Last month saw us with the lovely Richard and Olessia at Hyde house in Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire. I must say, they were the most fantastically calm bride and groom I have ever had the pleasure of photographing. This, along with the friendliest group of family and friends, made this wedding a memory that I will hope to treasure for a long, long time.
The Bride & Groom
The day began with what looked like miserable weather. Rain forecast, and a very dull and grey sky looming overhead, I started to get a little dis-heartened. But I put it out of my mind and started with the bridal prep. I soon forgot about the weather with the feeling of excitement and happiness that radiated from Olessia and her bridal party. The chatter and laughter never failing. Although the Bridesmaids assure me there was limited alcohol involved, I am yet to be convinced on that one. Even-so, there was definitely a calm and collective atmosphere.
Richard and his groomsmen were very much the same. Still in their shorts and tshirts, they happily went about putting the finishing touches to the beautiful decorating of the ceremony and reception rooms. Hand crafted centre-pieces stood proud in the middle of each of the tables, with the scent of the fresh flowers in the air. A simple, yet elegant decoration that made this wedding all the more enjoyable to be a part of.
The ceremony began with all eyes to the door, eagerly awaiting the entrance of the gorgeous bride. Even though the ceremony was a relatively short one, and of a more contemporary style than usual, there were still plenty of happy tears. Most of these from one bridesmaid in particular who shall remain nameless (Keri).
The Entrance of Olessia.
I’m pretty sure they had someone watching over them from above, as just as the ceremony finished and guests started to come out, the rain cleared and we were blessed with a bright and calm sky.
Perfect timing! Still as relaxed as ever, Richard and Olessia were a joy to work with as we went about getting several different portraits. A couple clearly in love as even though we had to keep reminding Richard that he was actually allowed to smile and kiss his bride in the beginning, he soon got the idea!
The Happy Couple
The reception was a warm and welcoming place to be. Each table deep in conversation with laughter and smiles all around. That, along with a little piece of colour co-ordinated string and the ‘How to Tie Different Knots’ instructions placed by Richard and his Groomsmen on the back of each name card, meant guests had a lot to talk about.
The food prepared by Hyde House was ‘I think fair to say’ an exceptional meal and enjoyed by all. A tantalising plate of fresh melon, followed by a tasty roast chicken dinner and a slice of homemade cheesecake to finish.
The speeches were given after the food in which the usual thank you’s were given by the groom and his new wife, and the families of the couple. But what really stood out was the Best man’s speech. Knowing that Josh was a little ‘edgy’ with public speaking, I was amazed to see that instead, he had prepared a video in which he had lovingly taken the time to get friends and family of the bride and groom to write and show their own prompt card messages. An outstanding effort Josh!
You've Got a Friend in Me
Overall the whole day was an absolute honour to be a part of. From Olessia and her bridesmaids getting ready, the table football and bouncy castle hired for the guests, and to the happy couple’s first dance to Toy Story’s ‘You’ve Got A Friend In Me’.
Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Doyle, and good luck for the future.
The Grooms Party
Even Grand-Mother Got to See
True Love
Happily Ever After
For more information on Hyde House, please click here
Tim White