If love really was a drug, then this gorgeous couple would be high as kites!
There’s no place like love and Jo & Chris epitomise this right here.
She wears: Charlotte Balbier dress from http://www.thebridalroombroadway.co.uk Shoes: Else Chiante. Flowers by http://www.simplyflowers-astoncross.co.uk
He wears: suit from http://www.beaus-and-balls.co.uk
As the year comes to a close, here’s one wedding we haven’t yet had time to talk about which we shot back in August – how time flies! Although we ended up having our wedding in Suffolk, being locally-based, Deer Park was one of the venues we seriously considered for our own wedding, so it was a treat to return there as the official photographers for Jo & Chris’s big day back in August. What a day it was!
In the morning, I whizzed off to the mother of the bride’s house where Jo, mum, daughter and bridesmaids were all getting ready for the day ahead. I have to say that it’s not often that the bride is more calm than everyone else, but, knowing what she wanted from start to finish, Jo had planned this day with meticulous and careful consideration so the day itself was a set to be a real celebration and that’s evident from the warmth and happiness that can be seen in every moment. The ladies had the pleasure of being beautified by Jodi of Face Perfect, who we’ve worked with many times and did a sterling job as always.
Here’s an idea for couples where one or both of you are particularly forgetful – this clever pair managed to combine their wedding day with the Groom’s birthday so there’ll be no excuses for ever forgetting the wedding anniversary! This meant it was a double whammy for Groom Chris, so once everyone was dressed in their wedding finery it was off to their local for with a couple of celebratory pints & a cigar or two. One of the biggest advantages of having two photographers is that whilst one is with the girls in the morning, the other can be with the guys, so nothing goes un-captured!
Included in this was Chris & Jo’s son Bobby who had the most dapper baker boy hat we’ve ever seen, making for some brilliant candid shots – he wasn’t keen on getting dressed up, so well done to Chris’s Mum Maria for encouraging him!
It’s so lovely when a bride makes you feel part of the big day and both Jo & her mum welcomed me in with coffee on tap and lots of lovely nibbles to fuel up on – quite a treat! Jo had her beautiful daughter Danielle as Chief Bridesmaid and with everyone nearly ready, I grabbed some shots of those all important finishing touches.
As wedding venues go, we have to say that Deer Park is a superb venue. Surrounded by simply stunning vistas across Worcestershire and beyond, with a beautiful Oak-panelled ceremony room and a contemporary yet rustic barn for the reception with panoramic views, manicured lawns & decking & great staff to-boot, you’d be hard pressed to find fault here! If you’re lucky you’ll even catch a glimpse of the resident herd of deer.
Jo made for a very elegant bride and we loved these classic flowers by Simply Flowers.
This organised duo even had their own beautifully vintage signs made up in their wedding colours by the Grooms’ crafty brother Gareth & upon arrival, it was a very special moment as she turned to her Dad outside the ceremony room and took a deep breath….
Left to right bridesmaids: Daughter Danielle, little Esme, Cerys & Freya and Joanne with proud dad.
Jo’s Charlotte Balbier dress wowed the congregation and the ceremony went off without a hitch (despite the groom getting so hot under the collar he had to de-robe immediately after the vows!)
With formalities completed, the fun really started. Jo & Chris wanted to create a group shot of all of their guests surrounding them to make the shape of a heart. Corralling guests into any kind of organised formation is tough at the best of times, made harder on this occassion by our good friend the British Weather, which treated us to a shower. We were however very lucky as the rain decided to give us a few minute’s reprieve and all the guests were game, so we quickly organised our heart with my husband David on “herding duty” and me up on a (very high) wall composing the shot – we think you’ll agree it was worth the effort!
Love will save the day – encompassed by friends and family, one heart to rule them all!
We have found it the past that there can sometimes be a lull between the ceremony and the wedding breakfast but this couple had it sussed when it came to keeping everyone happy and it was all fun, games and entertainment from here-on in with some fun group shots, fabulous country style skittles, giant snakes & ladders, handmade chocs and even personalised sweets (plus a few well-earned beverages) before the sit down reception began.
We absolutely loved this very rustic wedding sign made by Chris’s brother, Gareth.
Vintage signage hand made by brother of the Groom, Gareth
Of course, we always ensure we make time for some family and romantic couple shots too!
Plus a couple of touching images to commemorate four generations & remember family that could not be present
No wedding would be complete without speeches & dinner, and the old adage of “keep it simple” is key.
It was probably the shortest Groom’s speech known to man with the words “Yeah, we just want to say thanks for coming” accompanied by a thumbs up & a cheers, but this had the whole room in roaring with laughter.
It was then followed by his father’s speech, which got off to a hilarious start as he produced a comedically-long scroll – all this further highlighted what a fun bunch they are.
Time to cut the beautiful cake supplied by Sandra Pugh of Cakes By Sandra.
All that was left to do was party and that is what this couple & their guests did in style. We can’t recommend Deer Park highly enough for views & locations to shoot, quality of food, ease of access, variety of spaces and general comfort – this is one spot with it all and I think Jo & Chris will agree, it made for a perfect setting for their special day in more ways than one!
This wedding was such a joy to be a part of, and this last image captures how we feel about the whole thing.
Yipppeeeeeeee!
Daughter Danielle Jumps for joy!
As a New Year treat we’re offering a special combined package with 2 photographers saving over £250!
This offer is available to anyone who reads this blog and quotes the reference: PBS2015 so please like and share!
Our combination package is available for just £1450 includes the following:
- Pre-wedding photography consultation
- Pre-wedding 1 hour couples photo-shoot (to be completed at time of consultation)
- Whole day photography with two photographers (typically 10 hours)
- Post-wedding image presentation
- All images provided in both high and low resolution on your choice of disc or memory stick
- Mileage within West Country counties
To book either just myself or both David & I to photograph your special day please email or call us on:
stef@photographybystefanie.co.uk
07810126599
Wedding Credits:
Photography: Stefanie Calleja-Gera & Davey Terrific
Hair & make-up styling: Jodi Croft
Wedding Dress: Charlotte Balbier, The Bridal Room Broadway
Groom’s suit: Beaus & Balls suit hire of Gloucester
Wedding Flowers: Simply Flowers
Wedding Cake: Sandra Pugh of Cakes By Sandra
“Love Is Sweet” Sign made from sweets: hand made by Mother of the Groom
Rustic Wedding Signage: hand made by brother of the Groom
Personalised M&Ms: www.mymms.co.uk
Personalised Vintage Sweet bags: Mini Cookie Crafts
Photography By Stefanie 