Through the trees {Helen & Russ}

Cain Manor, Surrey

For those of you that follow me and my work, you’ll know how fond I am of the forest. Helen and Russ are after my own heart in this regard. Not only did they have the most romantic engagement story (Russ proposing in the New Forest by way of a message written in stones on the bank of the river – a spot we returned to for their engagement shoot), but they chose a wedding venue with that same taste of woodlands. Cain Manor, Surrey, has a driveway through a beautiful patch of woodland, warning to ‘Beware of the Badgers’, rising up onto a hill where the manor overlooks the North Downs.

Some years ago I met Helen when she was one of the bridesmaids at Laura and Andrew’s wedding. When Russ and she got engaged, Helen approached me to document their celebrations, I jumped at the chance. This day was so personal, you could really feel the friendship and support for these two. It was wonderful to see so many many familiar faces, including Laura and Drew – it is one of the greatest complements to be chosen by someone who has seen you work first hand at a dear friend’s wedding.

Helen chose Jimmy Choo sparkles for her feet and lace on her dress, while Russ looked dapper in his suit with orange detail, reflecting the orange roses in Helen’s bouquet.

Cain Manor is a beautiful old building with exposed beams, a stunning barn with a vaulted ceiling, a pretty wooden staircase  leading to the spacious bedrooms where the girls got ready. It marries the feelings of grandeur and homeliness. Following the elegant ceremony, the barn was transformed with the help of Helen’s bridesmaids and simple and elegant decor reflecting their forest theme: moss table numbers, white candles and pebble name settings.

Helen & Russ, it has been such a joy to get to know you both better these last few months and I am so excited for your future together. You deserve every happiness there is to have.

Helen & Russ’s Cain Manor wedding team:
Venue: Cain Manor
Helen’s dress: Maggie Sottero, ‘Britannia’
Helen’s shoes: Jimmy Choo ‘Louise’
Veil and headpiece: Wedded Bliss
Jewellery: Beaverbrooks
Hair: Emma Lowry, Image Hairdressing
Makeup: The Beauty Retreat
The Bridesmaids dresses and details: Dessy dresses in colour ‘cloudy’
The bouquets, buttonholes and reception flowers: Pomp & Petals
Russ’s suit: Victor Valentine
Cuff links & shoes: Paul Smith
Stationary: Claire Hawkes Design
Photobooth: Lily Bean Booths
The cake: Marks & Spencer (details TBC)
Cake topper: ‘Peggy & Pete’ designed by Fiona Pearce (friend of the bride)
Musicians: Day: Kaleidoscope Jazz Band, Evening: Penfold