I first met Bethany and Philip months ahead of their wedding at the very lovely #CantleyHouseHotel in Wokingham. We had spoken by email and over the phone a few times by the time we had arranged to meet up to discuss their #wedding photography. I always like to meet couples first whenever possible as it gives me a great chance to find out all of the extra little bits that make a wedding day special and unique. Berkshire might be a bit of a drive from me but I do make it over there for weddings on occasion and this wasn't my first wedding at Cantley House Hotel.
Bethany and Philip had gone to great lengths to make sure their day was planned to a tee. Lots of fun and games were arranged, and some treats through the afternoon including a fantastic VW camper ice cream van which was a lovely surprise for everyone. Ice creams on the lawn, absolutely perfect for what would be a scorching hot day. It was quite funny to see a VW camper parking on the lawn at Cantley House but it was such a good idea.
As always I started the Bride Prep part of the day by getting the little details together to photograph, shoes, invites and Bethany's jewellery and her flowers etc. I never come straight in and take photos of the bride and her bridesmaids. I mean, no one wants a camera pointing their way that early in the morning do they!! Always the details first.
After spending some time with Bethany and her bridesmaids it was time to go and find Philip and the boys who were over in another part of Cantley House Hotel. We had some fun with all of the boys and got plenty of relaxed photos as they got ready and Philip handed out some gifts to his groomsmen. Time speeds along very fast during this part of the day and you really can not leave enough time spare. Always try and leave yourself an extra 10 minutes here and there throughout your day. Philip and Bethany did just that and it really helped to keep a relaxed vibe going.
With the boys photographed and the girls ready to see the registrars it was time for me to head to the ceremony room for the main event.
Philip and the boys looked amazing (if a little nervous) but Bethany looked stunning! just totally stunning. Led down the aisle by her bridesmaids who did a fantastic job of not walking too fast and simply looking amazing, Bethany arrived and brought tears to the eyes of many guests. Philip wasn't crying though. No, no, he wasn't crying.
I absolutely feel blessed to be able to do my "job". I get to witness two beautiful people pledge to love one another forever. I get a front row seat to this!!
"I do"
Once we had had our "I do's" we all retired to Cantley House Hotel rather beautiful gardens for a lot of fun with the group photos. But first we had the confetti tunnel!! This is always a really fun part of the day. A quick tip here. You can never, I mean never, have too much confetti!!
Group photos done and it was time for everyone to just enjoy the sunshine and relax with ice cream and garden games for a couple of hours. Its always nice to give your guests a few things to do during the afternoon. A few garden games to occupy little ones (and the slightly not so little ones) will always go down well.
Ice cream anyone?
As the afternoon drew to a close everyone was treated to a really lovely meal and some speeches that really were hilarious. Well done to everyone that made a speech!
Speeches and meal finished and there was still some time to relax in the setting evening sun before the cake was to be cut and then Bethany and Philips first dance.
Thank you both so much for allowing me to photograph your Cantley House Hotel wedding day! We honestly had the best time, and I hope you enjoy your photographs as much as I enjoyed taking them.
Thank you to Cantley House Hotel in Wokingham for being brilliant on the day and being super helpful whenever they were needed.
If you liked Bethany and Philips wedding photos then please drop me a message and lets have a chat about your wedding photography