Proud Country House - Chantalle & Nick
We arrived at Sergio Pascal’s Salon in Brighton mid-morning. Chantalle, the bride, and her bridesmaids were in mid flow – hairspray was flying, artful makeup artists were busy creating, and gowns, shoes and accessories featured on every chair and surface. There was a great atmosphere and an air of excitement and anticipation so I got on with what I do best … keeping out of the way! In all seriousness, stepping back from the frenetic activity enables me to capture those precious moments.
When everyone was ready, we set off to the wedding venue.
The impressively long drive through the Grade II parkland takes you to the grandeur of Proud Country House, Stanmer Park, a beautiful 18th century Manor. As a Sussex based Wedding Photographer, I have the privilege of photographing some truly beautiful venues. It’s places like this that offer all professional photographers the chance to express their creativity with stunning backdrops and gorgeous rooms.
It didn’t matter that the day was drizzly and grey, as Proud Country House offers more than you could imagine. As soon as Chantalle arrived, she was swiftly escorted by her entourage of bridesmaids through the grand entrance doors, past admiring visitors who were taking afternoon tea, and into the impressive turquoise lined walls of the central hallway. Once upstairs, the bridal party made their final touches to dresses and make up and then Chantalle & Nick's 4-year-old son, Luke, joined us to take part in this special day. There is a special bond between a mother and her child and you can see it in the image below. It brought the first of many emotional tears of the day.
We then had a few quiet moments alone with Chantalle to take some shots of her on the old oak staircase. Images like these are directed subtly so that the venue, dress, light and bride all look their best.
In the Henry Pelham Ceremony room, Emma Lohan & Emma Hamilton entertained the guests whilst Nick, the groom, and his groomsmen waited patiently for Chantalle to arrive. The bridesmaids lead the way dressed in striking claret gowns. Chantalle followed, moving elegantly down the aisle in a stunning lace wedding gown from White Leaf Boutique.
The ceremony was perfect, emotional, funny and most importantly heartfelt. Immediately after the guests gathered in the blue drawing room for drinks and an opportunity to take in their splendid surroundings and whilst they did we took the opportunity, as scheduled, to take the formal group shots. Again, always posed, to keep everyone looking their best but kept fun and fast!
The wedding breakfast took place in a marquee within the grounds. After the meal the groom and groomsmen retired to the Marlborough Bar where we had some fun doing some casual shots of the boys.
Shortly before the evening guests arrived and just after the sun had set we took the Chantalle and Nick outside for another shot that we had set up. Images like this take a little while to set up so planning them in is important. What is also important is that all the set up happens without the bride and groom.
Chantalle and Nick were an absolute pleasure to work with. They seized every opportunity we had to ensure that I was able to capture some truly beautiful shots, which they can now treasure for many years to come.
For friends and family the rest of the photographs are linked below for you to see. Thanks to all of you it was a pleasure to meet you all X
