Fiona has wrote a lovely introduction to Susan and James' story so I shall not delay this piece of wedding beauty any longer!
Love Katie x
All images courtesy of Fiona Kelly Photography - see more of her work here on her website and blog.
It was a very happy sunny Spring weekend for Susan and James as they had their Easter wedding at Oaks Farm in Sutton, Surrey. A fabulously sunny day greeted us after a week or two of fairly dreary weather. When I arrived at Susans mums house hair and make-up was well on the way. It was a lovely, calm morning, with just Susan, her mum and her best friend and bridesmaid, Elly, who had travelled all the way from Australia. Susans mum was the perfect host, and proper Irish mum, making tea and treating us to little Easter cakes. Slowly the excitement built as everyones make-up was finished and it was time to get into the dress.
I have a bit of a love affair going on with dresses like the one Susan wore. She chose Jaclyn from Maggie Sottero, and had found it at Miss Bush Boutique in Ripley. I love the fact that on top of the dress sits a really beautiful little lace bolero top, which turns it into a completely different style. It was perfect for Susan. As a bit of a shoe fan (if you haven’t noticed by now!) I was very happy to see a pair of Rachel Simpson shoes appear when I asked Susan for her shoes. A beautiful soft green and gold pair that added a little touch of vintage glamour to an already stunning outfit.
Leaving the excited bride I dashed off to get to Oaks Farm to see how the groom was doing. I worked at Oaks Farm for the first time last year, when I photographed Charlotte and Edds day. At the time I was wowed by this hidden gem of a venue, and it didn’t disappoint being there a second time. The catering and general organisation of the day was done by Anise Catering, who are not only wonderful caterers but really nice, friendly and very efficient.
James was there when I arrived, chatting to the guests. He looked stylish in his pale grey suit, and the yellow and white floral buttonholes set off the suit perfectly. The couple had really taken on the fact that their wedding was on Easter Saturday. They had an Easter Bunny corner, with bunny ears and Easter Bonnets for guests to have a a bit of fun with. There were little Easter eggs in baskets and the tables continued the theme with Easter chicks on each place settings. They chose real spring colours with yellows, whites and subtle green foliage for the flowers, and accessorised with hessian and rustic finishes. It really was beautiful and a perfect choice for a sunny Spring time wedding. The flowers were designed by Emma Floral Designs in Croydon. Susan and James had chosen a cake by Pearls and Lace Cakes that fitted in with the theme. Coloured in soft yellow and white, with icing chicks on the top and pretty little daisies and flowers running down the side.
Susan arrived and the guests were seated. A slightly nervous looking James waited at the front and the ceremony began in the barn at Oaks Farm. Smiles, laughter and a little nervous hand holding. Their friends and family watched over as they said their vows, exchanged rings and much clapping ensued as they witnessed the wonderful moment when Susan and James officially married. It was a simple and lovely ceremony. To make things even better the sun was shining brightly as the happy couple walked outside as husband and wife. It was such a pleasure to wander with them around the gardens and grounds of Oaks Farm. It’s a small but perfect space for weddings, with pretty gardens, blossom tress, a fountain and pond and other great areas for photos. As guests mingled and enjoyed drinks in the sun the tables were prepared for dinner in the orangery.
Everyone sat to enjoy the gorgeous food and heartfelt and funny speeches before the evening festivities began. Before the dancing I managed to sneak Susan and James out for a few more photos in the evening light. The sunset was amazing and it was too good an opportunity to miss. The whole day was wonderful. A relaxed and beautiful wedding with very lovely and kind people in the centre of it. Susan and James are a great couple and it was such a pleasure to be a part of their day.
