THE CROOKED BILLET WEDDING (HENLEY PHOTOGRAPHY)

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This week we join Sam & Erin in Henley, for their Crooked Billet Winter wedding. Prepare yourself for pristine military uniforms, colourful rowing blazers, and some low winter sun. This day was both beautiful, and emotional, and I can’t wait for you to scroll through…

Important Note- Any unauthorised use of these images is in breach of copyright. Should any blogs or suppliers wish to share these photos, please contact the photographer directly at gemma@thewardettestudio.com

Between their flawless choice of reception venue, The Crooked Billet, and their combined backgrounds of the military and rowing, they achieved the almost impossible- a wedding that styled itself.

Now, lets not get carried away. The Crooked Billet have an awesome sense of their identity as a place, with mis-matched chairs and tables, and naturally quirky touches in they historic building.

AND THEY GENEROUSLY OFFER ALL OF THIS WHEN THEY HOST A WEDDING.

From what I could tell, they literally moved the pub furniture into the marquee. Lots of work, but no extra added styling. Everything Sam & Erin loved about the pub, was embued into the day.

Add to that, the crowds of pristine military uniform, and colourful rowing blazers, and you’ve got quite a beautiful thing. With my usual prep in the schedule, I barely even noticed the shorter daylight hours- something that worries many people about Winter Weddings.

Underlying this gorgeous looking wedding though, was the real stuff. If I had to boil it down to three things, it would be these- family, friends and faith. And through all these things, I felt both humility and ambition (a beautifully balanced mix).

IT WAS QUITE A BRILLIANT ATMOSPHERE TO EXPERIENCE. MAGIC ACTUALLY.

There were so many moments I would love to describe here as my favourite. It’s usually sunset that grabs me, which let me tell you, this wedding absolutely delivered! (make sure you take a look) But I had a small epiphany that day, which moved me much more deeply…

My job is all about seeing people; really really seeing them, almost more than they see themselves sometimes. In some way, at every wedding I do, I see both the couple and the people they have chosen to have around them. I see their choices, their chemistries and their moments; I see it all.

MY CAMERA IS GENUINELY JUST MY MEDIUM TO SHOW YOU ALL WHAT I SEE, IN YOU.

But this epiphany, which happened I think when these guys thanked me in Sam’s speech (mega #imnotcryingyourcrying moment) I realised something even more wonderful.

SOMETIMES, THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE TRUSTED ME TO SEE THEM, SEE ME JUST AS WHOLLY AND HONESTLY, RIGHT BACK. AND DAMN, THAT’S HUMBLING.

As this is my last wedding of 2019, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank ALL OF MY CLIENTS. 2019 was an incredible year of creative growth, business growth and personal growth. I feel so blessed to have had experiences and connections with people like Sam & Erin, and all of you. I hope I get to keep doing this in 2020.

Let’s all keep documenting this wondrous and crazy thing we call life.

AND LET’S KEEP LAUGHING WHILE WE DO IT.

Sending huge New Year love to you all.

LET’S SMASH 2020 OUTTA THE PARK!

(Scroll to end for Supplier credits)

GWx