From the bride’s stunning Suzanne Neville gown to the elegant setting of Hedsor House, the July wedding of Marlene and James is as stylish and elegant as they come.

The wedding venue

I’ve shot a lot of weddings at Hedsor House before, and it’s a truly outstanding, ‘take your breath away’ place. You have exclusive use of the whole place for the day and it’s a dream to photograph. Everything from the luxurious bridal suite and elegant Georgian exterior, to the 100 acres of private parkland and landscaped gardens, makes the perfect backdrop for some seriously romantic photographs – I just love it here. Hands down one of the best wedding venues in Buckinghamshire.

The wedding outfits

Marlene and James are a gorgeous couple, and the both looked fantastic on the day. Marlene wore the knock-out Delphine dress by Suzanne Neville, which she fell in love with at the designer’s boutique in Knightsbridge. With its dramatic, plunging neckline and lace detailing, it was the perfect mix of modern and timeless. Paired with diamond earrings and some iconic, silver Manolo Blahnik heels, Marlene was one stylish, bride (her parents are French, so you’d expect nothing less!). A cathedral-length veil, finished the glamorous look – and made for some amazing photos, especially when it caught in the wind. Her hair was styled by the amazing Oxford Wedding & Hair. Her bridesmaids wore matching, low-back gowns in the palest pink, with bouquets of pink peonies. James went all-out and paired his wedding tux with a Lanvin pocket square and a pair of Louboutin shoes ­ as these were brand new, we had to go the groom’s shots inside, to make sure the red soles didn’t get scuffed before the ceremony!

The wedding photos

Although it looked like it could rain at times, the weather played ball and we were able to get some great couple shots outside, after the ceremony. The grass in the grounds of Hedsor House, was still long, so I managed to capture some beautiful moments between Marlene and James walking among the parkland. I also got a stunning shot of the couple together, just as the wind picked up Marlene’s veil – perfect timing! – which is one of the bride’s faves. Another photograph, of the couple standing in the grand doorway at Hedsor House, with Marlene’s veil blowing in the wind, has won a couple of awards already and is a finalist in the MPA National Awards, which I’m so pleased about. Marlene and James were so happy with how all of the photographs turned out – so much so that I’m now booked to shoot the wedding of one of the bride’s friends, next year in Essex.

The little touches

There were so many cool details at this wedding, which provided plenty of fun photo opportunities. Marlene and James went against tradition and, instead of confetti, had guests blow bubbles after the ceremony. They also went to town with the flowers ­– the beautiful floral arch in the ceremony room in particular made a gorgeous backdrop. Videographer Mark Shipperley, who I’ve worked at many weddings with, was on-hand to capture the day on film. From the lottery scratch cards as favours and the flip flops provided for dancing the night away, to the huge light-up initials on the dance floor, this was an unforgettable wedding.

Hedsor House Wedding Photos