Anna & John – Upton Grey

Upton Grey Wedding

I’ve been terrible at blogging this year, much like every other season I’ll admit, but some previews need to be escalated straight to my website, and Anna and John’s beautiful wedding in Upton Grey is one of them! Oh these two! I chose to have a quieter August this Summer due to my son turning two, and wanting to spend a bit more time with him. It meant I had a few more relaxed days and had space in my diary to visit Anna’s parents’ beautiful family home ahead of the day. I don’t ‘need’ to visit wedding locations before the day, I always turn up early to have a scoot around but in this instance, it was incredibly lovely as I just knew that their big day was going to be a fabulous one. All sorts of weather was promised but in actual fact, the weather gods couldn’t have been kinder. A few rain showers appearing at ideal moments, with the clouds parting for gorgeous bank holiday sunshine for the reception – after this July, you could say they got very lucky indeed!

Back to the two at hand. After meeting Anna’s parents (possibly the sweetest people you could wish to have host you) I could see straight away where Anna gets her caring, bubbly and downright loveable nature from. Always concerned with everyone else, so relaxed and a smile for everyone. She had the best team of girls and family around her and the morning was a real pleasure to capture. Not long before this, I had the chance to capture some photos of John and his crew of many brothers, and of course friends from all walks of life, down at the local pub, The Hoddington Arms. With all wedding locations being a few minutes walk between one another, this truly was a wedding with village spirit at the heart of it.

Anna and John met shortly before the pandemic, and spent many hours socially distanced having picnics in an old Previa (the Prev-dog, I learned later in speeches) – this was dressed up to take the couple off round the block after the ceremony by their friends. Anna did however arrive in style in a beautiful family owned Bentley – the first I’ve seen in such immaculate polished condition! (Thanks to John’s Dad)

The ceremony was filled with SO much music, some traditional, and some even composed and performed by John’s talented brothers – they are a very musical family and the pieces they played were incredibly moving. Anna looked absolutely stunning in her custom Madi Lane dress, and the natural but pretty florals were by Hortus Poeticus, a new favourite of mine!

The reception was filled with my favourite kind of super relaxed vibe, a few group photos thrown in under the giant Oak in the field across from St Mary’s Church, and some lovely moments in the early evening sun with John and Anna themselves. I often remark how much I love marquee weddings, but I truly do. The garden party vibe is just where I feel right at home, and perhaps why I felt so happy and content with both families. I didn’t want to leave when it came to home-time…so much so I stayed an extra hour (but slightly regretted that when my son woke up at 5am the next morning!) – but it was just the BEST day and I am so thrilled to have been a part of it. Here are some previews from their wedding…it’s going to be a massive gallery! x

If you’re planning a similar wedding and would like to know more about my approach or have any further questions please just shout!