Making History
September 12, 2018
Josie & Graham's Edes House Summer Wedding
This June I was privileged to be asked to photograph the wedding of a familiar face from my school days. Mr Wigley, as I knew him then, was the man who taught me history back in secondary school and now he was to be marrying his long-term love Josie. As we talked on the phone and met in advance to discuss the wedding photography arrangements, I gradually got used to dropping the formal 'Mr Wigley' and addressing him as Graham! I felt honoured to be trusted with such an important task, considering that his former memories of me must have been as a meer teenager! I was delighted to see Graham and Josie tie the knot at a very classy ceremony held at Grade I listed Edes House in Chichester and was very grateful to be on board to photograph this special occasion.
The wedding took place on a scorching hot summer’s day and as light streamed through the grand windows of the impressive 17th century building, family and close friends gathered to celebrate the long anticipated marriage of this couple. Many guests had travelled from far and wide to be involved on the day and, in particular, it was lovely to see each of the couple’s grown up children, along with grandchildren, being a big part of the proceedings. Josie was the modern bride - wearing chic royal blue with ivory detailing and a tasteful ivory fascinator. She carried an elegant white rose bouquet as she was accompanied down the aisle by her son, who had the honour of giving her away.
Josie’s daughter presented a reading whilst Graham’s son had travelled all the way from America to act as Best Man for his father. The four grandchildren looked delightful in their outfits, toning in with Josie’s blue theme wearing various complimentary blue shades. It truly was a family occasion of understated elegance set to the classy backdrop of the baroque period house.
Once vows had been made and rings exchanged, we found some delightful spaces within Edes House to photograph the newly weds. The symmetry to be found in the oak panelled Warnham Room was particularly pleasing and provided a rich, traditional and tranquil feel to some of Graham and Josie’s ‘just married’ images.
As the happy couple stepped out into the bright sunshine, a line-up of confetti throwing guests showered them in congratulatory petals. As the cheers and laughter subsided, the petals settled forming a pretty carpet of white dots on the green grass, making for a pretty scene which framed the classic car that awaited.
Mr & Mrs Wigley’s carriage was in the form of an Austin Princess Limo I believe - a beautiful classic car in ivory to match in with Josie’s colour scheme. In keeping with everything classic and traditional, these wheels were the perfect choice for the newly weds.
Before heading on to the next destination, friends and family mingled and chatted with champagne in hand on the lawns. It was lovely to note a few people being reunited, and on a personal note for me to catch up with a few other teachers I recognised from my youth!
Next stop was a favourite location for Graham and Josie - the 900 year old Chichester Cathedral. This fascinating Grade I listed building of beauty and antiquity is a well known and simply stunning landmark in Chichester. Against the clear blue sky that day, this magnificent building made for a breathtaking backdrop to some photographs of the newly-weds together as they strolled through the grounds, enjoying its history and grandeur.
Having selected to have a few traditionally styled images, it was great that Graham and Josie were keen to also include some shots with a more modern flavour too. We all loved the colours and textures of the Cathedral’s rustic walls and thought a slightly more contemporary composition would suit the couple in this setting.
Continuing with a modern slant we then headed to the beach in Felpham allowing the bride and groom to be photographed in a fresh environment with their families. The blue theme of the day was accented by the bluest of skies that day and we continued to make the most of textures in nature by posing the family together on the pebbles for this fun group capture.
The sea was perfectly turquoise as Mr & Mrs Wigley took a moment to look out to the horizon to reflect on the wonder and joy of the day and to dream of what would be ahead in their future together.
The reception was held at the Beachcroft Hotel on the seafront where sweet and savoury canapés were enjoyed by guests whilst we were on the beach taking those family pictures! It wasn’t long before the couple joined their guests in the hotel gardens and then went inside for a sumptuous sit-down meal in the banquet-styled room. The flowers, designed by Manor Nursery, were classic and elegant and in keeping with Josie’s bouquet. The room looked inviting, warm and tastefully decorated, perfect for this compact wedding party to enjoy a close and intimate meal together.
It was time for me to say my goodbyes and wish the happy couple well! I really enjoyed photographing this special day and was delighted for the pair who had had a wonderful relaxed, family-filled day.
Mr and Mrs Wigley, thank you for having me on board to capture these special moments for you both. I hope these memories will be treasured as much as you clearly treasure each other! Wishing you many congratulations, joy for this next chapter and a very bright future as you make history together!
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A