Filtering by Tag: Michelham Priory

Daniella and Sandrine - Michelham Priory

I can’t believe it has taken me this long to write this blog about the two lovely ladies, Daniella and Sandrine.

This wonderful wedding took place at the beautiful Michelham Priory in Hailsham. This stunning venue is a part of the Sussex Past venues, which include Lewes Castle and Anne of Cleves House in Lewes.

We were very lucky , as this was one of the only dry days in October. It always helps to be able to take photographs outside. I feel the natural light ( even if it’s cloudy ) lends something to the quality of a photograph. Michellham Priory has some lovely gardens, a pond with a bridge and some stunning buildings, so it was great that it stayed dry so we could make the most of the lovely environment.

One of the brides was from France, so they had a bi-lingual MC who was able to translate the speeches. He was also a great help in rounding up the family and friends for photographs. It can be quite difficult at weddings to get everyone together for a photograph, even more if they do not understand the language.

Their wedding was full of lovely personalised touches, they love to surf so they had a miniature surf board for everyone to sign. Their cake was a giant croque en bouche, one of the brides did not like big flowers so there were no big table displays and her button hole was a blue thistle and their first dance was a cèilidh, so everyone could join in.

Weddings are such fabulous occasions to be a part of. I always find it the greatest honour to be asked to document and share in the couples special day. I love the ceremony, the speeches, and meeting their family and friends, but my favourite part is when I steal the couple away from the celebration and take them for their couples photographs. They get to have some quiet time and can reflect on their day so far. It is a really lovely moment. It is one of the only times in the day it is just the two of them (apart from me). A tip for any future couples, always make sure you have a good length of time to have with just the photographer. You get to process the days events and get some beautiful photographs at the same time. It can be quite a lot for a photographer to get those magical forever shots in just a 20 minute window, so make sure you find that space in your day, it will be worth while.

Maggie and Simon - Michelham Priory

It was such an honour to experience my first Quaker wedding of the lovely Maggie and Simon. They had already married in their home country of Hong Kong, but this was a service for the UK family and friends, even though people had travelled from all over the world to come. It was such a thoughtful and peaceful service, full of so much love. There is much time for contemplation and stillness.
The venue of Michelham Priory was a perfect choice, as it's a haven of calm and tranquility. This beautiful 800 year old manor house and gardens is a beautiful venue with so many wonderful spots for photograph opportunities, from the little bridge to the barn and all the surrounding green spaces.
The weather had been very changeable but we were lucky that it stayed dry for the outside ceremony, drinks and all the photographs. It was quite windy but Maggie took the rain and wind in her stride, It's a good job her hairdresser was so good at fixing in veils, but it did make for some fabulous veil photographs.

The evening consisted of Ceilidh dancing, (like a barn dance) which was great fun and enjoyed by everyone. It was fun to get in the middle of it all to take photos. Also Maggie and Simon had their own dance, which everyone enjoyed very much.

This was a really lovely, funny and happy day to have been a small part of. I met so many lovely people. Maggie and Simon were a lovely couple and I wish them all the best for the future.

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