Getting asked to be Mike and Becky’s wedding photographer was a moment. A pretty good moment actually. At a time when the world was falling apart and I thought weddings were over forever (Yes I was that dramatic) these crazy kids rock up with some epic plans for a Wilderness Reserve wedding.
One of the first things Mike said was “We don’t really want posed photos and we don’t fancy standing around for ages for group shots”. Already this sounded like my idea of a perfect wedding day.
My reply was a very quick and excited “yes, I’m in”
I then found out it was going to be a full weekend, not just one day.
Oh and there is a pool
and a lake
a cinema room
with a Games room
and a bonfire party the following day.
My family were invited too.
Now is probably a good time to mention that Mike and Becky are friends of ours. I am not in the habit of bringing my family to weddings. It’s not part of the package. Unless you’re not so fond of your own family then I will be happy to hire them out for the day. They are pretty well behaved as long as they are fed.
Fast forward to wedding weekend
Wilderness reserve Wedding Day 1
I arrived fairly early in the morning thanks to a perfect mix of excitement, fear of road closures and apocalyptic traffic jams. I found my way to the Sibton Park Manor House, part of the Wilderness Reserve estate. All the guests had exclusive use of the 14 bedroom house so that was pretty awesome. I found my room, ditched the family and went to find the bride and groom.
Preparations were well underway for Becky and her beautiful bridesmaids. Hair an make up in progress and all looking stunning in their matching silk Pjs. The groom and groomsmen were doing ….I don’t actually know. Groomsmen never seem to take that long to get ready so I was leaving them for later.
The video team arrived, my favourite wedding videographers, Josh Hyde and Andrew Coates, who always produce the most magical wedding videos. You can see some of them here https://www.jhydeweddings.com/videography
Once I had all the preparation shots, the countdown was on for the ceremony. It was time to get in a spot where the registrar wouldn’t frown and nudge me over. They do that a lot you know. I think they imagine I am going to be clicking away, blinding guests with flash throughout the vows. I don’t do that. An upgrade on the camera means it’s all pretty stealthy, no flash and silent shutter.
Time to say ‘I do’
Mike and Becky’s ceremony was full of joy and enough love to power a small city at Christmas. With no posed shots to get through we went straight outside for the only traditional, arranged photo. The confetti shot. I have mastered the art of walking backwards in a group and not getting in the way of video (you’re welcome Josh) and we released the guests to go and enjoy their first drinks.
There was a quick dash to the front entrance for half hour of down time for the bride and groom. We were chasing the last of the winter light and it gave us all a chance to step away, relax and gather our thoughts. However, I will mention that at one point I was wedged in the boot of Josh’s moving car with my legs hanging out, next to the other videographer, camera in hand capturing the wedding car in motion. All for the love of the job. Completely safe I promise.
The reception was dressed with suspended floral arrangements by the Lizzie at The Untamed Florist. You can find some ore of her work at https://www.theuntamedflorist.com/pages/weddings
The team at Production Plus installed a light box with artwork from graphic artist Anthony Burrill, which was a kept secret from Becky. Not the first time Mike has hatched a master plan, shameless plug for another blog which you can read here https://www.sarahcarterphotography.co.uk/uk-wedding-photographer-near-me/
After the speeches (where the groom made us laugh and made me ugly cry), I found my husband at our table and sat down to enjoy a beautiful meal and a glass of wine.
From then on it did turn into more partying that photographing but what can you do? It’s not everyday your friends get married. There was dancing, cocktails and lots of laughing. When we went down to the after party in the wine cellar, it was ‘shoes off dancing’ which is a sign of a really good party.
Wilderness Reserve Wedding
Day 2
The next morning was a whole lot quieter than the night before. I could judge the varying degrees of hangover by the time that guests were arriving for breakfast. My favourite was the bridesmaid who appeared in silence wearing dark sunglasses. No words needed. She is a goddess.
I spent most the day relaxing and managed to get Mike and Becky out on the lake in a row boat pretending not to be frozen. The videographers got some beautiful footage across the lake and my frozen fingers managed a few photos.
We waited for the evening to roll in before heading off into the woods for a bonfire. Food and drinks, mixed with a few sparklers was the prefect way to end this Wilderness Reserve Wedding.
To see more from Wilderness Reserve, Sibton Park, have a look at their weddings here https://weddings.wildernessreserve.com/
To see more from production plus visit https://productionplus.co.uk/gallery
Anthony Burrill’s art can be found at https://anthonyburrill.com/showcase/you-me-me-you/