Russets Country House Wedding Photographer | Cressy & John

You may or may not remember it was about this time last year I took Cressy and John to my favourite secret spot for their engagement shoot. With bluebells galore and gorgeous yellow rapefields, we maxed out on the scenery. Here’s a little look back…

Although West Sussex based, Cressy and John had their summer wedding in the most stunning Surrey venue. Russets Country House. A privately owned venue, which also serves as the family home, sitting with stunning views over the Surrey Downs. The interior is gloriously and artistically decked out to make the most of the light coming through its many windows.

Cressy and her girls got ready in a divine master suite. Her dress, sourced from the Southampton based Ava Louise Bridal Wear was incredible. Delicate lace detailing with a full back reveal, yet classically simple in design. Simply beautiful and fitted Cressy like a glove. The girls were all in charge of each others hair and make-up, which of course means that a selfie or two must be captured to mark the results!

John and his groomsmen were kitted out in stylish Herbie Frogg suits from Havant based Astares Menswear. From their brogues to their handkerchiefs the boys matched the girls in style!

As they guests started to arrive, the warm weather and welcoming venue set a president for the happy and excited vibe that was filling the place. The ceremony was held in a light and airy room which didn’t fail to enhance the impact as Cressy was walked down the aisle  by her father towards an awaiting John. As a Russets Country House Wedding Photographer, these moments of anticipation and joy never lose their sparkle. Fun and giggles with the rings and vows, it wasn’t long before Cressy and John exited the room as Mr & Mrs!!

While the guests filtered out to the lawns for drinks and canapes, we quickly went the other way to capture a few moments alone with the newlyweds. This gave them a little breather to process and enjoy their new marital status before heading back to their guests. With a selection of group shots requested, I think one of my favourite photographs is the one where Cressy’s nephew stole the show!! Kids have a great way of breaking the ice at a wedding!

While the guests enjoyed their wedding breakfast by Just Jane catering, we recharged and reloaded ourselves. Returning for the speeches was hilarious. Cressy’s dad had the whole room in stitches, while John and his father both gave really emotionally charged speeches. As the guests filtered out into the warm late-afternoon sun, we took another brief moment to capture Cressy and John for some more portraits. The sunlight dipping down was gorgeous.

As we re-joined the party it seems the guests really did get into the spirit of things with their own prop-laden photo booth! It wasn’t long before the cake was cut, the magician pulled multiple tricks out of the bag and the dancefloor filled. This was a wedding that had something for everyone. Fun, games, love and laughter. It was clear that all those there were very much loved by the happy couple.

Before long the time came for us to head home. It was such a pleasure shooting this wedding and is often the case, we don’t usually want to leave there’s too much fun to be had!

Thankfully the work doesn’t stop there. Once all these images were processed, the next stage was to design the wedding album. Using only the handmade, quality albums from Graphistudio in Italy, the Young Book was created to complement the colours from Cressy & John’s day. I think you’ll agree it looks stunning. A real heirloom for them to carry forward into their future.

I received the most lovely feedback from Cressy & John. Although this job is most definitely a passion, to hear your couples love your work as much as you loved creating it is always the icing on the cake!

“We can’t believe it was a year ago today we first met Fiona and went on our test shoot! Fiona is such a lovely and professional person we felt at ease straight away. We’re rubbish when it comes to having photos together so having the pre wedding shoot made us feel so much more comfortable and reassured when it came to the big day. It was such a laugh and we enjoyed it so much and loved the outcome of the photos. We spoke a lot prior to our wedding day. Fiona always updated us and helped us with decisions. She was just fabulous. When it came to the day Fiona and Lee took charge of all our guests so we got all the photos we had asked for which isn’t an easy job! Fiona and Lee were very good at taking us off little bits at a time so we didn’t feel like we were missing out on anything. They are such lovely people it was like having two extra wedding guests. We were over the moon when we got our wedding photos it was like replaying the whole day again and we honestly wouldn’t change anything and we’re so glad Fiona was recommended to us. We were so pleased with our album too and glad our package included this as well as the online gallery. Such precious memories to have and look back on.
We couldn’t recommend Fiona enough and will definitely be using her again.
Thank you
Cressy & John “

Anyhow, wishing you both all the very best for your future, and I hope to see you again to capture the next stages!

xX Fiona Xx

FionaMillsArt| Russets Country House Wedding Photographer | Cressy & John