Greyfriars House Wedding – Michelle & Adam

Who could have predicted that in a week of winter weather, Michelle and Adam would get such beautiful light on their wedding day at Greyfriars House. The day started with glorious light across the Surrey countryside in the valley beneath the mansion.
Michelle and Adam absolutely nailed the day, making it intimate and relaxed with a big splash of celebration. Everything started nice and laid back with some last minute preparations from Adam and the groomsmen in the Drawing Room. There were some huge wedding balloons to fill with helium and some new ones to rush out and buy when two of them burst! Nothing seemed to faze them though and the ushers all took it in their stride. Everything was looking good when Michelle arrived with their daughter Elowen. Michelle and Adam had actually got married on the Friday before, meaning they could relax and enjoy the day, seeing each other before the ceremony. I was also able to take them out for some shots of just the two of them beforehand, which meant we had one less thing to do during the reception so it could be even more relaxed.

Greyfriars House wedding

The house itself was one of the stars of the day as it has so much character. Set in the Surrey Hills near to Guildford the house has spectacular views across to the South Downs making a wonderful backdrop to wedding photographs. The only problem for me as a wedding photographer is that there are so many shots I could do with the lovely scenery, how to get them all in the time I had available! The gardens are beautiful too and provide a bit of privacy for the photos away from the wedding guests. Taking Michelle and Adam away before the wedding had got underway was great because it meant everyone was inside getting ready or having a drink in the bar leaving us with the run of the grounds. The exceptional light also meant there were wonderful images to be shot everywhere I looked.

A Wedding Ceremony Bathed in Beautiful Light

Because Greyfriars House faces South, the sunlight poured into the house while everyone was arriving, giving a lovely warm feeling to the whole mansion. During the ceremony itself the sunlight lit Michelle and Adam so they almost glowed during their exchange of vows. For a photographer the light was a gift that kept on giving. Not only did it light the ceremony but afterwards we went outside to get more shots as it seemed a shame not to use the amazing light to its fullest.

The day raced by with lots of fun and laughter and soon it was time to cut the cheese cake made by The Cheese Shed, and then onto dancing with music by the excellent iRock party band. While the band were playing Hannah was doing face painting and not just for the kids!

I have to say a big thank you to the team at Greyfriars, in particular Julie, who took care of me on the day. Also to Lee whose company Browns Kitchen did the sublime catering.

This wedding was shot at a wonderful Surrey wedding venue.