Tara and Gavin had found the perfect venue to host their gorgeous wedding. Great Hallingbury Manor offered all the countryside feel along with gorgeous and a stunning barn area.  They both planned their day so well.. starting with pictures of Gavin and the boys first at their home in Hertford. I then arrived at Great Hallingbury Manor 2 hours before the ceremony to start the bridal shots.  When I arrived Tara was having her make up done.  She is naturally a very beautiful woman and she is extremely photogenic. I realised this within the first 5 seconds of photographing her.  Her mum, sister, bridesmaids and flower girl were all getting ready, the dress was hanging by the window. Tara came over and had pictures with her dad and they presented each other with little presents. Tara then got into her wedding dress and put her beautiful Christian Laboutin shoes on.  Tara stood in front of the mirror and looked absolutely breathtaking. I went down to the ceremony and managed to get a few photos of Gavin and the boys walking down the steps.  Tara then made her way down the path with her bridal party. The ceremony then started and throughout I kept looking at them both smiling and looking at each other.. the love between them is beautiful and everyone can see it.

The weather throughout the day was dry then showers. So throughout the drinks reception we were lucky to only get a slight amount of rain. Tara and Gavin stayed outside assuring all the photos got taken they wanted.  We then headed to the back of the main gardens where the lake and bridge are. We did some beautiful pictures at the edge of the bridge only to look up and see a huge downpour about to hit us. We all ran under the wooden gazebo roof to shelter from the rain. Even the ducks flew off….as the rain was hammering down hard on them.  In all the years I have been taking professional photos I have never had a moment like this. We were stranded all grouped in together taking a few pics and video and at the same time keeping the bride and groom dry and also our Camera equipment.  The couple then walked back slowly under a huge garden umbrella. This was a a moment I will never ever forget.

Tara and Gavin kept the schedule fairly open to allow ample time to chill in the grounds and enjoy the delicious food and drink along with their guests. I must say, they did it well. I’m often asked how a couple should schedule their day, and to be honest, it would be something along these lines.

The bride and groom then cut their wedding cake and sat down for the meal. Afterwards the champagne was poured and the speeches started.  The father of the bride started first and was brilliant everyone loved his speech. Then Gavin did his and thanked everyone for coming and also spoke about how beautiful his bride looked. Gavin and Tara are expecting their first child as well so he was made up. Then Scotty.. one of the best men delivered a speech which was up there with the best I’ve ever heard.  He was brilliant and such a great guy too…  helping me get people together etc…thank you Scotty.

We then headed out and the evening guests were all arriving.. tara and gavin spent some time with everyone and I took some nice natural pictures before grabbing a lovely silhouette of the couple against the light sky.  We then headed in  and got ready for the first dance. They had a beautiful Cheese wedding Cake for the evening and they cut that one as well.  They then took there positions on the dance floor and started the dancing off on the LED light up dance floor… “beautiful moment”.  Tara then changed into anther outfit and I stayed and got some great dancing shots with everyone. We then popped out again onto the bridge and got some beautiful off camera flash shots of them together. I then goodbye and left the couple to get back to the party.

Tara and Gavin What a fantastic day it was.. I have to say that you two were absolutely fantastic to photograph.  Standing out there getting those pictures done that were so important to you. Then that moment on the Gazebo in the rain with us three and Anthony will always be a great memory for me. I know we will keep in touch and when little baby Jowett comes along I will take the first professional photos of you all together. JP

Here a few pictures wedding at great hallingbury manor tara and gavin. Enjoy!