“We just wanted to say the biggest thank you for the photos – they are absolutely perfect and capture the day perfectly! Every time we go through we find another gem! It’s been amazing to go through them all with family and friends and relive the memories from the day again already!”
Lucy & Fergal
The preparations
Morning preparations are usually a world apart but there was a one-off thread connecting Lucy and Fergal. Lucy got ready with her girls at The Barnsdale Hotel near Oakham. Fergal and his groomsmen were at The Finch’s Arms in Hambleton. And they both enjoyed the coronation of King Charles III playing quietly in the background! I was pleased to capture a shot of the action over Lucy’s shoulder as she marvelled at the crown – but nothing caught my eye quite like the wallpaper!
The ceremony
The ceremony took place in the Cahtolic chapel at Exton Park. It was filled with pretty countryside-inspired flowers, plumes of fragrant incense, twinkly candles, and beautiful beams of light coming through the stained glass windows. Georgi was shooting alongside me, which meant we could capture the story from complementary angles – including a birds-eye view from the balcony that felt so cinematic.
While all the guests made their way outside, I captured some snuggly pictures of Lucy and Fergal tucked away in the chapel staircase. Most of my couples don’t want to be away from their guests for long (totally get it!), so I always love to find little pockets of time like this where we can get some natural portraits without missing the fun – and this time it came with a great view of everyone balancing umbrellas and taking the biggest handfuls of confetti!
Lucy and Fergal came out to the most joyful chaos of rain and confetti – and then jumped into a red Corvette Sting Ray (a real treat if you’re into classic cars!) to head over to the reception. Meanwhile, their guests merrily wandered through the estate, umbrellas up, soaking it all in (the views and the moment, not the rain – thanks, umbrellas!).
Are you planning a wedding at Exton Park chapel?
First of all, could you have chosen anywhere more romantic?! Also, I’d love to chat with you about capturing your wedding here! But if it’s still early days, you’re welcome to carry on and explore more.
The drinks reception
Planning and styling were impeccable. No surprise really as one of my former brides, Bethany from Bethany Rose Weddings, brought her calm and creative magic to ensure everything ran seamlessly. Even though everyone sheltered inside because of the rain, there was plenty of space in the marquee to chill, chat, and enjoy the live music. And the clear walls made the most of the countryside setting despite the wet weather. In fact, the joyful energy was so inviting even the local wildlife wanted to join in and a curious swan waddled up to the marquee mid-celebration to see what all the fuss was about!
The portraits
Portraits with Lucy and Fergal around the beautiful grounds of Exton Park wouldn’t have been complete without their beloved Irish Red Setter, Ronan (yes, named after Ronan Keating!). Ronan wasn’t exactly keen on the whole pup-arazzi thing, so we let him lead the photos. And, oh boy, did he! He put on his own little show, maypole dancing with his lead around Fergal’s legs. And yes, with lots of love and patience, we got the pawfect posed photo too.
The group photos
Lucy and Fergal were keen to have nature as the backdrop for their group photos – so we dashed outside between rain showers. One of the ushers stepped in as Official Umbrella Wrangler, a role that resulted in a spontaneous rhythmic gymnastics routine – but with umbrellas instead of ribbons. Absolutely hilarious. We were all in bits watching from the sidelines.
Group photos are never just group photos – there’s often emotion, fun, and mischief between the posed photos. That’s why I love having my co-photographer with me. While I’m focused on the main shot, they can capture all the unplanned magic that happens just out of shot.
The wedding breakfast
Lucy and Fergal made their entrance to the sound of twirling napkins, huge cheers, and a room full of people who couldn’t have been happier for them. The atmosphere was electric with everyone so present and expressive, especially during the speeches. It was an absolute joy to photograph.
The party
After such a joyful, easygoing day in peaceful surroundings, the evening rolled in… and with it, a full-on party atmosphere! The dance floor was packed from the first song, with everyone belting out lyrics like their lives depended on it, ties on heads, hair everywhere, and absolutely no holding back.
Lucy and Fergal knew their guests would bring the energy, so they booked extra time to make sure those wild, wonderful moments didn’t go undocumented. And honestly? Worth every time my toes got trodden on! The dance moves, the expressions, the unfiltered joy – it was total, glorious chaos.
Are you planning a wedding at this beautiful venue?
I’ve got just the thing! An entire page of inspo from Exton Park!
The creative team
Photography
Photos by me, Sarah Vivienne – hi!
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