THERE IS SOME ARTISTIC NUDITY IN THIS WEDDING FEATURE!!!! Jessica & Mark got married in September at Jess’s local church in Ashtead, Surrey, just around the corner from her family home. She prepared at home with her bridesmaids, sisters and parents, whilst Mark got ready at Ridge Farm with his brother, dad and friends. Ridge Farm is one of my favourite Surrey wedding venues and it’s also still a working recording studio – one with real pedigree. Roxy music, Oasis, Sade and Queen to name but a few have all recorded there over the years and it has a very boho relaxed feel to it with acres of grounds, camping, barns, an orchard, horses, a big old house and even chickens! Jess & Mark wanted a weekend of wedding celebrations starting on the Friday night with a family dinner and ending on the Sunday… and with plenty of space at the farm, guests were able to stay on site, relax and enjoy.
Their Ridge Farm reception
After the church service and their departure in a sleek Cobra, Mark’s surprise for Jess, they whisked themselves off to Ridge farm to be greeted by their waiting guests. The day was full of fun moments with lots of little rascals and good laughs with a great crowd. The chefs were busy cooking dinner with delicious smells wafting across the lawns whilst everyone sipped Pimms & fizz and nibbled at beautiful canapés. After a few family photos, we headed off around the grounds to take some lovely photos.
Bride and Groom photos
Those of you who love my photography style and are considering me as your wedding photographer, we don’t need to be away from your guests for too long. Long enough for a relaxed walk around wherever you are having your wedding – either at the ceremony or reception venue. I usually recommend at least 20 minutes. After some shots inside the main house to make use of the lovely light, we headed outside to take some portraits in the beautiful grounds after which they headed into dinner which was all set up in the pool room with a roaring welcome! With huge jugs of beautiful flowers, bunting and lots of candles all hand-made by Mark, the place looked so lovely. There were even some shall we say, ‘artistic’ drawings adorning the walls of the loos in the camping field, courtesy of the hens (great idea for a hen do ladies!!).
Happy tears
Dinner followed with lots of very emotional speeches. There were as many tears when Mark gave his speech that evening, as there were that morning when he watched Jess walking down the aisle towards him. I love seeing the guys getting all emotional – somehow it makes it more emotional for me too. There were lots of moments like this all day and it was clear how much of a closely connected family and loving couple they are. Sometimes you can really feel it when the groom says he’s marrying his best friend. A fabulous cake cutting with Mark practising his surgical skills, then some crazy dancing to a very cool and groovy live band who got the party started and the crowd onto the dance floor.
Jess and Mark – thanks for choosing me to cover your wedding day celebrations and I wish you both a very long and happy future together. Here are some shots from the day which I hope you enjoy! If you’re planning a Ridge Farm Wedding or looking for a relaxed documentary wedding photographer in Surrey or Sussex do get in touch via my contact page, I’d love to hear from you. Oh and look out for the chickens!
