On a very hot day in July I had the pleasure of photographing Jennie and John’s Hengrave Hall wedding. I have photographed several celebrations here and each one of them very different, ranging from a very formal day that included 2 ceremonies and a great party, to a low key intimate celebration and of course this celebration with fun and laughter throughout the day.
Feeling hot in the city… (Or in this case the countryside)
The heat on the day was to say the least stifling. These are they type of days when you see last minute curling of hair as the heat (or more specifically the humidity) will soon dissolve any curls and frizz straightened hair very quickly! For the guys there is usually a lot of ‘mopping’ of fevered brows and necks as they struggle with tight collars. We can never really predict the weather in England and, as four seasons in one day isn’t uncommon I think everyone considered they were reasonably lucky not to be negotiating great swathes of rain!
Gentlemen Only…….
The bride and groom can actually get ready here in the same building without bumping into each other before the ceremony – how cool is that? Whilst Jennie and her bridesmaids prepared in Queen Elizabeth’s Chamber, the ‘boys’ were able to chill in their own room complete with pool table. It’s great to observe the different preparations and capture some unique moments without having to dash between two completely separate venues and for the bride and groom it’s a real ‘bonding’ time as the final preparations take place for what will be one incredible day in each of their lives.
Hats off to them…………..
Jennie had asked everyone to make an effort with hats and people certainly did make the effort. I particularly loved the top hat style worn by one of the young ladies – very ‘avant garde’ and a fantastic deep blue colour. With the groomsmen in their country style suits and the odd smattering of morning suits, the whole party looked colourful, eclectic and stylish.
Let the Celebrations begin….
After the ceremony in the small church, the celebrations began with the throwing of confetti before heading back on foot to the hall itself. The stunning grounds provided a welcome respite from the heat indoors and an outdoor receiving line preceded the fun with outdoor croquet and table tennis. Its great watching people in their best frocks launching themselves at the table with great abandon!
Speeches and toasts followed in the more refined atmosphere of the dining hall after which Jennie and John cut their ‘naked’ wedding cake (no icing) that was starting to lean under the extreme heat conditions.
Dance, Dance, Dance……….
With the day morphing into evening Jennie and John did their first dance with everyone else soon hitting the dance floor to round off the day, ‘strutting their stuff’ on the chequered tiled floor of this ancient building. I often wonder what the ancient holy order that once lived here would think of such goings on…………….
Exit Stage Left…
The last word of the day from yours truly ………..thank you to all the guests for being such good fun – I especially loved the guests who allowed me to capture them capturing themselves in ‘selfie’ mode and ultimately thanks to Jennie and John for inviting me to be their photographer and capture their day, and I wish them all the best for the future as ‘Mr and Mrs’.
Are you having a Hengrave Hall Wedding?
If you’re planning your day at Hengrave Hall in Suffolk and would love for it to be captured naturally and beautifully, please get in touch to check my availability, I’d love to photograph your wedding.
See more beautiful weddings from Hengrave Hall→