Red Carpet {Sarah & Ben}

Rushton Hall, Northampton

Every now and then you meet two people, so in love, so happy with where they are and who they are, that it affirms everything you believe. Sarah & Ben are they. We spent some time getting to know each other in London, taking some pictures by the Shard (where Ben proposed) and along the Thames with the view of St Paul’s, the view they had on their first date. I knew then how together they are in every sense.

Sarah decided early on that she wanted to get married ‘at home’ close to where her parents live. Across the road from their house in Weston Favell is the beautiful St Peter’s Church. Idyllically English and the perfect location. It is so close in fact that they joked with a friend of theirs in the carpet trade that they could lay red carpet from the front door, across the road to the church (which has red carpet down the aisle) and out the other side where their Beauford would be waiting. Over time, the joke became too good and had to be done. And so they did, and it was perfect.

Gathered together in that little stone church, the nearest and dearest came to show their support and love….and as Sarah was walked down the aisle by her step father and father, to a very happy groom, I was reminded how privileged we are to witness this moment of declaration, the moment when two independent souls vow to navigate this precious life together. It really is an honour.

Sarah & Ben are stylish, and of course today would be no exception. Sarah’s Alouette gown by Sophia Tolli was paired with Jimmy Choo’s Fable, and a veil with drop beaded detail, to incredible effect. She looked stunning. Ben was her match, every inch the suave groom, in his Austin Reed suit and silver buckled shoes by Jeffery West.

After the ceremony, we all set off through the countryside to the magnificent 16th century Rushton Hall. Set up on a hill, surrounded by woodland, lakes and quintessentially English rolling fields…it was spectacular. The reception was relaxed, full of laughter and heartfelt conversation. A real dream to watch and to capture.

I was fortunate to photograph Sarah’s brother’s wedding last year. Annie & James’s rather special 1950s inspired celebrations were terrific fun, and it means so much that Sarah & Ben said that once they saw Annie & Jim’s images, they were certain that we were the photographers for them. There is no better testament. It was so lovely to see so many familiar faces, and made the day even more personal for us.

Sarah & Ben, it has been such a joy to get to know you, and thank you for the jokes which made me laugh so much I had to put my camera down for a second, and for your inspiring relationship. Jake and I hope these images bring back all those amazing emotions whenever you look at them.

Sarah & Ben’s Rushton Hall wedding team:
Sarah’s dress: Sophia Tolli, Alouette
Sarah’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo – Fable
Hair and Makeup: Seckingtons, Northampton
The Bridesmaids dresses and details: Coast
Ben’s Shoes – Jeffery West
Ben’s suit: Austin Reed
Ben’s details: Hawes & Curtis (Cufflinks)
The bouquets, buttonholes and reception flowers: Flowers 2 Impress
Stationary: Phylecia Sutherland
The cake: Cakes by Beth
Musicians: The Partystarters