A Magical Marryoke Marriage!

On Saturday 8th July 2017 I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Vicky King and Martin Topping. The wedding ceremony and reception were all held at Leeford Place Hotel out in 1066 country near Battle, East Sussex. The Bride and her Bridesmaids Amy and Jordan spent the previous night at the nearby Claverton Country House Hotel. I first met Vicky and Martin in November 2016 on a cold dark day at the venue. We had a good chat and I took some photos to get this quite shy couple in the mood. At the time they brought their son Jake along with them. The idea was suggested that Jake might like to give the rings to his parents at the crucial moment. Jake wanted to think about that! I met with them all again in the Spring of this year and we ironed out the details of their big day and again talked about Jake handing over the rings. He was still thinking about it. Martin mentioned a Marryoke recording and a magician also being there on the day. I must admit I had never heard Marryoke and thought no more of it.

Then the big day arrived and I went first to the Claverton Country House Hotel where I met the both the gorgeous bridesmaids Amy and Jordan and the nervous bride Vicky. All of them looked gorgeous and the dresses were stunning. Simple yet elegant and classic. The ladies were having their hair and make-up managed by the charming Natalie Rose of 'Natalie Rose Makup'. I must admit to be utterly fascinated by the talents of the makeup artists. The ability to transform an already pretty woman into a stunning woman and to watch that taking place right in front of me is mesmerising! Natalie did a fantastic job too.

Whilst I was busy photographing the Bridal preparation Nick from Movingmediafilms.com turned up. Nick was Mr Marryoke! We both got on well and worked with each and he did his bit with the Bridesmaids, which was one of the funniest things I've ever seen as Amy and Jordan mimed/sung in the garden in their PJ's.

Then it was off to the venue for scene photos and the meet and greet stuff. Finally a few minutes later than expected (Bridal prerogative!) Vicky and her Bridesmaids arrived. They were simply all stunning and we were off. After a little chat Jake finally decided he would handover the rings. From my point of view the day went really smoothly and in fact because Vicky and Martin had provided me with a typed list of desired photos and names, helped by the Best Man Dean we were able to get the formal photos out of the way well ahead of schedule. This gave me the time I needed later on to get sample photos set up for the guests that I had already taken. I put these onto a large digital picture player and by 5pm guests were able to see the photos I had ready.

In the middle of all of this Alexander James of alexanderjamesmagic appeared as if by magic! He entertained everyone with some simply amazing magic, going round and bewildering small groups of people. I photographed him as he entertained the Bride and Groom and left us all mystified.

Nick carried on doing his thing with groups of guests and eventually the Bride and Groom. This was hilarious as most guests felt the need for some Dutch Courage before being ready to mime/sing their part of the Marryoke video and often with props. Vicky was particularly nervous but eventually did her bit with Martin on the footbridge at the venue and she needn't have worried. She was awesome singing and dancing with Martin. Then we were onto the Cake cutting and First Dance and a group Marryoke session with just about everyone joining in. It really was a fantastic wedding. Below are a few samples that tell the 'Storytale' of the day. Enjoy.

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Topping.