congratulations to nadia and dominic, the new mr & mrs collins...

Yesterday started very early for me, approximately 05:15 when I awoke in the knowledge that the day had arrived for Nadia and Dominic to tie the knot and wed the love of their lives.

Up, showered, hair washed and done, thermals on and equipment packed thanks to Michael, then we were off by 08:30, whilst my parents looked after our children.

The day started really well, great weather, easy drive and the navigation apparently knew where to take us; er not so sure about that, when it tried to dump us in the middle of a field. A quick consultation with the iPhone, a call to Nadia with an update and we were back on track.

We arrived at Starborough Manor with a jolly greeting from the owner Lynn. Slipped my shoes off and headed up stairs to see Nadia. There she was, a picture of fresh coolness and relaxation, as Becky GHD'd her hair, pulling in lucious bouncy curls. The rapport was instantly there from our previous pre-wedding session and recce. As soon as I saw Nadia, I thought to myself, "this is going to be a great day!"

The light was lovely and without delay, I assembled my equipment and proceeded to capture images of the beautiful bride to be. A short while later and I got to meet one of the lovely maids of honour, Louise; she was glowing. Maybe it was the pregnancy, however, I didn't want to ask and possibly get it so wrong! So far, so good, lovely group of ladies thus far, it's going well.

Capturing various details in my usual signature fashion, I reliased one of the things I treasure about this part of the wedding - the wedding laughter. It's such an amazing atmosphere, completely inspiring; I love being a wedding photographer.

Hayley, Nadia's other Maid of Honour, brought with her huges smiles and expressions when she arrived and was probably not even aware of it - perfect moments for me to capture for Nadia and Dominic to treasure.

I'm not good and keeping in surprises I create, so was bursting to tell Nadia about the DVD she'd have for the evening. Needless to say, she was over the moon, which made me really warm inside.

In keeping with her profession, Nadia couldn't resist and had organised for her party to have these cute purple hoodies with "CREW" on the back - so cool. Even her brother Carl was rocking his CREW hoody in the grounds and mum, Lyn, provided me with a great capture, when she struck a pose in her one.

Michael and I were in contact with each other via phone as usual, so when we were arriving at Coltsford Mill, he was there on cue, ready to capture "Bridezilla, The Beast" aka the big white car that Nadia and Dominic were using for the week leading up to the wedding. Well he was capturing Nadia arriving, however, The Beast had to have it's moment of fame.

Coltsford Mill was buzzing with excitement, there were four wedding co-ordinators on hand to ensure everything was just so: Jan, Jen, Jacque and Sharon, just to confuse.

One thing Nadia wanted for her wedding day was snow, however, Mother Nature instead gave us a bright fresh day on 3 December 2011, instead of the forecasted showers. Thank you Mother Nature! 

I could go on and on, however, I think you probably just want to see the images now, so without further ado, here they are and Nadia, I thought you deserved the snow - you were ACE...

What I failed to mention earlier, is that I created this Showcase AT the wedding and it was premiered to the newly weds and their wedding guests at the end of the night. There were cheers and tears - all joy.

Nadia and Dominic, thank you for choosing Denise Ebanks Weddings to capture you becoming Mr & Mrs Collins!

Enjoy and please, please do leave a comment here and share this wedding story.

Dnx

Vendors:

Hair and Makeup: Beauty Call - Becky Sargeant, Francisee for Brighton

congratulations to newly-weds, hanna and andrew mancey...

Yesterday was possibly one of the happiest days of their lives - Hanna and Andrew tied the knot at the beautiful All Saints Church in Kenley, then bussed it over to the delightful Coltsford Mill for their reception with friends and family.

We arrived at Andrew's mum's house at 10:00 to be greeted at the door with a video camera - Ian was documenting the day in his charming manner. This was the first time I had the pleasure of meeting Karen, Andrew's bubbly and welcoming mum, and Sofia, Hanna and Andrew's beautiful calm natured daughter.

Following a brief reacquaintance with Johanna, Birgitta and meeting little Noah, it was time to put my newly gleaned knowledge and camera to my eye to capture the moments that matter.

This could end up being a really long post, however, I'll provide the highlights...

Michael and I had the pleasure of meeting some truly wonderful people yesterday - Jenny, Andrew's sister is lovely, a really down to earth individual with great personality and a fun family.

Martin, Andrew's dad must think that I have absolutely no sense of direction and he'd be right, I managed to get quite a bit of walking in enroute to the church, it was probably about 50 paces! I won't go into how many I took when I got lost!

I'll post the images in no particular order, so please keep checking back and feel free to leave a comment below.

Having just seen the creativity of these ring details - I've decided on calling this part of the coverage 'Signature Details' - photographed by Denise Ebanks

Whilst the bride gets ready, Michael captures images of the reception venue as it takes shape, including the cake creation from Waitrose - photographed by Michael Ebanks

Signature Details, capturing the Bride's details - photographed by Denise EbanksHanna prepares for her wedding, more Signature Details - is she dreaming of cake? - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks

Hanna prepares for her wedding with a professional makeover - photographed by Denise Ebanks

Andrew, Ken and Martin prepare the reception venue for guests to find Coltsford Mill - photographed by Michael Ebanks

The other little star of the day, Sofia with her mama and Nana - photographed by Denise Ebanks

Accessories, new and vintage, there was so much splendor at Karen's home - photographed by Denise Ebanks

The lovely Jenny setting a new trend with the joggers and heels - I like it! - photographed by Denise Ebanks

Adorable Page Boys and Beautiful Flower Girl - photographed by Denise Ebanks

Andrew gets ready to meet his bride - photographed by Michael Ebanks

Best friends from birth, Andrew and Ken get ready to look their best in their respective roles - photographed by Michael Ebanks

Family matters - the children enjoy a cousins moment - photographed by Denise Ebanks

More family matters - photographed by Michael Ebanks

Different locations, different photographers, yet still the same - the boys strike a pose with their top hats - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks

The glamorous mothers enjoy a professional makeover, looking a million dollars - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks

Off to the church, treasuring moments and awaiting his bride - photographed by Michael EbanksHanna, Johanna and Jenny exchange the joggers for their tiaras and dresses, the atmosphere is transforming - photographed by Denise Ebanks

Final touches in preparation for the Bridal party to leave - photographed by Denise Ebanks

Andrew patiently awaits his bride, meanwhile Hanna is being fashionably late - photographed by Michael Ebanks

The guests are seated and the groom looks relaxed - photographed by Michael Ebanks

Hanna leaves for the church to meet her Groom - photographed by Denise Ebanks

Hanna arrives at Church - meanwhile, there's a photographer walking the lanes of Kenley - photographed by Michael Ebanks

The wedding ceremony begins at All Saints Church - photographed by Michael Ebanks

The rehearsal of Friday evening paid off, looks like Hanna is singing along beautifully - photographed by Michael Ebanks

Wedding couple at All Saints Church, Kenley - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks

Proud father and a different perspective - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks

Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Mancey - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks

As Johanna and Ken participate in the signing of the register with a little guidance from Reverend Christine Spurway, the married couple share a moment.

The guests sing, the Bride and Groom are blessed and baby Sofia looks on at her mummy and daddy. Bliss - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks

Rewind just a few and allow the married couple to leave the church as "Mr & Mrs" and reflect on "You May Kiss the Bride" - photographed by Denise EbanksThe newly married couple lead the guests to their awaiting carriage - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks

An original Routemaster bus awaits to transport the married couple and their guests to Coltsford Mill, Oxted - photographed by Michael Ebanks

The Routemaster arrives at Coltsford Mill wedding venue with the married couple and guests - photographed by Michael & Denise Ebanks

A brief stroll down to Coltsford Mill and there's nothing to worry about - photographed by Michael Ebanks

Coltsford Mill wedding venue where the guest mingle on the patio - photographed by Denise & Michael Ebanks

The wonderful guests of Hanna and Andrew Mancey, they were truly lovely people and a pleasure to serve - photographed by Michael Ebanks

The magic continues...

The children are fascinated and mesmerised with the Magicians purple magic - photographed by Denise Ebanks

With the reception hall dressed, all that is required are the bride and groom and their guests - photographed by Michael Ebanks

Introducing Hanna & Andrew Mancey, signature bride and groom portraits - I adore the image on the right, it has a sheer chicness about it - you look beautiful Hanna...

She's radiant and beautiful - Andrew admires his wife - photographed by Denise Ebanks

Hanna and Andrew Mancey signature bride and groom portraits captured by Denise EbanksMore signature portraits from Hanna & Andrew's wedding day yesterday at Coltsford Mill, Oxted - photographed by Denise EbanksHanna posing with our Fulton umbrella during her Signature Portraits and having fun - photographed by Denise Ebanks...and with a flash of leg and a glimpse of the garter, the Signature Portraits session comes to an end, allowing the bride and groom to freshen up for their meal - photographed by Denise Ebanks

Some from the amusing and emotional speeches

Birgitta, mother of the bride, delivers her speech in her unique way and elicits plenty of laughs - photographed by Michael EbanksAndrew delivers an emotional and impacting speech, enlightening us on how they met and everyone raises a glass to those not present - photographed by Michael Ebanks

Time for a little gift giving and a lot of appreciation - photographed by Michael Ebanks

The happy couple - photographed by Michael EbanksAnybody who's anybody will be at the Mancey Money Casino - photographed by Michael Ebanks

The first dance - photographed by Denise Ebanks

Then they got funky with the first dance - photographed by Denise EbanksDancing the night away - photographed by Denise EbanksWho caught the bouquet? - Photographed by Denise Ebanks

Michael and I consider ourselves honoured to have captured these beautiful images, telling the story of Hanna and Andrew's special wedding day, that will live on forever and be shared with their daughter, Sofia.

Thank you for choosing us, we're enjoying the moments as they come.

Dnx

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