The Fairytale {Louise & Guy}

Clearwell Castle, Forest of Dean

We rounded the edge of the Forest of Dean with barely 20 metres of visibility in front of us. As we approached, the turrets rose up out of the fog as if in a fairy tale. It was a magical day for a Clearwell Castle wedding. Inside, logs blazed in the hearth; a fire to warm the castle walls, bathing the room in a soft orange glow.

Upstairs in beautiful regal rooms at opposite ends of the castle, Louise and Guy prepared for their day. Chris Fordham created beautiful romantic hairstyles for all the girls, while Louise applied her own makeup. Lavender’s Blue Florestry created a classic delicate bouquet that set of the lace detail in Louise’s Justin Alexander dress. Her look was completed touch of sparkle from Jimmy Choo’s and a Chez Bec hair comb.

While I was with Louise and the girls, Jake was with Guy and his best man. Guy used to be in the Army (indeed where Louise and Guy met), and has a very beautiful sword from those days. Later it would be used to cut the cake. Guy certainly looked the part of the prince in this fairytale, sword in hand, lit by the light from the vaulted castle windows.

On the rocky outcrop to the side of the gardens, swathes of snowdrops draped themselves across the bank, whispering ‘Spring is here’. A herald for new beginnings and the most beautiful backdrop for a Clearwell Castle Wedding.

Louise  and her parents are very close. Mary, Louise’s mother, planned a surprise, which I had had to keep a secret. A display of a pair of snow-white rock doves. A gift of peace and love for her daughter and new son (in law). Inside the party began. In beautiful rooms with tall ceilings and light pouring in through the arched windows, it looked like a painting.

When I met with Louise and Guy some months before the wedding for their Clearwell Castle engagement shoot, I was struck by how close, how together they were. I remember then Louise whispering to Guy how she had waited her whole life for him and that every second had been worth the wait. They are deeply in love. There is a happiness that condenses into energy between them. It fills me with peace.

Louise & Guy’s Clearwell Castle Wedding Team:

The venue: Clearwell Castle
Louise’s dress: Justin Alexander Louise’s shoes (designer, shoes name): Jimmy Choo
Louise’s details: Andrew Prince (Earrings); Chez Bec (Head Piece); Pandora (Bracelet)
Hair and Makeup: Chris Fordham
The Bridesmaids Dresses: Adrianna Papell (Side Rouched Dress)
Flower Girls Dress: John Lewis (Fairy Dress)
The Bouquets, buttonholes and reception flowers:  Lavender’s Blue Floristry
Guy’s Suit: Moss Hire
Guy’s Details: English Cufflinks
Table Plan: Ron Wilkins (father of the bride)
The Cake: Marks & Spencers
Magician: Michael Gee
Ring Cushion: Mary Wilkins (mother of the bride)
Doves: Lovey Dovey UK