I'd met Anna & Ricki at a number of weddings over the course of a few years and I was kindly recommended to them (it's amazing when people do that, thank you!!!). It's one of those more fortunate moments because they're an awesome couple, really funny and so easy to work with.
As a result, I knew a lot off the guests already which is always a huge bonus, you don't really feel like you're working... tough life hey?!
They chose Parley Manor for their wedding venue as they had enjoyed other weddings held there and felt they wanted to be sure that everything was going run smoothly on the day. Not only that but it's a gorgeous place to have a wedding. The gardens are some of the best around, really well maintained and stocked with vibrant colours - good work Parley!
With the bridal prep completed at Anna's parents, it was on to the Manor for the ceremony. Ricki's mum wrote and delivered a fantastic poem part way through, with equal measures of humour and motherly tenderness (it's the pollen okay!? It makes my eyes water!!!). I love moments like that, they're really specific to the occasion and totally from the heart.
With the sun beating down and thunder clouds on the horizon (yep, that's England!) the guests enjoyed drinks and canapés on the lawn while we went for a quick bimble. Simon from Final Cut Films was there too, doing a great job to film everything - it's always good to work alongside him.
The heavens decided to open whilst everyone ate and drank inside the marquee, clearing the skies for a cooler, more comfortable evening. Thankfully, we managed to get out for some group shots in front of the house before we were drowned in the ensuing downpour.
Once more I was reminded of why I love my job, why I'm fortunate enough to do it for a living and the enduring nature of the end product. I always say to people, 'these photos aren't for now, they're for 20 years down the line'. I'm sure that in 20 years time, Anna & Ricki will be able to look through happy memories of their wedding day together. Thank you, wholeheartedly, to them both for entrusting me with taking their photos and spend the day with them all. Ya Beauties!
Darren
Images Copyright Darren Lovell Photography 2018
Use without permission is prohibited
