Royale Forest, Burton - Steph & Martin
It was the first time I’d worked so close to home, with a couple who live a few streets from me and a fantastic venue which just happened to be within a short drive.
Steph and Martin enjoyed the perfect day, following their church ceremony, they headed to the forest to celebrate - and what a party they had!
Steph and Martin's day had just about everything in August as they got married and celebrated at the Royale Forest in Burton.
The morning preparations for both the bridal party and the groomsmen was calm and relaxed - a few nerves on Martin’s end, but overall a really calm and fun way to start the day. The boys prepared at the couples’ home near Stafford, whilst Steph and the girls were a few miles away at her parents’ and it was clear to see this was a date to savour; as the girls giggles their way through hair and makeup you could feel the excitement bubbling away.
Once the bridesmaids were ready and good-to-go, Steph and her mum took a moment to add the finishing touches before revealing her final look to the group and then her father and as they stood gawping and stunned, Steph just smiled and looked incredible. A nice moment with her parents before heading to the church and it was showtime!
Their church ceremony was wonderful and featured lots of joy and laughter, Steph and Martin couldn’t stop giggling and the vicar did a wonderful job performing a superb ceremony that was relaxed and suited the congregation. Following the official ‘I do’s’ the couple celebrated with a confetti line before greeting all of their guests and taking in the moment. We took a slight detour en route to the reception venue, to spend a few moments at another church which meant a lot to the couple, then we were on the road again.
Once the guests arrived at the reception venue, they were treated to fresh Cornish Pasties to go with their welcome drinks before being entertained by the bridal party's entrance. As bridesmaids and groomsmen coupled up to dance down the confetti line, we even had a surprise clothing swap!
The Royale Forest is an incredible venue, with a permanent tipi complete with solid floor, an incredible bar and a dancefloor which would be the envy of most venues. Fraser has done an incredible job at not only creating the venue, but in taking on board suggestions from his couples - if you want something ordering or creating, he will sort it for you!
Following the speeches, which were emotional and hilarious, the afternoon continued to be eventful - including axe throwing (after a viking had stormed the tipi) a selection of garden games and then one hell of a party. We took the bridal party off at one stage to have some fun and boy, did they enjoy themselves!
It really was a pleasure to photograph this one and I couldn’t have wished for a more wonderful couple to enjoy it with.
Congratulations Steph & Martin!
Dress - Morilee by Madeline Gardner | Suit - Moss Bros | Makeup Artist - James McKnight | Hair Stylist - Kellie Straw | Florist - Blackthorn & Bloom | Second Photographer - Charlotte Rebecca | Evening Entertainment - Dave Dee | Wedding Venue - Royale Forest, Burton on Trent
