2015 Our 40 Favourite Wedding Images

Well, what a year 2015 was! We had weddings in marquees, weddings in barns, weddings in stately homes, big weddings & small, intimate ones; every single one of them was different. One thing that was the same was the sense of love, fun & celebration at every one! Here at Mark Lord Photography we also celebrated Mark’s 40th birthday right at the end of the year. To celebrate we have chosen 40 of our favourite wedding images! They are in no particular order but remind us what a great year we had & what a special job photographing people’s wedding days is. Lots more 40’s to come including 40 favourite floral images & some special 40th birthday offers so keep an eye out on our Facebook page for lots more from Mark Lord Photography!

Wedding Photography The Tythe Barn, Launton

Wedding Photography Notley Tythe Barn, Long Crendon

Katie & Gavin – A Sneaky Peek

Recently we had the wedding of Katie & Gavin in the lovely village of Brill in Buckinghamshire.I started the day at Long Crendon Manor to meet Katie & her bridesmaids before making our way to the church.We stopped off at a lovely village pub The Nut Tree in Murcott & enjoyed a quick drink in sunshine before travelling on to All Saints Church, Brill.Meanwhile, Kiti was with the groom & best man as they gathered in a friends garden with their friends & family before making the short hop to the church to meet his bride.It was now time for the bride’s arrival & Katie looked beautiful as she walked up the aisle to be married.

After the service the guest gathered on the lovely village green for some group shots & to cover the Bride & Groom in confetti!It was then time to make to short journey to The Pheasant Inn also in Brill for the wedding reception. After allowing them some time to mingle with their guests Kiti & I took Katie & Gavin for a wander to do some shots of the two of them together. Brill is a lovely village with far reaching views across five counties & has a beautiful traditional windmill that we used to get some great shots. I try not to keep the couple away from their guests for too long so it was now time for Katie & Gavin to be welcomed into the marquee by their guests & to enjoy a delicious meal & some great speeches. After the speeches it was time for the evening guests to arrive & everyone to get down on the dancefloor. We hope you enjoy your sneak peek Katie & Gavin. Wishing you every happiness!

Sam & Charles – A Sneak Peek!

Kiti & I breathed a sigh of relief as we made our way to Sam & Charles’ wedding in beautiful sunshine after what seemed like 24 hours of rain the day before.

I photographed Sam’s sister Georgie’s wedding last year & for those of you that keep an eye on my facebook page will have seen the shots of Sam catching Georgie’s bouquet that I reposted last week. Sam was one of Georgie’s bridesmaids last year & Georgie was one of Sam’s lovely bridesmaids. It is always lovely to be recommended by couples to their friends & families & even better when the new couple have seen me at work!

Kiti started the day with Charles, his best man, ushers & family at Charles & Sam’s home before boarding an original routemaster bus to make the journey to the church. They picked up a few guests along the way & made a pit stop at the pub!

Meanwhile I was with Sam at her family home getting ready with her bridesmaids & family. Sam’s family are great fun & the preparations even included her dad swinging from a rather high rope swing! Not many fathers would risk life & limb on their daughters wedding day & I must admit my heart was in my mouth!

By now the bus had made its way to the church & it was time for Sam to get to the church to see her groom!

It was a lovely service & Sam’s Dad certainly seemed pleased to get his final daughter of three married!

After the service & a flurry of confetti Kiti & I went back to Sam’s parents house for some shots of the two of them together. Charles decided against having a go on the rope swing!

Not wanting to miss out on the party we made our way back to the wedding reception which was located in Sam & Charles’ beautiful garden. The entered through a lovely floral arch & a tunnel of their friends & family.

Whilst their friends & families mingled in the sunshine to the sounds of a steel band we did the more formal….& not so formal group shots.

Which included this intrepid photographer risking life & limb to climb a ladder to capture the entire wedding party!

Now it was time for the wedding breakfast & speeches, which involved lots of fun & laughter & childhood videos.

After the speeches Sam took to the stage to throw her bouquet this time caught by Charles’ sister & Sam surprised her groom with a song accompanied by her bridesmaids.

It was now time for everyone to hit the dancefloor & we left them dancing the night away!

Wishing you every happiness Sam & Charles. Hope you enjoy your sneak peek – lots more to come!

Jane & Andy – A Sneak Peek

Last week we travelled into Oxford for the wedding of Jane & Andy.The weather as we set off wasn’t great but we had great hopes of it clearing as the day went on. We had reccee’d the venue a couple of days before & had worked out the logistics. When doing any wedding, but particularly in a city centre, it is really important that we have worked out how to get from a to b. To make sure we are there to capture all the important things that happen & not trying to park the car!We were dropped off at Rhodes House, which is a hidden delight right in the middle of Oxford. It looks rather like a large Cotswold Manor & has some fantastic architecture. It has been a gathering place for Rhodes Scholars for many years but is now available for weddings.Kiti & I met with Andy the groom & his best man Nick. We used the fantastic architecture of the building get some original photos of Andy before his bride arrived.By now the guests were gathering & it was time for the bride to arrive. Jane arrived with her Dad in his beautiful MG, especially restored for the day & I managed to capture a shot as Dad zoomed past – I love the proud smile on his face!The ceremony was lovely in the beautiful Jameson room in front of the large windows.After the service we went into the gardens, which were beautiful to do some stylish shots of the bride & groom.Now it was time for Kiti & I to join the guests on the bus to make the short hop to The Cherwell Boathouse to await the bride & groom. Due to the weather, earlier in the day Jane & Andy thought they may be arriving by car but it was great that the weather had improved enough that they could arrive by their preferred method of transport…….a punt!After a drinks reception on the banks of the Cherwell it was time for the guests to join Jane & Andy in the marquee for the wedding breakfast & speeches.

It was now time for Jane & Andy to have their first dance before they were joined by their guests on the dancefloor.As always Kiti & I left everyone having fun…..

We hope you enjoy your sneak peek Jane & Andy. Wishing you every happiness!

Beth & Chase – A Sneak Peek!

It’s not everyday you get to photograph a cowboy wedding It was with much excitement that Kiti & I travelled to Montana…..sorry Beckley in Oxfordshire to photograph the wedding of Beth & Chase.

I dropped Kiti off with Chase & family at a lovely cottage they had rented for the duration of their stay from Oxford Country Cottages in the nearby village of Noke. She got some great shots of Chase & his groomsmen in their all-American outfits of cowboy boots, wrangler jeans & tweed waistcoats all topped off with big shiny belt buckles & stetsons. I love the timeless, Butch Cassidy feel of the black & white & de-saturated shots that Kiti took.

Meanwhile I was at Beth’s childhood home which was a buzz of activity with 2 x bridesmaids, 7 flower girls & family. I love this moment of the day where I photograph the bride preparing to meet her groom.

I also take the opportunity to photograph the flowers in detail whilst they are fresh. Beth’s flowers had been arranged by the wonderful Green & Gorgeous near Wallingford. They grow a stunning range of flowers for weddings which they arrange in a wildly wonderful garden and hedgerow style. I thought the flowers they did for Beth were beautiful, a wonderful arrangement with some lovely, unusual flowers. They fitted with her day perfectly.

Beth & Chase’s was slightly different to the standard wedding day & everything was expertly organised by the fantastic Jeni from Vanilla Rose Weddings. They were already legally wed in Montana so they would be having a blessing in Beckley church. So before the blessing, with no bad luck to worry about, they met in Beth’s parents garden next to the church & I was there to capture their ‘First Look’. We also took the formal, group shots in the garden & then together we all made the short walk to the church.

As it was a blessing Chase walked Beth up the aisle to take part in the service together. After the service Beth & Chase walked down the church path to a flurry of confetti & along with their guests walked to the marquee for afternoon tea.

The marquee was positioned in a field looking over beautiful countryside & was decorated in a quintessentially British way with bunting & mismatched china.

The afternoon tea was supplied by the wonderful Chipping Norton Tea Set. They specialise in vintage weddings & not only do they supply beautiful vintage china & table linens but they also do the catering too! They had a beautiful ‘naked’ wedding cake adorned with fresh fruit & flowers by Cake by Rachel.

After the afternoon tea it was time for Kiti & I to take Beth & Chase off for their bride & groom shots. Beckley is a picturesque Oxfordshire village with lovely honey coloured Cotswold stone cottages & provided lots of lovely backgrounds. The sun was even shining in that lovely soft late afternoon way…..& a horse even came along to join in with the shoot!

It was now time for Beth & Chase to rejoin their guests for their first dance.

Rather than the usual disco or band Beth & Chase had a live band performing country dancing with a caller shouting out the moves. It was great fun & everyone joined in.

Hope you enjoy your sneak peek Beth & Chase back in Montana. Lots of memories of a very British summers day….& lots more to come!

Wishing you every happiness for your future together. Should we ever find ourselves in Montana perhaps you could teach this Cornish photographer how to be a cowboy?

Paul & Samantha – A Sneak Peek

Recently Kiti & I travelled to a venue new to both of us for the wedding of Paul & Samantha. Their wedding was held at the lovely Manor by the Lake near Cheltenham. I photographed Paul’s sister Louise’s wedding a few years back & she reminded me that was nearly ten years ago! Since then I have photographed various family shoots for them too so we have stayed in touch. I was really pleased to be asked to photograph Paul & Samantha’s wedding.

Manor by the Lake is a characterful manor house with fabulous period features & is surrounded by lovely gardens perfect for drinks reception & stylish bride & groom shots.

I started the day with Samantha & Kiti with the groom & ushers. The rooms at Manor by the Lake are elegantly decorated in neutral colours & silver. With lovely natural light these are photographers dream offering uncluttered backdrops for some stylish getting-ready shots.

Whilst I was with the bride & the bridal party Kiti was with the groom & ushers. She used the period features of the arches on the outside of the manor for some fabulous shots with Paul & the boys.

Now it was time for Paul to see his bride. As he nervously waited his bride walked into the sun-bathed ceremony room. After a lovely service with readings from Samantha’s Mum & bridesmaid Shanti it was time to celebrate!

As their guests mingled Kiti & I took Paul & Samantha off for some bride & groom shots. We wandered around the grounds using some lovely garden backdrops as well as the architecture of the building.

Paul & Samantha then joined their guests for the traditional wedding breakfast & speeches.

After the speeches it was time for Paul & Samantha to hit the dance floor…followed by their guests! As always after capturing some dance floor action Kiti & I wound our way homewards.

Congratulations Paul & Samantha, wishing you every happiness. Hope you love your sneak peek!

Emma & Jonny – A Sneak Peek

Recently Kiti & I photographed the wedding of Emma & Jonny at the beautiful Nether Winchendon House near Thame.

We started at the church in the village & captured images of the groom greeting the guests before the bride’s arrival. The bride arrived at the church in a vintage Bentley, actually the groom’s own car which he had reluctantly sold but it was loaned back to him for the day.

After a lovely service in the beautiful church the bride & groom made the short walk to Nether Winchendon House followed by their guests.

Whilst their guests mingled at the drinks reception with delicious canapés from Feast Events based in Marlow Kiti & I took the Bride & Groom around the grounds for some stylish couples shots. Nether Winchendon House has lovely grounds & offers some great backdrops. When booking Nether Winchendon House you have exclusive use of the grounds so it was lovely & peaceful & we got some lovely shots of Emma & Jonny…..& his beloved Bentley!

It was now time the couple to rejoin their guests at The Carriage Barn for their wedding breakfast. After some fantastic speeches & much laughter it was time for cutting the cake.

We hope you enjoy your sneak peek Emma & Jonny! Wishing you both every happiness!

Sofia & Phil – A Sneak Peek

Sofia & Phil were married in Marlow recently on a lovely June day. We started the day by dropping Kiti off at Crowne Plaza to meet up with Phil, his Best man & Ushers. We then made the short journey to Sofia’s parents house where she was getting ready with her parents & bridesmaids.

Phil’s mates all took their duties very seriously & were all a great help to him getting into his wedding suit. Cufflinks & cravats aren’t the easiest things to work out when you are feeling a little nervous. When Phil was ready Kiti did some great shots in the modern interior of the hotel before travelling to the church & getting some shots of the lads & the guests arriving.

Meanwhile, with the bridal party it was time for Sofia to get into her dress & make her entrance down the stairs that her Mum reminded her she had fallen down as a child!

Luckily she made it down the stairs safely & I love the emotion of the moment when everyone sees the bride.

Suddenly, it was time to leave & with help from my driver (Mrs Lord!) I got some shots of the bridal car as we whizzed past on our way up the A404.

The Catholic Church was quite restrictive on where we could stand but I feel that is important that we don’t interfere with what is a religious service. We still captured some lovely emotion & it was a beautiful service.

As they left the church as man & wife Phil & Sofia cut a ribbon held by Sofia’s godparents – an Italian custom signifying the start of their new life together.

They then made the short walk to the River Thames where they took a boat trip before arriving on the other side of the river at The Compleat Angler to meet their guests.

The weather so was so lovely they were able to have their drinks reception on the lawns over looking the river. During the drinks I took the Bride & Groom onto the bridge, to stop traffic – apologies to anyone we delayed! – to get some couples shots.

Phil & Sofia then returned to their guests for the wedding breakfast & speeches.

I love the golden evening summer sun so we took the opportunity before the cake cutting & first dance to take the couple off for a few more shots on the bridge & gardens.

By the time we returned it was time for cutting the cake & their first dance. As always Kiti & I left them all boogying the night away…..

Hope you love your sneak peek as much as we do. Wishing you all the happiness in the world for your future together.

Lora & James – A Sneak Peek

Kiti & I photographed the wedding of Lora & James at Milton Hill House, Steventon near Oxford. Now, as a wedding photographer it is always lovely when the sun shines & it is even better when the wedding ceremony can be outside.

We arrived at the venue & I popped straight upstairs to find the bride. Lora was preparing for the day with her parents & five bridesmaids. The bridesmaids all looked lovely in navy dresses with small yellow posies of ranunculus & billy balls tied with stripey yellow ribbons. The bride looked lovely in a simple dress with beautiful tapework, delicate sequins & beading. She carried a larger version of her bridesmaids posies this time tied with navy stripey ribbon & adorned with an initial A for her new surname.

Whilst I was with the bridal party Kiti was with the groom to take some portraits with him & his Best Man, Ushers & family….and the all important ring shot!

As the guests gathered on the lawns in front of a lovely brick built pergola Lora accompanied by her bridal party made her way to meet her groom.

It was such a lovely ceremony in the sunshine & the Bride & Groom made their way back down the aisle with beaming sunny, smiles!

Then it was time for group shots in the grounds in the shade of some lovely trees before I took the Bride & Groom off for some couple shots.

Milton Hill House Hotel is a new venue for me but Lora & James were up for an adventure & we found some really varied areas from Italian sunken gardens to some fantastic barns which gave a textured, vintage feel to the images.

After our adventure it was time for Lora & James to join their guests for the traditional wedding breakfast. Lora, James & their friends & families had decorated the room with touches of yellow & navy from pom-poms to some seriously perfect bunting made by the mums on the back of each chair.

There were great speeches from James & his best man ……but I love the look on their faces during Lora’s Dad, Derek’s speech – priceless & very funny!

After the wedding breakfast it was time for the cutting of the cake & the first dance before everyone hit the dancefloor. Kiti & I left everyone dancing the night away

Congratulations Lora & James – wishing you every happiness. Hope you love your sneak peek as much as we do!

Ruth and Stephane – A Sneak Peek

Most of my weddings are in Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire so it was with some excitement that Mrs Lord & I travelled to Kent to photograph the recent wedding of Ruth & Stephane in the beautiful late Spring countryside. We travelled down the day before so our day started with collecting my Antipodean assistant Kiti & we made our way to Tenterden.

All of today’s wedding locations were in close proximity so we planned to do a quick reccee of the wedding & first look locations prior to meeting the B&G. Rural Kent is a beautiful & looked wonderful at this time of year with the trees bursting into leaf & the cow parsley out in flower. After familiarising ourselves we made our way to meet our Bride & Groom.

Ruth & Stephane planned a day that was personal to them & this started with a first look amongst the vines of the famous vineyard Chapel Down. Normally I do my couple images with the bride & groom after the service during the drinks reception but it made refreshing change to do the photographs before the service & I think it was a special moment for the Bride & Groom to share.

After the first look we made our way to The Great Barn, Rolvenden which was the venue for the day. The service was beautiful & it was lovely that Ruth & Stephane were placed facing their friends & family rather than the audience viewing their backs!

By now what had been a rather overcast day had turned into a beautiful sunshine & Ruth & Stephane mingled with their guests in the orchard. They planned a really individual day after the drinks reception the guests gathered back in the barn at long trestle tables for afternoon tea after which there was beer & wine tastings for the guests.

They decorated the barn in a fabulous rustic way with reclaimed wood signs & strings of fairy lights, the tables decorated with bottles with local hedgerow flowers.

By now the sun had softened into that lovely evening glow & I took the Bride & Groom away for a few more couples shots. I have recently been experimenting with shooting into the sun which offers a soft, ethereal feel to the images.

After a few more shots with the happy couple it was time to let them return to their guests for their very original first dance & as always Kiti & I left everyone hitting the dancefloor.