Flanesford Priory Wedding Photography: Chris and Beth had chosen Flanesford Priory – a historical 700 year old former Augustinian monastery set in the the heart of the Wye Valley – as their wedding reception venue and what a wonderful choice it turned out to be on a gloriously sunny day. But more of this later…
First things first and my day began at Beth’s parent’s house in St Briavel’s. I arrived to a hive of activity: bridesmaids getting ready, dad polishing the car, Beth getting made up and her mum in front of the telly nervously watching her beloved Reading football club squander a place in the premiership. The wedding ceremony was to take place at the local church so after a busy morning capturing the ladies, it was time to head up the hill in time for Chris and the lads as well as to capture the guests arriving. Beth and Chris had seriously lucked out with the weather – it was hard to picture a more idyllic setting.
St Briavels church is old and dark – the perfect combination for really atmospheric, naturally lit pictures. Beth and her father were greeted by a packed church as they made their way down the aisle to Chris who did look rather chuffed when he first set eyes on his new bride.
Following the ceremony, Chris and Beth were due to head to Flanesford Priory in Beth’s father’s beautifully restored Morris Minor, but like all old cars, reliability wasn’t its strong point so I acted as taxi and dropped the two of them off to their back up car of choice – Beth’s own Mark 1 pillar box red Mini Cooper. Class.
So it was then off Flanesford to rejoin friends and family for drinks on the lawn followed by the wedding breakfast and some excellent speeches. Before long the band struck up and the dance floor was the place to be.
I’m starting to head over the Severn more and more and (apart from having to pay for the privilege!) really enjoy it. The scenery is simply stunning and the wedding venues (I’m at Clearwell Castle next week…) divine. Chris and Beth were great fun and a pleasure to work for and I really enjoyed capturing their wedding day for them. Highlight of the day? The impromptu stop at the bright yellow flower field. Have a look on my home page to see why.
Here are some of the highlights from the day…
