Emma and Toby were married at the Greenway Hotel in Shurdington on the outskirts of Cheltenham just before Christmas. The perfect setting for this family orientated micro wedding.
It was a bit of an overcast and grey day but their smiles created the sparkles and there was no rain (always a bonus!). The winter mists making for the perfect ethereal backdrop for their wedding photographs.
Their wedding day I guess I would describe as a modern classic. Stunningly elegant and serene, yet with little modern twists to plant it firmly in history.
Emma and Toby are from the picturesque village of Osmaston in Derbyshire and made the journey with their family down to Cheltenham for this very special day. Emma was once a pupil at a very well known school for girls here in Cheltenham and the Greenway held happy memories for her of her time here in the south west. Toby’s family also now live in Cheltenham and you may well recognise his brother Ralph and sister in law Danni as I photographed their wedding a few years ago too. One of my absolute favourite things is working with families time after time. Its an absolute joy and it also meant that I had the opportunity to take some family portraits as well.
Emma and Toby opted for a micro wedding at The Greenway Hotel and it was perfect.
The following summer we all celebrated with a blessing at their home Church in Osmaston and a huge party at their home. A second blog to follow for that one!
So without further ado, here is a small selection of images from their Wedding Collection along with their Wedding Story in Emma’s own words…
“Nikki is the most professional, delightful and thoughtful photographer I have ever met. She strikes a great balance of being firm where necessary and being incredibly discreet. You can tell that she loves her profession and imbues your special day with purpose and humour. The results are testament to her passion for photography. A complete gem and a wonder in the chaos of bridal preparations….helping me calmly through certain decisions……Nikki goes completely above and beyond and is a joy to spend a magical day with. The presentation and production of the photos is also professional and perfect. Cannot recommend Nikki highly enough 😊x”
A: No wedding planner, very much DIY but Louise (Events Coordinator) at The Greenway was great.
A: Navy Hugo Boss Suit with Shirt and Tie. The Boss fit is great on my husband and I love to see his gorgeous form in whatever he wears.
A: A Month
A: We had a conversation about perhaps tying the knot when the two of us had a crazy ‘no kids’ night out at a local bar with great live music. I didn’t think anything more about it until Toby blind sided me by getting down on one knee in the pouring rain at a meaningful secluded place on a favourite walk (with three dogs and a baby in the back pack).
“I tried on a few dresses but felt too ‘dressy!’ so found a beautiful silk top at Hugo Boss and searched for a skirt to go with it. It’s a midi, very pale blue with lace overlay that shimmers in the light and was from Needle and Thread. I felt myself in the outfit and that’s all I wanted.”
A: Some diamond earrings that my husband gave me a couple of years ago…
A: An older son, a new son and a pair of blue shoes!
A: I loved every single second of it.
A: Don’t get me started…..always makes me cry…’Fall on Me’ by Andrea and Matteo Bocelli
A: Perhaps organising zoom properly for our friends around the globe……many moments are so fleeting and special and the speeches particularly, would have been great to record properly.
A: Toby came to put up a fence for me in my garden. It was during the ‘Beast from the East’ 2018. It was a lightening strike for both of us. We were both wrapped up in coats, hats, big boots etc!
A: Family, family, family
A: Three sons 😊
A: Yes. A few family members couldn’t make it due to Covid but some dear friends stepped in last minute. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
A: You did a great job at Toby’s brother Ralph’s wedding to Danni in September 2020 and furthermore you are the official TFP!*
*TFP = Tucker Family Photographer!
Scroll to the end of the blog for the link to Danni & Ralph’s wedding day.
A: For me personally, and this is probably true for my husband too……..keep it small and intimate. The bigger you go the less time you have to enjoy what really matters.
A: All guests had a choice but I had Torched Mackerel to start and Pan Fried Sea Bass for Main followed by Dark chocolate and Orange Tart.
A: A cheesecake from the Cheeseworks in Cheltenham (absolutely delicious and possibly more enjoyed by all than a fruit cake!).’
A: Every single person that was with us on the day but Oscar’s speech was pretty wonderful. The registrar was also really heartfelt in her approach to the service despite only meeting us a few minutes before the service.
A: An extra night or two with friends and the boys at The Greenway! Don’t laugh, but for those who come to true love later in life, each and every day is a honeymoon 😊
Flowers: Lilly Floral Art
Dress: Skirt by Needle and Thread, Top by Hugo Boss
Bridesmaid dresses: no bridesmaids
Groom’s outfit: Hugo Boss Suit, Shirt and Tie
Cake: Cheesecake from The Cheeseworks in Cheltenham
Venue & Catering: The Greenway
Entertainment: Great conversation!
Rings including engagement ring: Sapphire and Diamond Bespoke Engagement Ring with Custom Made Wedding band in Platinum and Diamonds both by Avanti Jewellers Ashbourne, Derbyshire