Not your average Pub Wedding…

I met Penny and Dan last February at the EDP wedding show at the Norfolk Showground. They liked my style of artistic wedding photography and told me about their plans for a pub wedding in Norfolk. The twist being that the pub was actually owned and run by themselves! Prior to the big day I went down to Colton near Norwich to meet Penny and Dan at The Norfolk Lurcher. We went through the schedule for the day and they gave me a tour of the village, so that we could scout out the best locations to shoot. There was certainly a lot of options, but I was really drawn to the barn at their parents house, literally 100 metres from the pub! But more on that later..

Bridal Prep down the Lane

I arrived early to photograph Penny and her bridesmaids at her parents house. There was a lot going on when I got there, with the Prosecco in full flow. As I walked through the front door I was greeted with a magnificent portrait of their dog Alfie, the aforementioned Norfolk Lurcher. I find this time of the wedding day is invaluable. It gives me time to meet everyone and build up a rapport, which really helps later on when capturing those natural photos that really tell the story. I can also take my time and capture all the small details, from the flowers to the dress, shoes and perfume.

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Grooms Men: Fully Loaded

After meeting the girls it was time to pop down to the pub where the guys were getting ready. As I walked in, with my trusty assistant and wing man Steve, the groom prep was in full flow with ties being tied, cuff links donned and button holes ready to go. The guys were all very chilled and after shooting some great natural, relaxed photos, I asked Dan to sit by the window. Penny had bought him several wedding gifts (which Steve had to run back and collect!) and he now began to open them. The window light made sure that we captured these moments perfectly, and Dan was absolutely delighted with his pocket watch! We now went outside in the pub garden as Dan had requested some shots with his rifles. We had a lot of fun with these, with Dan and the boys looking the business.

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Back to the Penny

With the guys fully suited and booted and heading to the church, it was time to leave the Norfolk Lurcher and head back to Penny and her bridesmaids. She was now getting ready with her final preparations and when she put on her beautiful dress, Albania by Pronovias from La Crème, she looked absolutely stunning! Also, a special mention to the bridal bouquet from Swaffam and Fakenham Florists. It was quite simply exquisite. Once ready she climbed in to the wedding car, her Dad’s original MGB which he has owned for almost 50 years. He drove from their house to the village Church, with Penny perched on the back. A really unique and lovely touch.

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Mr and Mrs Nixon!

As Penny and her father walked down the aisle they exchanged a look and smile that was really special. As a father myself it really touched me and I very much look forward to the day that I’ll do the same. The wedding ceremony was presided over by the vicar Ivan Bailey. He’s the ex-Canon of Norwich Cathedral and a regular patron of the Norfolk Lurcher, so they were definitely in good hands. String quartet Classycool provided some beautiful music as the newly wed Mr and Mrs Nixon exited down the aisle, and as Dan and Penny where showered with confetti the look of joy on their faces was plain to see. This was a really lovely and emotional part of their wedding day that I particularly enjoyed capturing.

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Sunshine…

After the confetti the guests headed back to the Norfolk Lurcher pub and myself, Dan, Penny and Steve headed in to the grounds of the Church for some portraits. I started with something simple and natural, before moving on to some more fun and playful shots. When the rapport with a couple is good, these kind of photos just take care of themselves. As we walked back to the car the sun suddenly peaked through the clouds. I quickly positioned Penny with the light behind her and we had another classic image in the bag. Dan fired up the MGB and it was back to the pub wedding reception…

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Wedding Party in the Barn!

So, I mentioned the barn earlier as a spot I rated for some top creative wedding photos. This really hinged on how up for it everyone was as to what we could achieve, but I couldn’t have asked for more from these guys! I had the idea for a Vogue/Tatler-esque group shot of the whole party up on the bales. Now it took a bit of climbing, shimmying and manoeuvring, and a certain degree of fine tuning, but in the end the result was one of my favourite ever photos. We also had an absolute blast getting it done and ended up with a stunning set of stylish, timeless images.

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Speeches, Schnapps and Cigars

The rest of the evening carried on with food and speeches, followed by Schnapps ( Dan’s family are German) and cigars. As you would expect from a pub wedding the drink was flowing and everyone was really in the spirit. A magician, photo booth and two fabulous bands, The Take Four Quartet and The Cassettes, provided the entertainment. We also managed a couple more creative portrait sessions. These were done in the field next door and by the pub pond. I like to space these out throughout the day as the look and feel can really vary. Its also a chance to try out new ideas and produce some really artistic wedding photography.

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Dancing the Night Away

Penny and Dan opted for my package which includes all day coverage until midnight. This meant that I was there to capture all the evening action. The first dance was magnificent, these guys can really move! Everyone was really going for it right up until the final bell and I can honestly say that this was one of the best weddings that I’ve ever shot.

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Book me for your Pub Wedding!

Are you recently engaged and planning a pub wedding? Do you like the images you’ve seen here? Then get in contact and book me for your wedding photography today! And of course I don’t just shoot pub weddings! I photograph all types of wedding throughout the UK and beyond, so check out some more on the wedding blog,

Pub Wedding In Norfolk – Suppliers List

Music

Classycool – our string quartet from Covent Garden… played during the ceremony and at the reception.

The Take Four Quartet – our jazz band… made up of local, retired musicians. They played during our wedding breakfast and are regulars at the pub.

The Cassettes – our evening band… our friend is the very talented drummer, Sean. Voted top #10 wedding band by Alive Network.

Hair & Makeup

Makeup – Gabby Newland

Hair – Melissa Newland

Hair Piece – bespoke by Lucie Greene Bridal

Outfits

Bridal Dress – Albania by Pronovias from La Crème (Lucy and Jill in the shop were amazing)

Bridal Accessories – all from La Crème

Groom’s Suit – Ted Baker from Slaters

Wedding Party suits – all from Slaters own range

Cravats, Ties, Alfie’s Bow Tie – DQT (baby pink paisley)

Bridesmaid Dresses – Ever Pretty via Amazon

Bridal Shoes – Dune

Men’s Shoes – all from Debenhams (matching)

Pink Socks – Sock Shop

Dressing Gowns – from ebay, personalised by bride using transfers from From Amy to B on Facebook

Flowers

Bridal Bouquet, Bridesmaid Bouquets, Button Holes – Fakenham & Swaffham Florist

Table Centres, Pub & Church – arranged by Bride and Mother of the Bride (with a bit of help from the bridesmaids). Foliage all came from the hedgerows, flowers were home grown, from neighbours garden and the rest of the cut flowers came from Flower Exchange on the Sweet Briar Estate in Norwich.

Gifts

For the ladies – all bespoke, handmade by Coco Grey Jewellery. Mother of Bride and Mother of Groom bangles are an original design,and bridesmaid bracelets designed by Annie after talking to bride, specifically for the wedding (a friend’s business)

For the gents – cuff links from Chosen by Emilia Rose on ebay… wooden cigar cases from Honduras (via etsy) & engraved by a friend of the Groom

Cake – Made by Bride

Cake topper by Craft Cabin Laser Crafts on eBay

Fresh Flowers – from Flower Exchange

Foliage – from neighbour’s garden

Magic

Magician – Mark Daynes

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