Harriet & Alex chose one of the hottest days of the summer to get married at the stunning Arley Hall & Gardens in Cheshire. You might think this country house venue looks a bit familiar! Well, for series 3 of the award wining BBC drama ‘Peaky Blinders‘ staring Cillian Murphy, it was the home for his character, gangster Tommy Shelby, where Arley Hall was transformed into a suitable 1920’s grand home. Selfies in the library – Tommy Shelby’s office – were a must at this wedding!
Documentary wedding photography – it’s all about the unscripted moments
Harriet got ready at her family home and with minutes to spare, she arrived at church in an impressively huge white chevvy! She looked an absolute picture and despite her nerves, held it together down the aisle until she was standing next to Alex, holding his again, ready to get married. There wasn’t any room for me to be up at the top end of the church to photograph the ceremony so on this occasion I was at the back, but thankfully there was a gallery balcony so I had a few options to choose from – worth checking if you’re getting married in a church too. Once they were married, the newlyweds headed out into the hot sun again welcomed and cheered by their guests with copious amounts of pretty rose petal confetti covering them, they were then whisked away to Arley Hall.
Wedding Reception at Arley Hall
There were drinks and games on the lawns overlooking this impressive country house, and even home made ice-cream to cool guests down before a guided walk around the lovely gardens, which were in full summer bloom. Seriously, what a location! We took a bit of time out away from the guest for photos of Alex & Harriet and a bit of time for them to cool down. We couldn’t have predicted quite how hot it was going to be that day and everyone slowed down because of the heat! After family photos, guests were invited into the music room just before dinner to listen to Harriet’s sisters singing – such a lovely, very personal surprise for Harriet & Alex followed by dinner the much cooler front hall. Much needed time to sit down and relax.
Emotional Speeches
After dinner, there were some tearful emotional speeches and with not one but two best men to rib him, Alex managed to sail through the character assassination with a smile! The late afternoon sunshine was still glorious and there was another drinks reception outside the victorian barn where evening guests joined the wedding celebrations. One of Harriet’s sisters sang to everyone just before their first dance and then the party started as the live band kicked off!
Thanks to Harriet and her gorgeous family for welcoming me and for all the lovely moments we had together that day. I’m a Sussex and London based documentary wedding photographer, happily travelling across the UK and beyond for weddings. If you like what you see and would like to get in touch, click HERE to send me a message. Congratulations to Alex and Harriet and I wish you both a lifetime of love & happiness together xxx
