The first time I met Lisa and Jonathan I warmed to them straight away and I was glad that they choose us to photograph their wedding. Their wedding was at Notley Abbey in Buckinghamshire, which is also one of my favourite venues.

Notley Abbey, once the home of Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh has been beautifully restored. Each room has the perfect balance of old with modern.

In the morning Martyn photographed Jonathan, the guys get ready in the quaint cottages at Notley Abbey. I photographed the bridal preparations in the bridal suite. The bridal suite has a huge mirror, the flower girl was so cute dancing in front of it.

The service was held outside, Lisa and Jonathan weren’t originally planning to have the service outside but changed their minds once they saw the weather!

The wedding breakfast and evening reception is held in the barn, originally a monks refectory. The couple both work in law, the speeches were confident and allowed us to capture lots of guests laughing. The speeches are an ideal time to capture guests unawares. At this time, I’ve made a mental note of guests that haven’t been captured and make it my mission to capture them!

Looking back, we’ve photographed some amazing weddings this year and this wedding was no exception. Here are just a few of my favourites.

they are just amazing!

cute photograph of the flower girl dancing in front of the mirror

the moment Lisa first looks at Jonathan, great expression!

Notley Abbey is a stunning location for an outside wedding

detail of the wedding ring, bracelet and flowers

Jonathan embarrassing Lisa during the speeches at Notley Abbey

I can’t believe you said that!

best mans turn to embarrass the bride and groom

Notley Abbey looks stunning lit up at night

a beautiful moment of intimacy just after the first dance

Back at Notley Abbey, each time I work at this venue I love it more and more.

Morgan and Jennifer met in Dubai and had a long distance relationship for two years. After flying to meet Jennifer no less than 62 times, Morgan proposed over dinner, at the only 7 star restaurant in the world – the Burj al Arab in Dubai. Jennifer wasn’t expecting it at all! Everyone in the restaurant gave them a round of applause and the couple on the next table even ordered them a bottle of champagne!

Morgan has Scottish origins and wore a cravat of his tartan, made by his Mum. The bridesmaids had a band of the tartan sewed on to their dresses to tie in the theme.

Jenny’s took inspiration for her hair from Cheryl Cole’s wedding hairstyle. Jenny’s friend, a hair and make-up artist did a fantastic job, with the hair and make-up staying put all day.

Jenny and Morgan choose to get married inside. The room has great light and I have to say the registrars are lovely here too.

Notley Abbey has beautiful grounds, not leaving out the grand chandelier and staircase inside the house, so we spent some time with Morgan and Jenny capturing some great photographs of the two of them.

After some speeches, which got lots of laughs and a few tears, the couple pulled off a great first dance routine. They had a little help from their friend Vicky Brown, who teaches first wedding dances for a living.

Congratulations to you both.

This wedding was featured in February 2011 Wedding Ideas

Jennifer and Morgans suppliers
We worked well with Ines Telling from Vis-à-Video – creative female videographer, I’m confident their wedding DVD will be artistic and a little different.

Jennifers stunning dress is Benjamin Roberts from The Wedding Centre in Marlow
Stunning make-up from Louise Cullip – 01494 520708 – 07966 056386
Merlot coloured bridesmaid’s dresses from BHS
Flowers from pollination.uk.com
Soul and funk band T6
Wedding dance choreography by Vicky Louise Brown

The beautiful Notley Abbey

Jenny’s necklace was a previous present from Morgan, the tiara was ‘something borrowed’ from a bridesmaid

One of Martyns – capturing the groom and best man arriving

I love this one of Jen going down the stairs to be married, the light is just falling on her

Morgan looks pleased to see Jen

I love Jens expression after her veil is pulled back

Jen looks so happy

One of my favourites an impromptu moment when Morgan kisses his wife

back of the dress shot, this part of Notley Abbey is a bit of wind trap and allows some great shots of the wind blowing the veil

confetti under the walkway makes a great shot

I love the shape of the Champagne glasses

Jen sheds a tear of laughter

I love the expressions in this photograph

Photographs of the couple on the beautiful staircase

The venue looks magical lit up night

Notley Abbey is one of my favourite venues. The former home to Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, Notley Abbey has been beautifully restored with an ideal balance of modern and old charm.

Helen fell in love with the venue as soon as saw it. The venue has a French feel to it, the groom Chris, or should I say Christophe has French origins.

Helen based her colour theme on the magenta colour of orchids. Large organza ribbon was used to decorate the walkway. The bridesmaids had magenta coloured dresses but each one was a different style to suit their different figures. The bouquets of orchids and were quite striking.

In the morning Martyn followed Chris and his ushers. Chris was quite relaxed and even had a little nap on the sun bed. Although at regular intervals he went over his speech.

Despite getting married in April, Helen and Chris had ideal weather and were able to get married outside. With the legal part of the ceremony being held under the arch, as technically you are not allowed to get married outside in this country! After the service Helen looked ecstatic and waved her bouquet in the air.

We took some stunning photographs of Helen and Chris, making use of the bridge, the love seat and the beautiful gardens at the back of Notley Abbey. Before the receiving line, we had some time to get a few photographs of them on the magnificent staircase.

The speeches were very emotional and funny, we were able to capture some great moments. Which I’m sure will be talking points during the future.

After the speeches, we took some more photographs in the soft light of sunset. Next was first dance, followed by surprise fireworks for guests, the evening ended with a great party.

Helen loved planning her wedding so much, she now works as a wedding planner in Scotland.

We’d definitely recommend you.

Martyn was following the boys in the morning

Chris was looking the photographs of their life on the screen in the lobby

Chris taking a stroll in the grounds

Best man checking he has the rings!

Striking bouquets of orchids

Chris just looks too relaxed!

Chris checking his speech

Meanwhile the bridesmaids had made a book of ‘This is your life’

Intricate details of the bridesmaids hair

the guests take their seats for the outdoors service

Helens Dad glances at his beautiful daughter as she walks down to be married

walking down the outdoor aisle

I love the veil blowing during the kiss

family in the crowds

Helen waves her bouquet in the air before she walks down the aisle

A beautiful shot on the bridge

Chris looking over his speech

Helen and Chris both crying with laugher at the father of the brides speech

Chris gets emotional during his speech

Helen gets embarrassed

The same moment from Martyns viewpoint

Some more couple shots in the soft golden light of the sun setting

Notley Abbey at sunset

father daughter dance

a moment after the first dance

A small selection of photographs that show the wedding venue Notley Abbey. A truly beautiful venue on the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire borders that specialises in weddings. Notley Abbey is a Grade I listed building that manages to pull off a modern interior, whilst keeping its old charm.

A stunning venue for your wedding photographs, with the option to get married outside in the Abbott’s private garden, weather permitting! For winter weddings or bad weather there is plenty of indoors space which is full of character.

The 13th century stone barn, originally the Monks’ Refectory, is used for the wedding breakfast and dancing. The venue is not a hotel but there are 9 elegant bedrooms for yourselves and your guests to stay in.