The wedding of a beautiful couple in a beautiful English country house. What could be more perfect? And as if that wasn’t enough their adoration for each other created a haze around them as they celebrated with their family and friends. It was a perfect day filled with love and lots of laughter!
I met Sophie and Ben when they came to my Studio with Sophie’s Father who had kindly chauffeured them for the day! I was delighted that they had made the journey to meet me in person. Our mutual love of dogs, horses, and Eastington Park made for a perfect photography match and I was so excited when they asked me to be their wedding photographer!
For three day eventer Sophie and keen cricketer Ben, after months of preparation, numerous emails, and planning their day dawned bright and clear. The perfect summers wedding day.
Here is their Wedding Story… Enjoy…!
When David and I arrived at Eastington Park both the brides party and the grooms party were in full preparation mode! I made my way up to the bridal suite where Sophie and her bridesmaids were getting ready. David met up with Ben and the groomsmen in the bar.
Nikki’s Notes… Ben and the groomsmen and both Fathers wore sharp blue suits for the big day. Never be afraid to play with colour and be bold with your suit on your wedding day. Years ago a friend of mine got married in a purple velvet suit and he rocked it!
Nikki’s Notes… Sophie had sent a gift to Ben via one of her brothers for the morning of the wedding. A huge treat and one that made him smile (and also ensured he wasn’t late!).
Sophie had chosen a stunning long trained gown for her wedding day. Offset perfectly by her long hair set back from her face, and with pretty summer flowers.
Sophie had chosen classic elegant dresses for her bridesmaids…
Nikki’s Notes… I love the first look from Mum and Dad at a wedding of their daughter in her bridal gown. A mix of joy, emotion, and immense pride.
What can I say about these girls? THEY ROCKED!!!
Nikki’s Notes… Sophie and Ben had chosen to have an outdoors wedding ceremony at Eastington Park.
And then the rain came down. But luckily only a few spots and guests were well catered for and braved it out under umbrellas! Even during the scorcher of the summer we had we did have a little rain every now and again!
Nikki’s Notes… I absolutely love this poem read by one of Sophie’s brothers. My late Grandpa read this at our wedding and I cherish the words and the sentiment. What can I say…? I love being married!
And then it all seemed to go wrong… Ben asked his best men for the wedding rings; but they didn’t have them? “You had one job!” said Ben. Sophie looked shocked and then horrified as it dawned on her that the best men didn’t have the wedding rings. Over a hundred miles from home what on earth would they do?
And then there was a piercing whistle from Ben directed towards the house… Next thing we knew; Sophie’s beloved dog shot out from the archway and began hurtling towards the wedding ceremony with a Tiffany blue bag attached to his collar!
Ben had created the best surprise for Sophie who was so sad to have had to leave her constant companion at home for the weekend of their wedding. Little did she know that Ben had smuggled him all the way to Gloucestershire the day before!
Nikki’s Notes… If you are planning something like this ALWAYS let us know so that we can be ready! Thank you Ben for giving us the heads up (sorry Sophie we were in on it as well!)!
Nikki’s Notes… I absolutely love the walled garden at Eastington Park. It enables us to escape for a few moments, for the bride and groom to have some time alone, and of course creates a fabulous photographic backdrop!
Nikki’s Notes… Sophie and Ben had taken the themes of horse riding and cricket as their wedding breakfast decor. Accompanied by pink and ivory cream roses. Their logo and stationary was all designed by Sophie’s Father’s design company adding a really personal touch to the day.
The speeches were epic! And Sophie was given another medal to add to her already large collection of equestrian accolades!
Yes the dog did land in the fountain at one point!
The fun photo frame provided endless entertainment and a lot of fun for Sophie and Ben and their guests. Another cracking idea from Sophie’s Dad!
Many congratulations Sophie & Ben
We loved photographing your wedding day!
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