You know an idea is a good idea, when someone else comes up with the same great plan at the same time. And they always say that you can tell when a relationship will last, when the couple start finishing each others sentences... one small step from mind reading perhaps? Well as the wedding photographer for the delightful Hayley and Ed at Syrencot House, I was about to hear a little story about how a loved up couple once had the exact same idea, unbeknownst to the other, with each planning to set the same wheels in motion, just 24 hours apart...
And just what was this great plan that Hayley and Ed both had I hear you ask? Well, it turns out that our beautiful couple both planned to propose to each other, with just a day separating each question. Great minds think alike hey? And it was in fact our groom to be Ed, that got in first and popped that all important question. Now, I must add that Hayley was pretty nervous by her own admission at this point... not by the potential for a proposal, nor the butterflies brewing with her plan for the following day it must be said. The worry on our bride to be's mind when Ed worked his way towards asking the big question was actually the ground beneath her feet... or the visual lack of should I say. The moment and place that our dashing groom had chosen was none other than Spinnaker Tower, in Portsmouth. Now, if you are unfamiliar with Spinnaker, I'd highly recommend a visit or at the very least a quick Google search... followed by the phrase 'glass floor'. For anyone with a slight aversion to heights, look away now! And so with nerves in full flow at the apparent lack of ground beneath her, Hayley was asked whether she would do Ed the honour of marrying him. Of course the answer was a resounding 'yes', considering that he had beaten her to the same question by a mere matter of hours, with Hayley all prepped to do the same on the Isle of Wight the following day. Like I said, great minds and all that...
As the designated wedding photographer for any couples wedding day, it is always a pleasure to be able to capture the sights and moments for families to treasure forever. The little moments missed, the smiles that go unnoticed. However, when I think back to this day, there are two things that spring to mind immediately. One involved a BIG surprise, and the other, was the real pleasure of being able to photograph an astonishing venue, and one that I might add, has quite a historical background. Hayley and Ed were keen to tell me about why they had chosen this incredible venue, and excluding the clear beauty of the house, with all of its picturesque elements, they, like I, were taken by the significance of conversations and plans that taken place in this very place. I'll let Hayley explain...
"During part of World War II, Syrencot House was the military residence of Lt. Gen. Frederick Browning (the husband of the novelist Daphne du Maurier), Gen. Sir Richard Gale and Lord Alanbrooke. Much of the planning for Operation Overlord, the code name for the Battle of Normandy, took place here..."
Now there are claims to fame, and there are claims to fame. Truly incredible to imagine the discussions and conversations that would have taken place in those four (and more) walls. Remarkable, and as someone who throughly enjoys such historical things, a real honour to have been able to capture on camera.
And so to the surprise. With smiles all round, and a wonderful day being had by all, an announcement was made. So camera in hand, and expecting speeches, it was quite a shock, that filled the room with even more joy, could that be possible. With Hayley and Ed now man and wife, they let their nearest and dearest know that their newly joined little family... was about to grow by one more! An absolutely brilliant piece of news to round off an incredible day all round.
Congratulations to Hayley, Ed and their soon to be newest family addition!
Wedding photography by Jon Thorne at Syrencot House, Wiltshire.
