A Stylish Anglo French wedding at the RAC country club Woodcote Park
Yesterday I documented Amanda and Martin’s wedding at St Michael’s Church Betchworth, and the Royal Automobile Club country club at Woodcote Park.
It’s fair to say it rained heavily for most of the day, but this didn’t detract from what was an amazing day with so many brilliant moments, lovely people, characters and smiles. It’s always disappointing for any couple when the heavens open on their big day. Plans have to be rethought and adapted, and from a photography point of view the photographer has to quickly reassess where they’ll take group photos and couple’s portraits, how we’ll light the space, will our couple be happy with the locations, and will we still be able to get the best possible photographs from the day. Sometimes it’s not easy, but this is why you hire professionals.
Yesterday’s professionals included myself and my assistant Debbie, Ashleigh on video (Ash Video), Mad Lilies on blooms, and the fab Kate Hughes on hair and makeup. Amanda wore the most sumptuous and stylish Pronovias gown teamed with a pair of Manolo Blahnik Hangisi pumps in a rich navy velvet. We began coverage at the club in the morning to capture the bridal party’s preparations. Despite the gloomy weather outside, the party had the perfect suite for getting ready with plenty of natural light.
Amanda’s father has been a member of the RAC Club in Surrey for many years, and he told us he was really touched when Amanda and Martin chose it for their wedding venue. Woodcote Park is the RAC’s country club and has been since they purchased the building in 1913. In the 1930’s the building was gutted by fire and then renovated, and now much of the interiors reflect this late Art Deco period. It’s stunning and perfect for a stylish wedding as well as some gorgeous bride and groom portraits.
Later we moved on (well actually dashed), to St Michael’s Church at Betchworth. The church doubled as the Stoke Clandon Somerset church in which Angus and Laura married in Four Weddings And A Funeral. It’s a beautiful village church but sadly has pretty strict photography rules and we were instructed to stand at the back and not take any photographs during the ceremony. However, you may come across a few images which mysteriously found their way into this blog post!
The day had a very continental feel as Martin’s mother is French, as were many of the guests. I absolutely adored the Croquembouche wedding cake which made a lovely change to the normal iced/naked, semi naked cakes we often see.
Despite the rain, everyone appeared to have an excellent time. It was also a busy day for us too, but the time seemed to fly by, which is always the sign of a brilliant day.
Here is a preview of images for Amanda, Martin, their family and friends. Thank you for asking me to document this hugely momentous day in your lives. There are a lot more photos to come, but for now, enjoy! J x
Venue – RAC Woodcote Park
Assistant – Debbie Gagliano Withers
Videographer – Ash Videography
Flowers – Mad Lilies
Hair & Makeup – Kate Hughes
Dress – Pronovias
Shoes – Manolo Blahnik
