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Jimmy’s Farm Wedding, Ipswich, Suffolk – Chris & Zoe

February 1, 2016/0 Comments/in Portfolio Work Blog /by Jamie Groom

A Music Festival Wedding at Jimmy’s Farm, Ipswich, Suffolk

Zoe being a vet and Chris a musician what else would you want for your wedding? That’s right a music festival wedding on Jimmy’s farm in Ipswich, Suffolk.

I met Zoe and her girls for the bridal preparations in Ipswich town centre, Prosecco was flowing and Eggs benedict being consumed, there’s no better way to start your festival wedding! I instantly knew from the banter being given that I was in for a tough ride with these girls but this instantly made me feel at home.

After spending a few hours with the girls Zoe was ready to make the short journey in her chauffeured festival carriage (A Land Rover Defender)

I made the short journey through Ipswich and over to Jimmy’s Farm to meet Chris and the lads, a Marquee set in the floral garden, the farm as its backdrop it was the perfect venue to host Zoe and Chris’s Wedding. With guests arriving and taking their pews on the hay bales under the marquee this festival was ready to Rock!

The ceremony was perfect, conducted by celebrant Michelle Taylor. Chris and Zoe exchanged personal vows, rings and rhinoceros faces to each other, which gave everyone a bit of a giggle. With a live choir mid ceremony the ceremony felt really personal to them both. They concluded the ceremony and sealing their marriage with a long loving kiss.

The afternoon was filled with open mic sessions from Chris and his friends with covers from some of their favourite bands whilst guests enjoyed the British summer and the live music.

Speeches were informal and presented in the open air from Zoe’s Dad, Chris and his best man. With the formals complete everyone proceeded to take their seats within the restaurant at Jimmy’s Farm to enjoy a platter of cold meats and bread to start and then an amazing Burger for their main meal (I was lucky enough to sample this courtesy of Chris and Zoe, Thank you).

After the wedding breakfast Chris, Zoe and I took the walk around Jimmy’s Farm to capture some couple shots of them both finishing off with the perfect light in the woods to photograph in.

Evening guests were treated to Chris’s band (Turntable) who started the evening off with their first dance. Chris then joined the band to surprise Zoe by playing a Mumford and Sons song which they’d secretly been practising just for this day, Zoe was absolutely speechless as Chris had never performed this before.

I hope you enjoy a few of the images below from their day it was truly an awesome wedding to capture.

Thank you to Chris and Zoe for letting me a part of their day and thank you to everyone at Jimmy’s Farm for welcoming me with open arms and making sure I was fed and watered.

Norwich Garden Wedding, Sprowston, Norfolk, Alex & Laura

February 1, 2016/0 Comments/in Portfolio Work Blog /by Jamie Groom

A Norwich Garden Wedding, Norfolk – Alex & Laura

Last summer on possibly one of the hottest days in August, I was privileged to attend Alex and Laura’s garden wedding in Norwich. The whole day was perfect from start to finish.

The day for me started with Laura and her bridesmaids and best man at her nannies house, preparations had begun with the seriously talented make up artist Melissa Abel. Melissa was applying her skills to the bridesmaids whilst Laura indulged in her last piece of cake as a Miss.

With final preparations complete, Laura’s Mum helped her into her attire whilst her dad patiently waited the other side of the door. Within the next few minutes he would be to see his little girl for the first time in her wedding dress. The door opened wide and his face was a picture so many emotions must run through any father of the brides mind with that first look.

Church Service at St Margarets Church, Old Catton

I met Alex and his best men at St Margaret’s Church in Old Catton, Norwich. He was totally calm and collected greeting guests as they arrived. After a few formal photographs it was time for him to take position at the front of the church and await the arrival of Laura.

The ceremony was everything Laura and Alex could of asked for with a relative of Alex’s beautifully singing Eva Cassidy as they signed the register.

Garden Reception Sprowston Hall, Norwich

After the church ceremony we headed over to Alex’s Grandmothers house in Sprowston where a beautifully dressed marquee would host their wedding breakfast and evening celebrations. You could certainly tell that Laura had spent many hours perfecting the decorations with bunting draped throughout and hay bales for guests to perch on, it was the perfect setting for their day.

After the emotional speeches by Laura’s Dad, Alex and then Alex’s best men we took a short walk around the grounds of Grandmas house. We took the very walk Alex used to do throughout his childhood but today he took the very same walks but with his wife in hand.

Now as a wedding photographer I have learnt to cope various emotions but today I couldn’t hold back, on the couple walk we past the resting place of Alex’s brother who’d sadly passed away a few years ago, Alex asked me to photograph them placing a rose on his memorial, with emotions running high I only managed a few images until my view finder filled with tears. Such a moving moment and made me instantly think of my loved ones back home.

The evening celebrations continued and guests celebrated with a ceilidh until the early hours of the morning.

I hope you enjoy some moments from Alex’s and Laura’s day, I would like to say big thank you to them both for letting me part of their day.

Narborough Hall Wedding, Norfolk, Andy & Carolyn

January 27, 2016/0 Comments/in Portfolio Work Blog /by Jamie Groom

Narborough Hall Wedding Photographs Of Andy & Carolyn

A Narborough Hall wedding is certainly a celebration that any wedding photographer would look forward to. The prospect of an outdoor ceremony situated in the Halls garden beside the lake in the glorious Norfolk sunshine is any photographers dream. I was fortunate enough to photograph this couples day.

I arrived at Narborough Hall’s guest car park and in the distance I could see the rustic styled hall standing in its wild flowered graveled drive with unfortunately dark rain clouds behind. The hall glistened with glimpses of sun that kept emerging from the darkened skies. I was keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that these clouds were moving away from Norfolk and the outside ceremony would definitely take place.

As I walked in the Hall I could hear Carolyn and her bridesmaids upstairs in the bridal suite, the preparations for the day ahead had begun with the excitement building as more of Carolyn’s friends arriving by minibus as hair and makeup were being done.

Whilst the girls were being pampered Andy and the boys played a traditional game of cricket on the front lawn, with them donning their cricket white’s (shorts and t-shirts) this made a perfect opportunity to photograph them until all the balls were lost within the long grass and gardens around the Hall.

With the skies clearing and the sun shining the final preparations were being placed in front of the lake, A willow arch covered with wild flowers picked from the Halls garden was centered with aisled seating creating the perfect setting for the outside ceremony.

Andy and his Groomsmen were getting ready within the rear cottage of the Hall, swapping their cricket whites for tailored shirts and suits these lads were ready to meet their guests and usher people to their seats when they arrived.

Whilst Andy and his boys met with arriving guests Carolyn and the girls enjoyed their last glasses of champagne and were now ready to finalise their hair and makeup and be ready for the big moment of Carolyn stepping into her dress.

Carolyn looked amazing, Gasps were taken as she stepped out of the changing room and into the main bridal suite focusing on her friends I could see tears flowing as Carolyn twirled into the center of the room. Unknowing to me, Carolyn’s Dad entered the room and hugged her (luckily I noticed from the corner of my eye and managed to capture it) everyone was now ready to head down stairs and to the lake for the ceremony.

Andy and Carolyn’s outdoor ceremony was perfect, Carolyn made the long walk through the landscaped gardens of Narborough Hall with her bridesmaids, Paige boys and dad to the lake and met Andy under the willow arch beside the lake, the couple exchanged their vows and rings whilst the sun shone upon them and sealed the ceremony with a loving kiss, then headed back inside the Hall with just immediate family to finalise the legalities to become officially the new Mr and Mrs Brown.

After a few family formal photographs within the garden, Andy, Carolyn and I walked around the grounds of the Hall to capture some couple photographs of just the two of them. Narborough Hall’s gardens are perfect for this with so many different areas you can use it’s a photographers dream.

The formal wedding breakfast and speeches were held in the halls marquee and the tables were decorated to perfection using candelabras and wildflower decorations scattered with lucky 5 pence’s with the couple’s unique engraving.

Desert was back in the garden for ice cream from the traditional ice cream bike, whilst the truly awesome Lee Vann provided background entertainment.

The first dance was held in the Halls garden acoustically sung by Lee Vann in the open air surrounded by their loved ones. An amazing way to finish your day.

I’d like to thank Andy and Carolyn for having me attend their wedding, their friends and family who welcomed me into their lives for the day and all the staff at Narborough Hall for hosting another superb day.

Also special thanks to Rich and Ellie from VT Films for being awesome to shoot with whilst they captured the day on film.

The Norfolk Mead Wedding, Jamie Groom Photography

The Norfolk Mead Hotel Wedding, Mike & Rachel

October 8, 2015/0 Comments/in Portfolio Work Blog /by Jamie Groom

The Norfolk Mead Hotel, Wedding Photographs Of Mike & Rachel

The Norfolk Mead wedding of Mike and Rachel will be certainly one I won’t forget for a while. Awesome and down to earth couple, welcoming families, fantastic Bridesmaids and superb Groomsmen set in the luxurious grounds of The Norfolk Mead Hotel made this an ideal day to photograph. This was a wedding photographers dream.

I arrived at The Norfolk Mead and was greeted by an excited Rachel, putting the final touches to the garden room within the walled garden with her three bridesmaids. The florist had just arrived with their bouquets and table center pieces. The day was starting to unravel just as Rachel had planned.

Rachel and her bridesmaids had spent the evening before in the Norfolk Mead Chestnut Cottage. This beautiful quaint English cottage also was home for the Bridal preparations.

Laura Hughes was working her magic with the girls hair, and all were doing their own makeup.

Mike and his Groomsmen arrived to set up the garden games and dress in his wedding attire within the hotels bridal suite and greet the guests with welcome drinks an hour before the wedding ceremony was due to start.

Whilst Mike was playing host a stones throw away from his future wife, Rachel and her Bridesmaids were enjoying that last sip of Champagne (straight from the bottle) before it was that time when they needed to finalise all the preparations and step into their dresses.

Rachel looked amazing, I could feel the apprehension within the air as soon as her dress was on, her Dad entered the room and eyes quickly filled with tears of joy the bridal party were ready to make their grand entrance.

Rachel and Mikes Ceremony was perfect, filled with emotion as Rachel’s Dad gave her away, and laughter as Mike had to repeat his legal vows a few times to get them legally correct. They sealed all the hard work and made themselves officially Mr and Mrs with the perfect first kiss.

After a few family formal photographs in the walled garden, Rachel, Mike and I walked around the grounds of the Hotel to grab some couple photographs of just the two of them, the grounds are perfect with little pockets of light in every part. Certainly great for any wedding photographer.

The guests enjoyed an informal bar-b-q with a selection of salad for the wedding breakfast were each table went up and helped themselves returning back inside to be seated.

With Rachel being half Italian, Mike recited a few heart felt messages to his wife in her native language and proving his love to her halfway through his speech by eating a tomato for the very first time in his life. You could tell the dedication as he clearly didn’t like it.

The first dance was choreographed to Dean Martins That’s Amore to the guests surprise and they nailed it completely.

Once again I’d like to thank Mike and Rachel for having me attend their wedding, Their friends and family who welcomed me into their lives for the day and all the staff at The Norfolk Mead Hotel for hosting another superb day.

A Norfolk Paddock Wedding – Nick & Becky

September 23, 2015/0 Comments/in Portfolio Work Blog /by Jamie Groom

A Paddock Wedding in North Norfolk

Nick and Becky wanted their wedding to be a fun, relaxed and informal day for their friends and family. They chose the paddock at their family home to host their wedding. This is a Photographers dream wedding to photograph.
Usually home to Nick and Becky’s 4 horses, the paddock was transformed to pitch a marquee filled with personal touches from them both including a homemade hay bale bar, tables nested with cowboy boot centre pieces, bales of straw coupled with Nicks favourite surfing magazines, with final touches of peace flags from Nepal. Inside the marquee there were so many little touches from them both giving an insight to Nick and Becky’s life as a couple before they became Mr and Mrs Taylor-Smith.

The day started at the Marquee, Breaking all traditions of the Bride not seeing the Groom both were enjoying placing the final touches on their venue, Nick and his Groomsmen were hammering signs into various locations to assist guest with finding the venue and Becky and Bridesmaids grooming their horses making them to look pristine for their part of the day. Once all these had been completed both went inside and enjoyed a few glasses of Prosecco before eventually parting and not seeing each other till they were at the church.

Becky was accompanied by her Mum, bridesmaids, and Gran for her preparations. Plenty of giggles were had and the atmosphere was very calm. Becky’s hairdresser styled it with a floral head band. The time was getting closer for Becky to get in her dress, and ride to the Church with her Mum on Horseback.

After going into the separate wing of their house, Nick was accompanied by his Groomsmen. As with any Groom the preparation is much simpler than the brides, Nick and his fellow men dressed in tweed suits and walking boots for their formal footwear, once dressed they headed to the church in a world war 2 gun carrier, A Land Rover 101.

After riding the short journey on horseback with her mum Becky arrived to be greeted by guests and the vicar at Thurning Church, Norfolk. Nick and his groomsmen awaited the arrival of the Bride at the altar, as Becky entered the church all the guests turned to welcome Becky and her Bridesmaids, so did Nick and as soon as a they caught a glimpse of each other I could see the warmest smile I have ever seen from a couple as Becky walked down the aisle.

The formal ceremony took place with exchanging of wedding rings and readings from two guests, then the marriage was blessed and official signing of the register was accompanied by Solo Guitarist Michael Mulholland as the vicar officially named them Husband & Wife.

After leaving Thurning Church, Norfolk, Becky and Nick galloped their way back home on horseback across the Norfolk Countryside to the venue, I was photographing every moment from inside the Landrover 101, whilst a groomsmen held my legs making sure I didn’t fall out. Such a challenging experience as the horses wanted to let off a little frustration and needed to gallop at full pace until they were home in their stables.
After a quick freshen up, we headed into the fields for some couple portraits, Nick and Becky loved the cornfield and opted to head there for some time alone whilst I photographed.
After the informal hog roast buffet everyone enjoyed informal speeches from the mother of the bride, groom and best men it was time to get the party started with the first dance, there was only a smidgen of tradition with this as after 30 seconds or so the song stopped and House of Pains Jump around took over with guests joining them for a massive bounce.

All in all a perfect Norfolk wedding to photograph, I would like to thank Nick and Becky for allowing me to be a part of their day and photograph it.

The Boathouse Wedding, Norfolk, Hassan and Hayley

July 2, 2015/0 Comments/in Portfolio Work Blog /by Jamie Groom

A Wedding at The Boathouse, Norfolk

The Boathouse on the Norfolk Broads is one of the nicest settings for a Norfolk wedding, coupled with an awesome couple and their amazing friends and family it truly is a special venue for any Norfolk photographer.

This had been my second booking to photograph here and if the previous wedding was anything to go by, it was going to be an awesome day!

I met with Hassan and his Groomsmen around an hour before the ceremony started, having never met him or Hayley before their day we soon gelled. After spending about half an hour with the gents it was time to head to the waterside restaurant to meet and photograph Hayley and her bridesmaids.

Hayley arrived at The Waterside, with an entourage of Bridesmaids and her parents for their departure on the 20 minute boat journey down the broad to The Boathouse.

Hayley walked down the non traditional aisle (the Jetty) as guests gasped at how stunning she looked and finally meeting her Groom at the top under the rotunda to get married, the ceremony had plenty of giggles as the bestman presented the rings (to everyones surprise) on one knee to the celebrant in a romantic proposal kind of way.

The epic party for the evening was kicked off with Hayley and Hassan’s first dance and then turned into an epic party with Hayley’s dad showing off his breakdancing routine.

Once again I would like to thank Gina who was my amazing assistant for the day, and Hayley and Hassan for letting us photograph their wedding.

Chaucer Barn Wedding, Norfolk, George & Megan

July 1, 2015/0 Comments/in Portfolio Work Blog /by Jamie Groom

A Wedding at Chaucer Barn, Norfolk

The 2015 wedding season couldn’t of started any better than this, A Chaucer Barn wedding. I was honoured to photograph a piece of history in George and Megan’s life at this equally awesome Norfolk wedding venue.

The drive through the Norfolk Countryside was as pleasing as ever. Winding over cattle grids and through the little villages of North Norfolk paired with glorious morning sunshine I knew the day was starting well.

As I arrived I was met with the last little preparations by George’s family whilst Megan had started her bridal preparations, Flamingo Amy was styling an elegant fishtailed plait, whilst the bucks fizz flowed I could feel the excitement from Megan and her bridesmaids.

The ceremony was held in the main room with friends and family traveling from all four corners of the globe to see their two friends finally tie the knot.

After a few informal drinks and catch up with the guest we used the grounds to capture some awesome couple shots of them both, this is why I truly love Chaucer Barn as every part of this wedding venue is great to photograph.

An epic partyto finish all parties was had after the sun had set with live music from Megan and George’s favourite function band.

I’m going to sign off with a thank you to everyone who attended for truly making me feel like I wasn’t just their wedding photographer.

Other wedding photographs at Chaucer Barn, Norfolk

Chaucer Barn Wedding, Norfolk, David & Charlotte

February 26, 2015/0 Comments/in Portfolio Work Blog /by Jamie Groom

The Chaucer Barn wedding of David and Charlotte was the perfect finale to the season, filled with friends and family it was truly an amazing celebration and I feel completely honoured to document their day for them.

The car was packed and ready to make the dash across the Norfolk countryside to Gresham near Holt, I was greeted at Chaucer Barn not only by Charlotte and her family but also an incredible winter sunrise.

Preparations took place on the balcony/living space at the top of the barn with makeup being expertly applied by Emily Turnbull of Love Moi Makeup and hair by Hannah.

David and his Groomsmen were steadily placing the final touches in the marquee whilst Charlotte and her bridesmaids were having make up and hair finalised.

The ceremony took place in the main dining hall with their nearest and dearest in attendance.

We managed to get out after the wedding breakfast for some awesome golden hour couple shots on the infamous Chaucer Barn hill with the Norfolk sunset in the distance giving us the perfect golden touch.

Thank you once again David and Charlotte for choosing me to photograph your perfect day.

If you’re considering getting married at Chaucer Barn I would highly recommend it. It is one of Norfolks treasures for wedding venues.

See more posts from my Chaucer Barn Weddings.

A Norfolk Country Garden Wedding, Albion Days, Norwich,

December 13, 2014/0 Comments/in Portfolio Work Blog /by Jamie Groom

Richard and Vicky wanted the garden wedding feel to their celebration, Albion Days situated in the heart of the Norfolk countryside close to Norwich was the perfect wedding venue.

As a Norwich Photographer I have been lucky enough to have had a few couples choose me to photograph their day at Albion Days, each one completely unique.

The day starts with Richard and his best man in the city of Norwich, it was a boiling hot summers morning so Richard decided to get dressed in the courtyard garden. With Richards wedding attire I knew that he was suited for the Albion Days wedding, completely cool and perfectly styled for their garden wedding.

At Vicky and Richards house I met with the girls for the bridal prep, like any special event it always has to start with a good bacon sandwich, then the preparations began. Hair and Make up all set the final touches was the most amazing floral headpiece, it was time for Vicky to get in her dress.

Albion Days is only a short drive south of Norwich, Norfolk so I arrived at the wedding venue in no time at all after leaving Vicky, guests had gathered in the garden awaiting the arrival of Richards Bride, they seated themselves in the glade.

After the Ceremony in the woodlands of the glade, guests enjoyed lawn games and Archery, then sat down for some enchanting stories from Albion Days resident storyteller.

Later in the evening guests partied the night away to Captain Scarlett an Awesome Norwich Rock band.

Thank you once again to Richard and Vicky for choosing me to photograph their wedding, and also to their family and friends for making me so welcome during the day.

Culford School Wedding, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk – Will & Bella

November 23, 2014/0 Comments/in Portfolio Work Blog /by Jamie Groom

A wedding on the grounds of Culford School near Bury St Edmunds was the most perfect day for Will and Bella, both attended the school and meeting there it was an obvious choice of venue for them as it held fond memories for them both.

My day started off in Bury St Edmunds for bridal preparation with Bella, her family and bridesmaids. Champagne flowed as the girls had a face mask, and then make up applied we were ready to go to Church.

I met Will and his groomsmen at St Mary’s church, which is situated within the grounds of Culford School for some quick shots before the guests arrived. St Mary’s was beautifully decorated and hosted some of the most amazing light for any wedding photographer.

With all the guests greeted and seated anticipation grew for the arrival of Bella.

With the short walk from the gravelled road to the church Bella and her bridal party were ready to make their grand entrance, whilst Will waited patiently at the front.

After a short ceremony and some hymns, Will and Bella were now confirmed as the new Mr and Mrs Jolly.

Will and Bella walked out of Church through the confetti throwers and made the short walk to the south terrace of the school were the rest of the celebrations were had.

Te wedding party congregated on the terrace and enjoyed a jazz trio before seated in the adjacent marquee situated in the beautiful gardens.

With a difference to the normal wedding etiquette, the speeches were before the wedding breakfast, Bella’s dad started off with childhood memories of his attendance at Cullford School and then fond memories of Bella’s up bringing. After the father of the bride speech it was Will’s turn who was slightly emotional whilst talking about his new bride, but the tears turned to laughter after refusing water from the toastmaster replacing it with a beer.

After the formalities I was able to capture some amazing couple shots within the golden hour within the gardens, this also gave Will and Bella some alone time as I photographed them.

The party started with the first dance and then the awesome Scratch The Cat band had the crowd partying to their amazing sounds.

Once again I’d like to thank Will and Bella for allowing me to be a part of their day and photographing one of the biggest days in their lives.

See their Engagement Shoot here