Millie and Jamie are the sweetest couple! We did an engagement shoot together earlier this summer and they're just a dream to work with as they're up for anything... and it's no surprise that the more you can relax and have fun, the better your shots are going to turn out.

The 16th of August dawned dark and sullen. I awoke to the sounds of rain hammering on the roof and my heart sank momentarily. Then remembered - HEY, WE'RE BRITISH! Weddings are about celebrating two people's love and getting everyone in the same place for a massive knees-up. Rain might be a dampener (literally) but there was no way it was going to stop the fun. (I packed wellies and my favourite rainbow umbrellas just in case though).

The downpour slackened. We walked across to the beautiful old church in the village of Aldbury (I love church weddings - I like singing the hymns). The bride floated down the aisle in her beautiful lace dress on the arm of her papa and Jamie couldn't have wiped the grin off his face for a million dollars. They couldn't stop smiling at each other.

The reception was held in a huge marquee in a field 3 minutes walk away. Wildflowers on the table, a message tree, pimms served in decorated jam jars.... We raced out the back to grab a few pics, whereupon the heavens opened and you've never seen a bride kick off her heels and sprint towards cover faster than Millie did.

The speeches were all charming... I'm going to give a special mention to Jamie's best man, Ben here though. Arguably the funniest best man's speech I've seen. He sang it, complete with ukelele... and I had to put the camera down a couple of times as was laughing so hard. He deserved his standing ovation - nice one mate.

An unusual first dance followed... Normally the lights dim, the couple get close and sway (or possibly get their come dancing on) to a favourite tune. This one started thus. However, after 30 seconds the dancefloor exploded with streamers and glitter and everyone went nuts. Apparently, it's what one does in Italy. Total shock to the happy couple couple and photographer alike.

When darkness fell I fetched my tripod and set up some light painting shots with sparklers, thanks to all three Mann brothers who got co-opted as assistants. It's not hard to paint with light - but it does need some setting up. Jamie and Millie were absolutely game and stood still as statues for the long exposures. Make sure you scroll to the bottom to see what we did.

To round off, everyone released beautiful Chinese lanterns over the (soggy) fields, which was an lovely sight. They're not as easy to get going as you'd think.

Anyway, I've had the devil of a time trying to choose which photos to show... and have had to give up trying to slim them down. I loved sharing Millie and Jamie's big day with them - I hope you enjoy the memories from it!

x

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