I started the day arriving at St Marys Church in Crowborough where I was met by the lovely and very welcoming vicar called Tom. Sam & Olly had told me that he was a really nice guy and very relaxed (as some church weddings can be a nightmare to film in) and he genuinely was. After getting a few shots at the church, Olly and groomsmen were then turning up, followed by the bridal party and before we knew it it was time for Olly to wait at the end of the aisle ready for the bridal party. We had some lovely readings from both the mother of the groom and mother of the bride, followed by some very different and very funny lines from vicar Tom, including asking guests if they would buy a cheap Rolex watch from him. His ceremony was so different to any other church wedding I’ve been to and he was honestly great! He was not only funny but also had some really lovely and moving words of love and wisdom for the couple.
Sam & Olly then went to sign their wedding certificate along with witnesses Gemma & Lorcan. Soon after they were officially married and then made their way back up to aisle to ‘Natalie Cole - This will be’ (which Olly continued to have in his head and sing for most of the day) After the confetti shot, the couple were picked up by a beautiful vintage VW camper from 'Deluxe Wedding Cars' The newlyweds were given a little Prosecco and while having a toast in the back, that’s when the ‘pollen tit’ (in Sam's words) incident happened, somehow the pollen from the sunflowers was all over the front of Sam’s dress and after a lot of googling they managed to get it off - PHEW sellotape to the rescue.
When I get to Hendall Manor Barns I am greeted by owner Nicola, then I am given a tour of the grounds along with photographer Sarah to see some of the best spots to take the couple.
Just after our tour is over the camper van is just pulling up out the front with the newlyweds (perfect timing). We get lots of fun shots with the camper van and then move on to the group photos - I am pretty sure by the end of it, Sam and Olly must of had jaw lock from all the smiling for photos!
Next is the speeches and Olly’s brothers Peter & Tim started us off, wasting no time getting straight into the jokes! They then passed over to Sams dad Mark, he had some really lovely words for Sam (which were perfect for me to use in the cinematic film) . Between each speech we pass back over to Olly's brothers who would continue to roast the next speaker, Olly certainly gave it back in his speech though which was full of jokes, kind words for his parents and some really loving words for Sam, including the story of when he first met her and the fact he could hear her laugh a mile away. Then the final speech from best man Lorcan had people in fits of laughter, mostly from getting the couple to look deeply in each others eyes, followed by informing them that they are looking at the person statistically most likely to murder them.
After the speeches were the food and I love the fact that Sam & Olly choose to go for a picnic style, my picnic hamper was waiting out in the back area and it was honestly delicious! After the food we took the couple off for some more shots, which came out amazing!
There are soo many lovely spots around Hendall and we got lots of nice footage, including lots of bloopers of a ‘romantic’ spin, the strangest walk that I have seen Olly do and Sam’s description of the wine stain on her dress! After some brilliant swing shots, Olly then surprised Sam with a diamond necklace and it was such a lovely moment.
After the couple shots, the couple mingled and then we went into the cake cut/first dance to 'James Arthur - Say You Won't Let Go' After the romantic first dance, I am pretty sure the dance floor was full all night long and it well and truly turned into a party!
Olly & Sam, I am SO glad you chose me to capture your special day, your friends and family were so fun to be around that it honestly felt like I was just a guest for the day. We had so much laughter from start to finish and I'm so happy to have been a part of it with you!