An amazing couple, sparklers and a venue to die for made this wedding one to remember!
Having met with Claire and Darren twice before their big day I was very excited at the prospect of covering their wedding.
I knew when each meeting ended up massively overrunning as we got carried away talking about our favourite holidays, their dreamy honeymoon and other general chit chat that I would be in for a memorable and truly fun day and I wasn’t wrong.
I arrived at Buxted Park Hotel and made my way to Claire’s suite to cover bridal prep by the fantastic Lauren Newell and Jennifer Graves.
This beautiful 18th century Palladian mansion house is set in over 300 acres of Sussex’s finest parkland, with it’s beautiful chandeliers and impressive fireplaces this stately country house has romantic period features at every turn.
Although grand, this hotel never feels pretentious; they say it perfectly on their website “The surroundings may be grand but that doesn’t mean a hushed reverence is encouraged. This great country house was built for pleasure”
What really sets this hotel apart though is the truly wonderful staff who fill the venue with joy and cannot do enough for guests and visitors alike.
Claire was as relaxed and chilled as always, getting ready with her gorgeous bridesmaids and adorable flower girl. My morning was spent capturing them getting ready, exploring and photographing the venue and taking candid shots as guests arrived.
The wedding ceremony took place in the stunning Victorian Orangery that the ladies of Mulberry Events had dressed beautifully.
The extremely talented Heather Wrighton played the harp as Claire walked down the aisle, the constant glances of love and admiration between this beautiful couple were a picture (well technically they made for lots of pictures!)
As the service ended the heavens opened so all guests made their way into the bar area for refreshments.
Together with the hotel staff we found a perfect spot for an indoor confetti shot and an outside covered area for group photos so we all managed to stay dry.
Then guests made their way in to the ballroom ready for some fantastic speeches followed by a yummy three course meal which was accompanied by background vocals by Nick James who by the end of dessert had the guests on their feet dancing away to a fantastic rendition of ‘My Way’.
Once the formalities were over all guests made their way outside to light their sparklers and watch an incredibly impressive flaming bagpipe display by James Reid – this isn’t something that I’ve seen before so it was a real treat!
I was spoilt at this wedding by such wonderfully friendly and fun guests so I very much enjoyed taking candid shots as the hotel staff quickly turned the room around ready for the evening celebrations.
The newlyweds took to the dancefloor and dazzled their guests with a very moving first dance to ‘Fly Me To The Moon’, and then Claire took to the dancefloor with her Dad before everyone joined them to dance the night away.
Spectacular day, spectacular couple – Here’s to you Mr & Mrs Pearce!
