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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!


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.


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.



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 We got some amazing photographs...


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.

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.




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!


As you can see the sky in the evening was totally amazing. Really, really breathtaking.


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


But it could be this photograph snogging at the back of Leez Priory...



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...



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...


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.

Tags: wedding, leez, priory, hertford end, planning, Wedding photography, essex, essex wedding, leez priory, chelmsford, candid, reportage, documentary

Tags: wedding, planning, Wedding planner, photography, hertfordshire, the grove