Sean & Bethany - Down Hall Wedding by Ben Winnington

Down Hall Essex Wedding

It was a first for us to photograph and film a wedding in Essex and Sean and Beth didn't disappoint.

The grandiosity of 'Down Hall' combined with the glamour of the gold themed wedding made for a pretty special day. A reception Hall filled with glittering candelabra's, a spot lit cake and smoke machines galore on the dance floor, all added to the glam day.  

We would like to thank the couple for having us along and making us feel so welcome, and we wish you every happiness together in your lives as Mr and Mrs O'Reily. 

Robyn & Tom - Knockerdown Cottages Wedding by Ben Winnington

Robyn and Tom are the kind of couple you would want to attend your summer bbq! Chilled out, easy to talk to, into music, total foodies, and just all round great guys. All of these things about Tom and Robyn were reflected in their wedding. 

The pair had this incredible idea that they didn't want to rush their wedding celebrations, they wanted to savour the time they had with their family and friends. So why not make a weekend of it? And man, did it pay off!

Who would have guessed snow in March right?! But can you think of a better weekend to get married and spend a whole weekend cozying up to your best friends and absorbing the entire experience. I thought it was wonderful. And because all the guests were stopping for 3 nights, they all had that chilled out holiday feeling. 

Not only did Robyn and Tom give their guests an excuse for a weekend away, but they also managed to pull off one of the most personal, stylish, heartfelt but also hilarious weddings I have ever been to! A special mention must go to Robyn's sister Cassie, for providing us with what can only be described as comedy gold during the ceremony. Never again will I hear the lyrics of 'Crank That (Soulja Boy)' and 'My Humps' being read out with such sincerity and love. 

The pair added countless personal touches to their day, and there was definitely an air of nostalgia and friendship. The guests were all presented with personalised records which had been hand picked to coincide with a memory or characteristic of that person. Like a room full of in jokes, the day was brimming with laughter. 

We would like to say a huge thank you to Robyn and Tom for having us along to such an immense day; we didn't want to leave! And also a huge well done to all the bridesmaids and groomsmen for being so determined in the freezing cold snow to get some awesome photographs. 

Live happily Watson-Smyths! We will see you again, I'm sure.

Kate & Mark Engagement by Ben Winnington

Who on earth expected snow in March then? I'm definitely not complaining though as it makes for one hell of a romantic backdrop. 

Kate and Mark decided they wanted a last minute engagement shoot before their wedding next week and they couldn't have chosen a better weekend. It was an absolute pleasure to get to know this pair and have a laugh on this cold Sunday Morning! Good effort guys. 

Bring on next weeks wedding! We can't wait. 

 

Sophie & Simon - Trinity Buoy Wharf Wedding by Ben Winnington

TRINITY BUOY WHARF WEDDING

I've been excited about this wedding ever since receiving Sophie's email all the way back in October. A London wedding, in the coolest venue ever, with the loveliest people! 

The day did not disappoint.

Sophie got ready with her Mom, five bridesmaids, and their children, in a beautiful flat in East London. The girls were all relaxed and having fun on the morning, being pampered and drinking bubbles. 

The venue, Trinity Buoy Wharf, is a unique riverside creative space, used by artists and designers; as well as housing a range of quirky cafes and brightly coloured shipping containers. The character of the old docking building is still very much intact. The venue boasts elements of both rustic, historic shipping industry artefacts, and also vibrant new, creative sculptures and working spaces. The venue also has a beautifully romantic underground ceremony room; lit by fairy lights and with exposed brick and large wooden beams, its the perfect setting for a city wedding. 

Sophie and Simon's ceremony was personal and upbeat, where the couple said their vows in front of a room full of their friends and family. Sophie walked down the isle to the Disney Pixar song "Lava" from the short film of the same name. If you haven't seen this, I recommend it highly; be sure to keep a tissue to hand though! It was a genius song choice for a bride to walk down the isle to. 

The rest of the day was energetic and filled with laughter, as the couples 180 guests enjoyed pizza and antipasti dinner, and home made 'Limoncello' shots (I believe curtsy of Simon). In keeping with the non-traditional vibe of the day; only the bride and groom made heartfelt speeches, as well as a toast from the father of the bride, and the wedding cake was replaced with a table of sharing cakes provided by the guests. We loved this homemade touch as it felt like a huge family get together; creating such a warm and friendly atmosphere. 

The bride and groom kicked off the evening party with their first dance to David Bowie 'Lets Dance', joined by all their guests. We particularly liked the reference to "red shoes" in the song, which was apt, as Sophie's wedding shoes were red, suede Manolo Blahnik’s (swoon). 

The setting, the couple, the food and the atmosphere all mixed together to create an insanely cool and beautiful wedding day we won't forget. Sophie and Simon; thank you so much for having us along for the day, you were both awesome. And a huge shout out to all the event co-ordinators at Urban Space Events and staff, everyone was so welcoming and joyous, it was a pleasure to be part of such an incredible event, in a truly unique venue.  

Robyn & Tom Engagement by Ben Winnington

City Engagement shoots are the one. 

When you end up getting unplanned breakfast at Yorks in Birmingham with a couple before a shoot; you know you're going to get along just fine. 


Tom and Robyn are my kind of people. Both in the food industry, easy going, into music, like a good Netflix binge and know about wine. Needless to say we chatted as old friends would over our eggs royale and coffee. 

The pair were a joy to be around. They are clearly still as besotted with each other as they were when they first met. They joked around with each other all morning, and it was great to see how comfortable with each other they are. 

In the words of Tom "A wedding will happen"... and mate, I can't wait! 

Thank you both for being completely awesome company, and such a pleasure to photograph on such a bitterly cold morning. See you in the spring folks. 

Sophie & Simon Engagement by Ben Winnington

Meeting Sophie and Simon in their local park in Hackney, was like meeting up with old friends. The couple are getting married next month at Trinity Buoy Wharf, which I am more than excited about. 

It was a pleasure to just spend a few hours with them both in Clissold House. I always love meeting the couple before their big day, it gives you a sense of their character and a bit of backstory to their relationship. These two were so at ease, laughing hysterically at each others jokes and enjoying people-watching all the park-goers. 

Thank you for meeting with me guys. You were an absolute delight. Not long to wait now! 

Lucy & Chris 28.12.17 by Ben Winnington

I ADORED THIS WEDDING 


Im pretty sure the God of Nuptials had our backs this day.

Chris and Lucy may as well have reached into my psyche and delivered, basically, my ideal wedding. Plus, the weather was sublime so we really couldn't have asked for more. Romantic snow fallen on rolling hills, with a stunning orange sunset. Winter wedding dreams. 

I entered the bride tribe cottage to a scene of excitement, happiness and overwhelming girl power. Lucy was joined by her charming six bridesmaids, her warm and welcoming mother and her talented hair and makeup artists; who were all drinking tea/prosecco, laughing and enjoying the warm winters morning. The sound track, of course; Spice Girls, Beyonce, P!nk (insert other strong female recording artists). 

The wedding took place at the stunning 'Stone Barn' in the Cotswolds. We had never visited the venue before and totally fell in love. What more could you want, gorgeous setting surrounded by countryside, idilic barn with quirky metal structure, thousands of indoor twinkly fairy lights, huge hanging greenery wreaths and a gorgeous open kitchen. We completely approve. 

The rest of the day didn't disappoint. The couple breezed through their vows, smiling and laughing the whole ceremony. The food was delicious, the speeches were original, engaging and heartfelt, and then came the dancing... the Scottish Cèilidh dancing.

What a genius way to entertain your guests. The pair had arranged a traditional Cèilidh dance which was absolutely great fun, totally hilarious, and a brilliant way to help your guests mingle. The evening finished off with a live band, freshly baked pizza (kudos Stone Barn), more drinking and more dancing. 

Lucy and Chris; live happily together friends. We feel so lucky to have seen your big day. 

Jacqui & Adrian 08.09.17 by Ben Winnington

Red Buses. The Thames. Traffic.

Jacqui & Adrian’s September wedding in the capital was fantastic; a masterful registrar at the Asylum venue made for some of the most fun we’ve had at a ceremony, and from there we took big red buses to Hoxton Arches across the river. Flawless from start to finish, this was another wonderful Big Day, not to be forgotten. 

MORE LONDON WEDDINGS PLEASE

 

Lindsey & Chris 02.11.17 by Ben Winnington

Talk about beautiful Autumn?! It may be my new favourite time for a wedding after this stunning day. 

Chris and Lindsey met through working at Michael Kors and so naturally, their wedding was stylish, sleek and full of stunning guests. 

Both of the loved up pair beamed with excitement and anticipation during the morning and then as they said their vows to each other, in front of their close family and friends, you could see they were just 'Team Stuart'. 

They laughed with their guests throughout the whole day and we were thrilled to be there. Thank you Mr and Mrs Stuart. We wish you a very long and happy life together. 

B+E

Liz & Ro 29.08.17 by Ben Winnington

Elizabeth and Rohit. Liz and Ro. 

Our second visit to Shustoke Barn this year; and boy does that venue just keep on giving. 

Liz and Ro met us at a wedding last year, and I feel like I've waited forever to see this adorable couple say 'I do'. The venue was packed full with friends and family feeling the same sentiment. 

I can honestly say this pair are so lovely and brilliant company. We enjoyed your day so much and the love that you have for one another was so wonderful to witness. We wish you both a lifetime of happiness together. 

We can not thank you enough for letting us be a part of such a fabulous day, we loved it from the emotional and loving start, right through to the vibrant and energetic finish. 

Â