers as they arrived from Anna Flora and popped the champagne corks to pour some bubbles!
Upon Adams arrival and after a few nerve settling pre ceremony drinks in the venues Inn, the traditional pin the boutonniere (the fancy word for button hole flower) began, leading to some amusement and finally assistance from our grooms mother!
Unusually this couple had chosen to add some musical talent with Charlottes choir giving everyone some fabulous entertainment and adding to the already emotional ceremony. After the all important first kiss and signing the registry the choir once again burst into life and the room erupted with showers of confetti from guests and finally Charlotte and Adam emerged from the Great Hall as a new Mr & Mrs. A visual feast for a moment driven photographer like myself.
Champagne flowed again and with Canapes to nibble, the wedding guests congregated outside in the fabulous grounds. I mingled to capture the moments and photograph family groups, and before too long it was time for all to move into the tipi area for the wedding breakfast. As per one of my previous posts I relish the lighting challenge of tipi’s This was no exception but some fabulous speeches were given with traditional wedding toasts given by the brides father, the groom and the best man, with an additional excellent delivery from our bride Charlotte. I found angles the allowed me to photograph the emotions and fantastic reactions.
Halfway through the wedding breakfast I noticed a break in what had been a slightly rainy afternoon and invited the couple to accompany me outside for some wedding portraits with golden hour sunlight. The dramatic landscape made all the more fantastic with the inclusion of a romantic wedding couple blessed with great light for my pictures.
Speeches done the evening beckoned and so in traditional fashion the wedding cake was cut (have a scroll down for a fun picture that shows you can do more than just cut a cake while people watch you!), and the first dance ended giving the que for the party to get going!
