Shamley Green Wedding – Ellie & Tom
Ellie & Tom were married a couple of weeks ago at Christ Church, Shamley Green*. After a week of perfect weather, the heaven’s opened the day beforehand and, in an extremely un-English fashion, got it all out of the way! The wedding day therefore was warm and bright, perfect for open-topped Westfield sports cars and receptions in the garden.
Tom’s family live in Shamley Green and one of their friend’s, who also lives locally, kindly lent their house to Ellie and her Bridesmaids for the morning of the wedding. Another good friend Ava, of Ava Belle Bridal, was on hand to look after all the hair and makeup duties. Ellie spent the entire morning looking incredibly serene. She assured me that nerves were indeed lurking somewhere beneath her seemingly very calm exterior, but for the life of me, I couldn’t see them. After a spot of PJ-clad Marryoake it was time for Ellie to change into something more appropriate for one’s nuptials – in this case an extremely stunning dress – before I headed over to Church to see Tom, best man Jack and the arrival of the guests.
Photography in Church was restricted to the aisle entrance and exit, the first hymn and the signing of the register. I always think that’s a bit of a shame, particularly in the era of silent shutter cameras and quiet documentary photography, but hey…. don’t get me started. Of course, as you’ll see, Ellie is blessed with an astonishing radiant smile, the sort which is a photographer’s dream and makes the job seem effortless. She came down the aisle on Dad’s arm looking truly fantastic, broad letterbox grin at full beam.
Following the ceremony it was back to Tom’s parent’s house, just down the road, for a quintessentially English garden reception, complete with maypole. I am a huge fan of garden weddings. There always seems to be an extra-dose of love and effort poured into things when the event happens at home. This was no exception. The beautifully furnished marquee came complete with homemade Tiki-Bar – a nod to Ellie & Tom getting together in Thailand – and, rather than being flummoxed by a tree in the way, they simply integrated it into things by enclosing it within the tent and using it as a living guest book. Very cool touch.
As I expected Tom & Ellie’s crowd didn’t need to be asked twice when it came time to party and the dancefloor was, in the best possible fashion, wild. I know we’re onto a good thing when getting in close is a process which risks life and limb! I was also massively impressed with their band, Brando. Huge repertoire, serious musicianship and excellent crowd banter. Front-runners for my own wedding! The night closed with a sparkler departure, before Tom (admittedly somewhat inebriated) drove his new wife on a short, but I imagine terrifying, hop to the front gate and their awaiting taxi.
This was a quality wedding and it was an absolute privilege to photograph. My thanks to Ellie & Tom for having me and to their friends and family for making me so welcome. It was an absolute pleasure.
*Interesting factoid: Christ Church, I am told, was the local church and final resting place of my namesake – the rather more notable Tony Hart. I didn’t get a chance to explore the churchyard properly, but I’m planning to pop back and say hello to the man who made Morph!
