Kate and Chris got married in June at the incredible Rockley Manor, located just outside the historic town of Marlborough. Rockley Manor is only available as a wedding venue a handful of times a year and it felt very special indeed to be there as it was an incredible setting for Kate & Chris’s summer wedding. I arrived bright and early on the morning of the wedding to a house already full of people – their people… from all across the UK, OZ and a quite a few places in-between. Kate and Chris had their ‘official’ wedding ceremony the day before in Marlborough witnessed by a small family group, so they planned to have a second, humanist wedding ceremony and big celebratory day with their families and friends the following day at Rockley. Despite being already married, they were still paying homage to the tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding so Kate and her bridal party occupied the first floor and Chris and the guys, had the second. Both were surrounded by a gaggle of spirited friends, as funny and easy going as they were. I got the vibe very quickly that it was going to be a fabulous day!
The Bride and Groom got ready in the same place
The beauty of having both the bride and groom getting ready at the same venue is that it makes coverage so much easier. I prefer being able to cover a bit of both wherever possible. It was great wandering around the big manor house, with something going on wherever I went…. guests brunching, groomsmen playing snooker, Chris welcoming guests, staff prepping, parents chatting, toasting bridesmaids and bride….it’s a great feeling knowing that you’re right in the middle of it all and don’t have to go anywhere else.
Humanist Ceremony… with a few new traditions
The sun was shining down promising a sweltering day as more and more guest started to arrive. Then Kate was ready, guests were seated outside and Chris waited for his Bride to arrive. They had a very moving outdoor humanist ceremony conducted by one of their good friends, which made if even more special, and with a few words spoken by both mum’s. Confetti and champagne followed with garden games and divine canapés for all, at which point, we then snook off and wandered into the grounds of Rockley and it’s gardens to do some portraits. When a couple are madly in love it shows and makes photographing them such a pleasure.
No traditional photo line-ups please!
Kate was adamant that they didn’t want any traditional group line-ups so we did a few relaxed fun shots outside in the hot sun and then headed into the cool barn for the wedding breakfast. There were great speeches – I mean, REALLYÂ great speeches. There was even a maid of honour and groom ‘shot drink-off’ – a newly made up tradition! The room was in uproar with laughter at their antics. Then later that afternoon, guests wandered over to the secret garden where the cheese cake was cut and guests lolled around in the grounds admiring the gorgeous setting and gardens of Rockley while stretching their legs. There was even a dinosaur, rumoured to be a gift from the director Tim Burton to Rockley’s owner….
Let the party begin
And then the party started…. a photo booth appeared and guests grabbed props as we played the 5-second shot game! The night ended with Kate & Chris’s romantic first dance and lots of funky moves on the dance floor. What a day, what a wedding, what a couple! Loved loved LOVEDÂ every minute I shared with you guys. Thank you for having me there to capture your wonderful wedding. And thanks to all the wonderful staff at Rockely. You guys were amazing!
If you’re getting married at Rockely Manor and want to book wedding photography coverage that captures your day in a relaxed and discreet way, get in touch via my contact form – I’d love to hear from you.
