Leah and Stuart’s long-awaited wedding was held at Netley Hall, just outside Shrewsbury in Shropshire. This lovely pair had been together nearly eleven years before finally being able to say “I do”, and they have two charming little boys, who had the best day ever celebrating with their mum and dad!
Stuart and Leah’s families are a talented bunch - Leah’s mum made a whole array of decor matched to the couple’s navy and gold theme, including a floral moongate, a donut wall and an elaborate sweet cart, and the symbolic buttonholes worn by the groomsmen, with shotgun cartridge sections representing the Shropshire countryside, jay feathers for the bride and lavender for the groom. Stuart’s mum crafted their wedding cake and some fabulous bouquets of cupcakes that looked so good that I didn’t realise at first they were in fact cakes!
The wedding party made a grand entrance down the fabulous staircase to the ceremony in the Great Hall, with some exuberant tossing of gold petals to music from “Beauty and the Beast” setting a tone of joy for the day. As it was a touch chilly outside, guests took to the snooker room for mingling with Pimms and prosecco after the ceremony and confetti toss, although Leah and Stuart braved the cool Spring air for some couples portraits in the beautiful gardens, with the blossoming magnolia trees providing a lovely backdrop.
The reception tables in the Hope Edwards suite were designated after London Underground stations to honour Stuart’s hometown, and were decorated with navy and gold centrepieces loving made by Leah’s mum, with whom she clearly has a very close bond. The couple’s two sons took pride of place at the intimate top table alongside their parents, with Leah and Stuart seated in elaborate carved wooden chairs that looked like thrones fit for royalty! It was touching to see the couple’s family and friends playing with the boys throughout the day, and swinging them round on the lively dancefloor in the evening. The whole family were fantastic to work with - it was a huge pleasure to share and document Leah and Stuart’s big day, and I’m looking forward to returning to Netley Hall later in the year!
All photographs taken whilst associate shooting for Finlays Imaging (www.finlaysimaging.co.uk)
