Every wedding is special, but this one in particular will always hold a place in my heart as I’ve known groom Jonny for a long time, so it was really special to not only witness him marrying the girl of his dreams but also shoot it too!
Gina and her lovely bridesmaids chose to get ready at her mum’s house, with the fabulous Sarah Dunn working her vintage twist on hair and makeup. She chose a Justin Alexander dress from George James Bridal, with a flowing tulle skirt and a bodice whose beaded embellishments reminded me of Swan Lake. I love that she added another little twist with the cutest gold dance shoes! Jonny and his groomsmen looked dapper in my suits by my favourite people The Vintage Suit Hire Company.
I’ve lived and worked as a photographer in Bedford my whole life, but I’d never even been in St Paul’s Church in the centre of town before, let alone shot a wedding in it! Gina walked arm in arm down the aisle next to her proud mum, and I love the way Jonny looked at her as he saw her at the end of the aisle for the first time.
After a beautiful, heartfelt ceremony with light pouring in through the stained glass windows, the guests took a leisurely walk to their reception whilst we left in the wedding car for a little detour along Bedford’s Embankment. We took the chance to get some portraits there in their just-married excitement and most importantly to grab an ice cream!
Bedford School was the setting for their reception and a venue I am proud and grateful to be a recommended supplier at. They filled the Great Hall with tables decorated with vintage crockery and crates of white tulips, and a show-stopping 5 tier cake featuring delicate sugar anemones and bluebirds.
After family photos in front of the architectural arches of the hall we snuck off for some couple portraits in the grounds of the school. One of my favourite photos all year is the photo we took on the steps of the School’s chapel - a backdrop really unique to their venue!
With lots of light pouring into the hall and fantastic speeches, the guests reactions were a real joy to shoot. And to top it all off each table had a pub quiz, and we caught a lovely little moment where Gina & Jonny watched their guests from the balcony that overlooks the hall whilst the quiz was underway. They started their evening off with their first dance to Tiny Dancer by Elton John, and I’m SO glad stayed long enough to see Jonny get up on stage and sing with the band!
Thank you both so much for the privilege of shooting your incredible day.
featured suppliers
Venue: Bedford School
Hair & Makeup: Sarah’s Doo Wop Dos
Dress: Justin Alexander
Suit: The Vintage Suit Hire Company
Florist: Howbury Flowers
Cake: Restoration Cake
