"Home is where the heart is," they say. And in the case of the eventual wedding of the beautiful Jenna and dapper Matt, that resonates, when we look at the run up to the big day, and then the following honeymoon. And on the note of the honeymoon, it is my job as the designated wedding photographer to report that this particular honeymoon, is the best, most amazing one I have ever heard of... and also the hairiest...
And so, on the 21st July 2023, our self proclaimed introverts, made their way to the stunning, Grade II listed Hadley Park House Hotel, to say their vows to one another, as they began their journey together as man and wife. I was lucky enough to be asked by the gorgeous couple to be the person in charge of capturing all of those special moments for them, as their wedding photographer, and it was a delight from start to finish, photographing what was a small, intimate day, with their closest friends and family in attendance. As always, one of the first things I look for with camera in hand, is the scenery I have to work with, as the backdrop to the newlyweds first moments as a married couple. Hadley Park House does not disappoint. In fact, the gardens were one of the favourite elements for Jenna and Matt, along with the staff of this amazing venue, who looked after everyone so well. If you're still looking for a venue, have a look at the gallery below and get in touch... definitely worth a look!
Our lovely couple made up of Jenna, an editorial specialists lead, and Matt, a video editor, have very similar interests, and certainly seem to be a fantastic fit for each other. Having met during their first year of university, in the same halls of residence no less, the couple quickly found common ground with a love of a good old binge of their favourite TV shows and films together. Jenna is also a keen TV quizzer, with House of Games amongst the most popular in the house (a very good choice if I do say so myself). I don't know about you, but for me, one of the best times of year to settle down and enjoy some good movies and catch up on a series or two, is during the dark nights of winter, and most specifically, Christmas. And so, we are lead onto the big question (not a new TV quiz show). Having decided against asking for the answer of 'Yes' during a trip to York the previous month, our romantic Matt laid out plans for just after Christmas day instead, when all the rushing around with family had finished, and it was just the two of them. With all presents opened and cleared away, a very carefully wrapped box appeared under the Christmas tree, all alone, ready for a very special person in our groom-to-be's life. How lovely.
With camera in hand, I captured some wonderful moments as the happy couples' wedding photographer on the day. It's always those unexpected, candid shots that last in the memory. And in terms of memorable moments, there can't be too many more than an under dressed groom! Fortunately, the crisis of potential missing ties for the entire male party members was avoided, after the best man almost forgot them... phew! However, seeing this close, intimate affair at close hand, as I photographed everyone during the day, I doubt it would have made a difference in any case, as the joy and happiness on show was impossible to dampen. Even the weather tried it's hardest, but the sun and brief showers did nothing more than add to the magic of the day and create some stunning photographs... again, even if I do say so myself (Jemma and Matt agree).
So you might me wondering why I described their honeymoon as the hairiest I had ever heard of, but also one of the best. Odd combination for a wonderful holiday right? Well not if you decide against holidaying, and instead decide to stay at home, where your hearts are, along with a new, tiny, but always growing heart, that will fill your life with happy moments for years to come... a little puppy. Wonderful, and congratulations!
Wedding photography by Jon Thorne at Hadley Park House Hotel, Shropshire.
