Earlier this year I was asked to assist in documenting the stunning Botleys Mansion wedding of Samantha and Luke in Surrey. This 18th century Palladian Mansion has one of the best reception rooms I have photographed at, a beautiful glass atrium which floods the guests with an abundance of natural light. As an available light wedding photographer I always look for quality light in conjunction with strong composition and engaging subject matter. I prefer natural light over flash photography as this helps retain the true mood and ambience of the scene I am photographing. It also aids in helping me stay discreet amongst the wedding guests.

Earlier in the day Sam and her Mum looked on through large glass patio doors as the sky turned grey and the heavens opened. Luckily for Sam and Luke though the weather was kind to them when it mattered most. By the time the wedding came, their outdoor ceremony was bathed in glorious sunshine and the reception which followed was blessed with some absolutely beautiful light.

This was the first Jewish wedding I had photographed, or even attended for that matter, and so when the guests made their way inside following the ceremony I was blown away to see the Hora erupt as if from nowhere. I had to act extremely quickly and it was one of the biggest challenges of my wedding photography career so far. I was trying to freeze the fast paced movement, achieve focus, compensate for the backlighting through the glass roof, as well as keeping the composition strong and capturing the incredible expressions from both Sam, Luke and their guests.

This Botleys Mansion wedding was such an incredible day to photograph. Thank you Samantha. Thank you Luke. And thank you Nick Tucker for inviting me to assist you on the day.

Click here to see pictures from my very latest Botleys Mansion Wedding.