Netley Hall Weddings
Back at Netley Hall again, this time for the outdoor wedding of Morgan & Sam.
As always the day started with Bridal Preps ... Meet the bridesmaids, Maid of Honour (Mum), and lovely flowergirl to get the details of dress, shoes, details and candids underway. I am always early to start a wedding, as this gives me time to photograph the venue inside and out, and at Netley Hall, there's always a lot to photograph with plenty of walking involved, as the venue is quite substantial, to say the least.
The Boys were all early (!), with pre-wedding drinkies in hand, and enthusiastically entered in to the fun for their photo session, so well done them. Its always nice when the boys take their roles seriously, and this crew certainly did everything asked of them.
Back to Morgan and the girls for their final "finishing touches" pics before the long steady walk to the lakeside. I have to say, its impressive how you girls manage to walk such a distance over gravel and grass in heels without breaking anything.
Morgan and her Dad had the longest aisle to walk down, from the venue's gravel drive, across the grass, down to the lake, where Sam (with a few tears of disbelief at what he was seeing) was waiting with his Best Men. It took a few minutes for hankies to be put away, after everyone had recovered, to begin what was to be a word-perfect ceremony, tremendous kiss at the end, and signing, before walking back up the aisle to cheers and applause from the guests.
Morgan had obviously briefed everyone that the planned big group shot and confetti throwing was to be done before post-ceremony drinks, as before I knew it, everyone was in place !
Wedding party photos done in front of the hall, then a quick break for everyone (not for me) before the family groups and candid photos, a quick breather, and off we go again for the Bride's and Groom's personal photographs, which I always do away from the guests. At Netley Hall, there's plenty of scope with lovely backdrops, well maintained gardens, features, and above all, plenty of space.
As with the rest of their day, the newly weds threw themselves in to the session, with plenty of laughter, and any inhibitions drained away when they realised it can be fun, and a bit silly, and how much we can actually get done in 25 minutes, before their grand entrance in to the lovely dining room (which I photographed earlier).
Speeches were after the meal, and I had to limit myself to a starter and the biggest roast beef dinner I think I've ever seen on one plate, to avoid nodding off.
Father of The Bride, The Groom, and the two Best Men, even Sam's mother entertained, before a welcome break for all in the grounds, building up to the evening party. As usual, I stick around for photo requests, more family groups combinations, as well as candids, as the time ticks away before the cake-cutting and 1st Dance, swiftly followed by a lovely "Father and Daughter, Groom and Mother" dance, before the guests were unleashed !
(Message to The Groomsmen .... as always "what happens on the dancefloor, stays on the dancefloor" - so don't worry, I won't be naming names !)
A tremendous day, hard work, but very rewarding and quite stress free with the help of the family and guests.
Thanks to Morgan and Sam again for feeding me (too much) and everyone else who made the day go so well.
Best wishes to you all
Mike
