The sun always seems to shine when I visit Cisswood House Hotel, Marie and Alex’s February wedding was no exception.
Cisswood House is a charming country house hotel, located close to the historic market town of Horsham, West Sussex. It has beautiful mature landscaped and wooded gardens, cosy indoor log fires and truly attentive staff, as a country residence, Cisswood House retains a unique home-from-home atmosphere and is an absolute pleasure to work at.
I first met Marie and Alex at their home in Crawley and was lucky enough to meet their gorgeous daughter and Alex’s parents at the same time.
Marie was getting ready with her 2 bridesmaids and daughter Ava.
Ava made the morning shine as much as her smile, with lots of bubble chasing and cheeky giggles.
The wonderful Sian Treliving and Rhianna Evans worked tirelessly on hair and make up throughout the morning whilst the guys at Special Creations by Jane worked hard transforming the service and reception areas with chair covers dressed with beautiful turquoise sparkle organza sashes, a double fairylight backdrop, draping and tiffany style martini vase centrepieces.
Alex was in the bar area with his best man Dean and family, the bar was full of nervous laughter and camaraderie.
The time of the wedding ceremony was fast approaching and Ava decided that she didn’t fancy wearing her bridesmaid dress so she came down the aisle in her Mummy’s arms in just her tights and cardigan – still looking very beautiful!
Alex and Marie’s ceremony, was perfect, full of lots of those special secret smiles and giggles.
After the service, the guests made their way back to the bar and enjoyed a drink before we headed outside for the formal photos.
I have never had the pleasure of photographing such a well behaved wedding party, no blinking or looking away happened and so the photos were done relatively quickly and all of the guests moved back inside to enjoy their afternoon.
The newly married Mr & Mrs Gouldstone, Ava and I went for a short walk around the hotels beautiful gardens together to capture some family photos and then we headed back to the bar to join the guests and party.
When the time came for the meal the guests made their way in to the Courtyard Suite and made full use of all of the fun props that had been placed on their tables – prop boxes of any kind always make for perfect photos and lots of fun and enjoyment for your guests.
After the meal and speeches, Marie and Alex cut their beautifully hand-printed wedding cake. Made by My Cake Thing, this wasn’t your standard run of the mill cake, it told their story, from proposal, to baby Ava to buying their first house together. Truly beautiful.
Unusually for me, I left this wedding straight after the cake cutting. Judging by how much fun everyone was having at this time I’m sure that they were set for the perfect evening!
Many congratulations Mr and Mrs Gouldstone and I wish you the best of luck in your new home
