Russets Country House Wedding - Fay & Chris

Fay & Chris were kindly recommended to me by their friend Lucy Hutchinson. Thanks Lucy! Their Russets Country House wedding was my first of the year and also my first time shooting at Russets. A wet day in February is rarely ideal weather for a wedding, but Russets Country House near Chiddingfold is particularly well suited, thanks to its varied and spacious indoor areas. Fay & Chris were immense throughout – a lovelier pair you’d be hard pressed to meet.

Fay began the day in Russets very own bridal bedroom. Situated just off the entrance hallway, it’s really convenient and includes an awesome bathroom hidden behind a gigantic rolling mirror. Sweet! To begin with, it was just Fay, her sister and her Mum; her bridesmaids joining us as the morning went on. The Gents got ready separately and arrived in style looking slick in tailored blue suits.

Russets Country House weddings are unique because Russets is one of those lovely locations that feels primarily like a home, rather than a wedding venue. That’s probably because it is also a home! Run with a true personal touch by owners Tim & Kate, it has none of the ‘wedding factory’ feel that permeates some venues and instead has all the charm of a real home, mixed with the space and professionalism of a dedicated venue. Another unusual feature is that the reception area boasts an original Tony Hart sketch. As in the Tony Hart; my Morph moulding namesake. Very cool!

Fay & Chris were married in a simple and pretty civil ceremony before joining their guests downstairs for reception drinks. Despite the rain continuing to fall we managed to sneak outside for a few photographs and made use of the lovely verandah at the front of the building to avoid the worst of the weather. Fay & Chris have an amazing bunch of mates and the speeches and subsequent dancefloor shenanigans were a great reflection of that. Speeches are as much about the audience as the speaker and neither disappointed on this front! Much comedy, much joy, much love. Chris & Fay are big music fans and I loved that their evening included a dedicated House hour. A true personal touch that was perfect for them.  With the day finally drawing to a close, Fay & Chris departed through a cheering sparkler arch of their friends before being whisked off into the night. It was bloody ace.

What a cracking day! I also had the great pleasure of meeting a few fantastic people that I now regularly work with at Farnham Castle. One of the most interesting things about this job is the variety of people you meet from every walk of life and Fay & Chris’ Russets House wedding was no different! My thanks to everyone for having me and now it’s time for some of my favourite images from the day.