An incredible and elegant Wedding, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Oxfordshire - Emily and Victor
In June I was insanely lucky to not only get to photograph some of this phenomenal wedding but I was also a guest. I cannot put into words how incredible this day was... But I'm going to bloody try!
I have been friends with Emily for longer than I care to admit (because it makes me feel OLD!) and was absolutely over-the-moon when Victor proposed to her! We had been planning our fantasy engagement's and wedding's as long as we've known each other, and it makes me so happy that Emily got exactly everything she'd ever dreamt of... Including the phenomenal Boodles engagement ring and matching band! Jealous..? Me..? Never!
The day was spent at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. If you've heard of this, then you know the kind of incredible wedding this was.. If you've not then you need to know - it's a big deal!! Le Manoir is a stunning, grand country mansion in Oxfordshire. The two-Michelin starred restaurant is headed by the incredible chef, Raymond Blanc, and the food is absolutely out-of-this-world. Surrounded by lawns, flower borders, lavender and orchards, Le Manoir oozes typically English, jaw-dropping charm and is absolutely what dream weddings are made of!
I arrived to Emily's room on the morning of the wedding there was an overwhelming level of calm. Her Mum was steaming the beautiful Emma Beaumont Atelier bespoke wedding gown, her bridesmaid, Alex, was having her make-up perfected and Em was having her hair created into a masterpiece by the absolutely lovely and amaaazing Abi, of Oxfordshire Wedding Hair. The ceremony was at 4pm, which allowed plenty of time for everyone to get ready and for guests to arrive and have a wander in the grounds before the vows took place.
Victor was an absolute bag of nerves in the moments running up to Emily's emotional entrance to their intimate ceremony of 40 guests, there was not a dry eye in the room! It was a beautiful exchange of vows, they couldn't keep their eyes off each other or the grins off their faces. Once all the formlities were done and they were officially Husband and Wife (yey!!) there was flowing Pimms and delicious canapés for the guests to enjoy whilst we mingled around in the sun. It could not have been more perfect!
The Wedding Breakfast was without a doubt the most outstanding meal I have ever eaten in my entire life. It was six courses of pure Heaven which is no exaggeration whatsoever - my mouth still waters when I think about it! Each course came with a glass of carefully selected wine to complement the dish, my tastebuds have never been so happy!
Emily and Victor were happy to come outside and have some photographs taken by me as the sun was setting on their incredible day, just before dessert. The lighting was incredible and they had such a happy glow about them; the perfect combination of full tummies, a little wine buzz and the fact that they were getting used to the idea that they were now a married couple! They were just gorgeous, the definition of elation!
I am indescribably honoured that I was invited to be a part of such a special occasion with their lovely, generous families, watching my gorgeous friend marry this amazing, caring man. I cannot WAIT to watch their life together pan out.. And for them to start having beautiful squidgy babies of course!
Congratulations again you two, I love you both tons xo
