What a ruddy honour to be asked to photograph Sabrina and James' wedding! You see, Sabrina grew up the other side of the sty from me (not a pig sty, the type you climb over! ... Although there did used to be a pig living behind the house, and her name was Annie...) and we've known each other for 25 years. Gosh, aren't we old?!
So, to travel back to the tiny village we grew up in, and all the memories that held was a real treat, but also real pressure at the same time!
Shabbington Church is a gorgeous, if slightly chilly Medieval church. When we visited for a walk-through, our breath was fogging up significantly, but Sabrina assured me the heating would be on on the day. It's higgled-piggldy floor, mis-matched lights and large stained glass windows are so atmospheric, I just hoped I could do it justice.
The day began at Sabrina's Mum's home, with Sabrina's hair and makeup done by the lovely Emily of ERC Make-up & Hair. Sabrina's Mum kept everyone well fed and entertained, and even the pet rabbit came to join in the fun! Sabrina was stunning in her Justin Alexander dress from Anna McDonald Bridal - a delicate lace overlay, corset back and blush tone underneath. Her shoes were from the John Lewis Rainbow Collection, but the stories behind the other details were what really got me feeling all nostalgic... Sabrina loves a bit of tradition and knew the whole rhyme of
"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe."
I hadn't realised there was another line to the rhyme, as I'm sure many don't but of course Sabrina had made sure this was covered! On the bottom of her shoe, Sabrina had a lucky silver sixpence which was minted in 1957 - the year her grandparents were married. The blue garter she wore had been Sabrina's grandmother's garter many moons ago, and the blush tone pearl earrings she wore were a gift to her from her grandparents on her 21st birthday. These tied in with her dress perfectly, so clearly it was destined to be!
Travelling in style (by white Landrover) to the church, both Sabrina and James had last minute excited emotional jitters, and spent most of the service both laughing and crying, which was beautiful to see and had most of the congregation welling up. David, the vicar, led with some powerful words and set them both off again...!
After the service, it was off the The Spread Eagle just 5 minutes down the road in Thame, via some portraiture on the outskirts of the village. We might have held up a few cars, but clearly they'd all come out to see the bride and groom as there's rarely anyone along the road at all! They were all winding down their windows as we moved out of the way to congratulate the happy couple and ask them about their day - what a gorgeous community spirit!
Sabrina and James arrived to a lively drinks reception, followed by dinner and some excellent speeches (my personal highlight was the reveal that Sabrina and her Maid of Honour, Kerhys, had swapped their sandwiches every single day at school for 7 years, and neither mother had had a clue!) Before long it was time for more drinks, some classic dance moves, and once I'd clocked off, I even managed to join in!
If you'd like to see more, head over to Client Galleries, or check out one of the other blog posts. And if you'd like to get in touch to book your own wedding, you can contact me here! Alternatively, check out the packages, but remember I'm always happy to tailor my services exactly to your day, and precisely what you're looking for - so just get in touch, and let's chat!
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