Four days before Carla and Chris’ big day Sarah tears her calf muscle. Ouch! Use a substitute photographer . . . . no chance?!? To follow along someone’s journey this far and miss out on this their biggest day would have been gutting for us. So . . . . intensive therapy, rest, rehab, a lot of ice and a dogged determination was doctors’ orders. We made it and thank God we did; what a day! The morning preparations took place in a rented refurbished farmhouse with Carla upstairs surrounded by the hustle and bustle of her clan. At the other side of the property, Chris and team were relegated (promoted?) to a magnificent games room where, with his family popping in and out, table tennis, gentle banter and cool beers were the order of the day. Judging by the notes, memento’s and gifts exchanged in the morning we could tell this was going to be an emotional one. With Bride and Groom ready we took the unusual opportunity of using stone steps to set them both in the same photograph without breaching the unwritten rule of Bride and Groom not seeing each other; tons of risk, emotionally intense but loads of fun too! Check it out, they both look amazing with Chris ready in a smart blue suit and Carla all made up looking fabulous in her dressing gown. The rest of the day unravelled around the splendid Lyde Court set in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside; the weather needless to say was picture perfect British summer. With Chris in place, Carla holding tightly onto her Dad’s arm, entered the scene and looked amazing in a sleeveless laced David Tutera dress. We love an outdoor ceremony and this one delivered by Melissa, someone close to Carla and Chris, was extra special. This intimacy was further amplified as friends and family all played different roles during a moving and emotional service, after which the wedding party retired to the gardens for canapés, confetti, drinks and mingling. You could detect a slight sense of relief as guests relocated from the sun kissed outdoors into the cool shade of the barn for the wedding breakfast. The weather and this beautiful setting provided an almost Mediterranean feel to the day as we slipped into speeches and onto food and wine. After dinner we took the opportunity to use that magical golden hour of light by stealing Carla and Chris from their guests for some portraits. Alone in each others company for a minute it was clear to see that the day had turned into everything they could have hoped for; the love between them there for all to see. Cue more celebratory drinking, live music and dancing into the wee hours. Magical.

Carla and Chris, we had an amazing time and it was great to be there both as photographers and family. Picture perfect in so many ways with the both of you, your families and friends all making this a very special day to remember. Tons of love to you both as you start your married life together. xx.