Jack & Suzannah, Leez Priory, Hertford End 24th June 2010

Front shot of Leez Priory, Hertford end. Taken at Jack and Suzannahs wedding

It’s not every day of the week you get to photograph a Superstar DJ, but that’s exactly what I got to do this week. You may not have heard of Jack Berry, but he’s the guy responsible for the Peugeot 206 track. The one where the Indian guy converts his car, from a rusty little Indian thing, into a Peugeot lookalike...

Anyway, enough of the name dropping, Jack and Suzannah were cool and very, very relaxed. I’ve met Jack on several occasions, but when he bought Suzannah over for their pre-wedding chat, I knew it was going to be a great day! I have never met a couple who were so in tune with each other. I hate to use such a tired cliche; but two peas in a pod certainly sums them up well...

Thankfully it was a beautiful day on Thursday, I don’t think they could have asked for more perfect weather... I found Jack in his ‘Fortress of Solitude’ (His words) and quickly realised that nothing was going to be happening quickly!

So, off I trundled to Suzannah, only to find any mans worst nightmare... a room full of giggling girls! Aaaaaarrrrgh!

Vivienne Westwood bridal sandals
It was all alright though, because as it turned out, they weren’t giggling about me...phew...

Suzannah had chosen a pair of Vivienne Westwood melissa shoes as her bridal shoes, which were, dare I say, it very cool. couple with some simple lilies, they made a great ensemble.

Bridal bouquet at Leez Priory.
I love the old windows at Leez Priory. Because the glass is so old, and by definition, imperfect, it really softens the light, giving a beautiful diffused effect.

I think i’ll have to point out at this time how wonderful the staff at Leez Priory are. They certainly seemed to be very attentive, making sure the Bride and Groom were ok, had drinks, snacks etc. Great service and very friendly. Well done guys!

In short order, Jack was ready, for this I think I have to thank Pete, Jacks brother, who actually seemed to be the one who was keeping everything together. Jack didn’t really have attendants, so a few photographs of him and Pete and we were done. All of a sudden, time seemed to be marching on and it was time to see the Registrars.

I have been working the Chelmsford area for some time now and I have to say the Chelmsford Registrars are LOVELY. We’ve worked together at Leez Priory on many occasions and they are always fun weddings. We have simple rules which I adhere to, I don’t take too many flash shots, I don’t get in the way, and I don’t photograph the register being signed. Stick to those and I can do what I want. Perfect.

A wedding at Leez Priory, Hertford End, outside, underneath the tower
Jack & Suzannah at Leez Priory, Hertford End, Just after the kiss
Even during the ceremony, Jack and Suzannah just couldn’t help themselves, laughing, giggling and generally, having fun. It was great to see. They were very, very, very happy Winking We got some amazing photographs...

Jack, just after the ceremony at Leez Priory. He's one happy guy.
We cracked on with the formals, starting with ubiquitous group shot from above. Then we covered around a dozen or so formal photographs and then took a walk around the grounds of Leez Priory.
Jack the groom at Leez Priory.
Now, I will state, for the record, if you get a beautiful, sunny day, there is no better venue in Essex than Leez Priory. Leez Priory itself is a magnificent building, the colours of the brick work is amazing, the formal structure is very imposing, without being dominating to the surrounding scenery and the gardens are very well kept.

I can’t quite put my finger on what is so perfect about it, but the outside of Leez Priory is pretty perfect for Wedding Photography. I have said it before, and I’ll say it again, Leez Priory is one of the few wedding venues where it’s really imperative that the photographer has an in depth knowledge of the venue, to really get the best photographs.

One of the many 'secret nooks' at Leez Priory
Suzannah & Jack at the Tower, Leez Priory

In honesty, some of the best pictures of the day occurred after the meal. I love this time of day, the light is softer, the couple is significantly more relaxed. We had a great time getting some photographs around the grounds of Leez Priory. Jack and Suzannah were up for anything!

Jack & Suzannah at Leez Priory, with an amazing evening sky.
As you can see the sky in the evening was totally amazing. Really, really breathtaking.

Bride and Groom, in front of Leez Priory at dusk
Possibly my photograph of the day was this shot of Jack and Suzannah in front of Leez Priory at dusk.

A bride and Groom snogging at Leez Priory, Hertford End
But it could be this photograph snogging at the back of Leez Priory...


Vivienne Westwood Shoes at Leez Priory, Essex.
Or it could be this photograph, because it’s something I’ve never done before...

Anyway, needless to say, they were a good looking couple up for photographs, at an amazing location. A photographers wet dream. I think there will be a new Leez Priory album on show, in the not too distant future!

Jack and Suzannah opted to have their party in the coach house at Leez Priory, rather than the ‘dungeon disco’ and Pete, Jack’s brother was in charge... Needless to say the Bride and Groom couldn’t just have a ‘snog and shuffle’ like the rest of us, no, it had to be their own little dance routine...
Bride & Groom, enjoying their first dance at Leez Priory.
A little Cuddle after the first dance.

After I’d said my goodbyes, I wandered out to the carpark, only to be greeted by a truly beautiful sight... Leez Priory lit, at dusk with just a few clouds in the sky. I HAD to get a photograph...

Leez Priory at night
Congratulations guys, it was an honour and a pleasure to be involved in your day, I hope you keep that amazing rapport between you for many, many years to come.

If you’re thinking of getting married at Leez Priory, please give me a call, because I love it!

PK.
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Louise & Neil, Boreham House, Chelmsford, Essex.

The wedding photography of Neil and Louise at Boreham House, Chelmsford, Essex
My first wedding yesterday at Chelmsfords newest wedding venue Boreham House.
What can I say, it was absolutely fantastic!!! The building is sublime, the setting perfect, I don’t have a single bad thing to say about it. The great thing is, I think it’s probably going to get a lot better too!
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Louise was really relaxed, which I always find a little un-nerving, it’s so rare! I expect to walk into a room full of nervous people, not peace and calm!
Anyway, I got some lovely shots of the exterior and interiors, along with some photography of the lovely flowers in the brand spanking new (bloody expensive) pavilion.
Neil arrived on time, fetched by Steve at Boreham House, in his Bentley. I asked Steve if he’d mind if I borrowed his car, he gave me a funny look and politely refused.
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Please note the ‘Starsky and Hutch’ pose…
The service went without a hitch, the lovely Sonia of Chelmsford Registry office, who I haven’t seen in ages, took the ceremony. Lovely to see you again Sonia!
The ceremony room is gorgeous, the carved fire surrounds work well with the colour of the room and the chandelier is lovely too. The Bride and Groom stood opposite the French doors, which meant we had some lovely natural light.
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After the wedding service, I managed to get some great photographs of the Bride and Groom in the interiors of the house. I love the Henry VIII staircase, the colour of the wood is just beautiful and there are a lot of opportunities for some great photos.
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Obviously we had to get some photographs of the Bride and Groom in the front of the house, the pillars are magnificent.
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After these we moved to the rear of Boreham House, and got some great formal photographs of the family and some fun candid photography of the guests.
Everyone seemed to be in good spirits, the bridesmaids were well behaved, Neil’s Dad was lovely. A really pleasant afternoon, all in all.
Boreham House is going to be the most sought after venue in the Chelmsford area, I have absolutely no doubt about it, I feel privileged to be their recommended photographer! I know that sounds cheesy, but there are some places that you actually feel honoured to be, and this one of them.
Alright, I’ll stop gushing now, before I make you sick! I’ll keep you up to date with more weddings in the future…
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Ashleigh & Matthew at The Fennes Estate, Bocking, Braintree

Ashleigh and Matthew were married at the Fennes estate today! It was a bit blowy, but it doesn’t matter because it wasn’t raining! Ashleigh was infectiously happy, there’s no other way to describe it! Everybody was really nice and all in all, it was a thoroughly good day.

It’s really nice to see the buds starting to come out on the tress, and the spring flowers coming through, a couple more weeks and it’s going to be lovely...

I’m pretty sure Matt and Ashleigh had a good time ( I know Ashleigh did) And I enjoyed being there with them too! Have a lovely life together guys.



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Nisha & Hitesh at Boreham House, Chelmsford, Essex

Just a couple of quick shots from our wedding session at Boreham House, in Chelmsford. Nisha & Hitesh were great, Hitesh in particular was very nervous, but he really pulled out all the stops...
Looking forward to the wedding guys, I really can’t wait!
portrait photgraphy of Nisha & Hitesh at Boreham House

Nisha & Hitesh at Boreham House, Essex
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Lea & Paul, Wedding photography at the Fennes Estate, Essex

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A nice little email from last weeks couple, Lea & Paul, Wedding photography at the Fennes Estate, Bocking, Braintree. Read More...
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