Swarling Manor Wedding // Becky & Alex
At the start of June I photographed Becky and Alex’s Swarling Manor wedding, a stone’s throw from where I live . It was not a venue I had shot at before, and I can see why Becky and Alex chose it. Set in lovely woodland, it offers a blank canvas for couples to hold the wedding day they want, in this instance, a humanist ceremony on the lawns and a huge marquee for their friends and family to feast in and dance the day away. Things kicked off at Becky’s family home, where she got ready alongside her family. Dressed in a vintage style handcrafted dress from London designer Charlotte Casadéjus, Becky looked a picture of ethereal elegance as she made her way to Swarling Manor in the wedding car, a pretty cool gold Skoda.
Alex was waiting on the lawns, alongside their guests as Becky arrived. The humanist ceremony was performed under perfect blue skies dotted with fluffy white clouds. A couple of readings and some confetti later, it was time to enjoy Pimms and Spitfire, and enjoy some games, namely table tennis, table football and croquet. There was also a dressing up box and for those who found all the excitement too much, some picnic blankets and deckchairs to doze off in. Dinner was served, and interspersed with speeches, including a tearful one by Becky and a little ditty performed on a miniature guitar by the best man. The evening light was soft, low and golden so I took the opportunity to take Becky and Alex into the woods for some portraits. My favourite type of light as it makes for intimate and natural photos. Back at the marquee, an informal cutting of an informal ‘cake’ – a bunch of custard tarts passed around, and the brilliant Cookie took the dance floor by storm with her powerful and soulful voice. A singer I had not seen before and her talent blew me away. A few favourites from the day.
