If there was ever a wedding I had eagerly awaited, it had to be Rachael and Lawrence’s who had asked me to capture their day after I had done the same for her brother Piers and his wife Katie a few years previously! It was wonderful to reunite with their lovely family at the incredible Manor House in Castle Combe to celebrate another special chapter.

The morning started at Rachael’s family home as she got ready with her parents and bridesmaids. She looked absolutely stunning in her Suzanne Neville gown which she had customised by asking them to add a big bow on the back which looked so elegant. Her bouquet of white and red roses with touches of greenery was the perfect finishing touch, and I love how her dad proudly drove them to the ceremony in his vintage Mercedes.

Their outdoor ceremony was held in a pavilion on the lawn under a grand old oak tree and August sunshine, and it was such a special moment to capture the pair’s excitement as they met at the end of the aisle. They exchanged their vows between pillars of gorgeous flowers as their closest family and friends looked on.

Confetti was thrown as they walked back down the aisle of newlyweds, and I love the shot of everyone strolling across the lawn under the bright blue sky towards the drinks reception. Rachael and Lawrence took advantage of the wedding car to take a little moment to themselves, enjoying a quiet drive through the pretty Wiltshire village next to their venue.

This was a drinks reception with a twist as they had booked axe throwing for everyone. And I think I can safely say I’ve never seen a more badass bride that Rachael, axe-in-hand! It was such a memorable touch and I am sure it will be a talking point for years to come!

The Bybrook Room was beautifully set for dinner, with historic touches like redroses entwined around candelabras, wax seals on the menus and sloe gin favours.

Great speeches had everyone laughing and everyone enjoyed a fantastic dinner before heading upstairs for the evening’s festivities. And of course I couldn’t resist taking Rachael and Lawrence out to take a dramatic night time portrait, backlit on the garden staircase.

The evening started with a literal bang as a gold confetti canon marked the end of their first dance, and everyone joined them to dance the night away.

Thank you so much for having us capture your truly wonderful day, Rachael & Lawrence! We wish you every happiness for the future and will remember your day fondly for years to come.

“Thank you so much for sending these over, we were delighted to receive them. They portray such a sense of vivid excitement and enjoyment from the guests and everyone looks genuinely happy to be there sharing the occasion!

You won’t know this but there are a couple of people in there who it’s really hard to get a smile from and they’re positively beaming! We really enjoyed seeing our guests having a wonderful time and their reactions to everything so thank you for capturing those moments.”

— Rachael & Lawrence