Gorse Hill wedding – Jennifer & Martin

Gorse Hill hotel on the edge on Woking in Surrey was the location for Jennifer and Martin’s wedding last weekend.

This one was a bit different for me. Not only was it my job to photograph the wedding but this was the wedding of friends. Jennifer is one of my wife’s oldest and best friends. Back in the mists of time they met at school in Hampshire. A friendship that has remained ever since.

This meant that, unusually for me, my family were at a wedding I was shooting. The last time this happened, one of my daughters was spinning around my legs as I was shooting the family groups – she was 14 months old then. Twelve years later,  she was now in high heels and photographing selfies with the groups with her iphone!

The hotel was set. The weather was set. Martin assured me he had taken care of the weather, despite it being November. Well, it worked.

As Martin entertained the arriving guests in the hotel bar, Jennifer got ready upstairs with her cousin, Rachel. The sun was starting to beat off the clouds a bit. Escorted downstairs by her father and along the short aisle in the ceremony room,  Jennifer joined up with Martin, who in his own words, was ‘buzzing’! A few tears, some laughter and a very, very long kiss……they were now married!

Joining guests for the reception, after Martin managed to step on Jennifer’s dress as they left the room, the bubbly then flowed. With the weather being mild, the guests could spill out onto the terrace. In the fading light a few portraits in the grounds (photobombed by my daughter). Then as the guests headed to their tables, named after sporting venues (I got Lords!), a chance for a quiet moment for the couple. Was Martin then giving me some artistic direction with his hand signal when they finally noticed the camera?? 😉  See pic below…

After the main course, the speeches. Martin was about to unleash an epic……36 minutes, including Jennifer’s bit. Kneeling on the floor to shoot, my knees were screaming by the end!

More drinks, a cake cut with Jennifer’s father’s military sword and then the dancing, back in the restaurant at Gorse Hill. Congratulations to Jennifer and Martin!

Here are a few images from the day…