Ahhh Jon and Jodie!  What a day!  I have had the fabulous good fortune to photograph many different faiths and types of marriage ceremonies over the years; from hand fasting to Hindu ceremonies, from 300+ guest gatherings to quiet elopements with just the parents along for the ride.  However up until now I had never photographed a private picnic for two!

This special day started with a ceremony in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses near to their home town in Burton on Trent and afterwards we were whisked off to Melbourne Gardens in Derbyshire which they had hired for out for themselves, yes the whole place, for the afternoon. 

Melbourne Hall is a Georgian country house in the village of Melbourne, Derbyshire.  Once the seat of the Victorian Prime Minister William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne, the hall and village gave it's name to the city of Melbourne, Australia!  The garden design dates back to the 18th century and there are lots of nooks and crannies to sit and ponder...or take pictures - Jodie's favourite being the wrought iron blue bird cage! Keep a look out for this one.

The theme was romantic with Jodie wearing a gorgeous Claire Pettibone dress, beautiful flowers by Johnsons in pale apricot and cream, food from Marks and Spencers and cake made by a talented friend.

It was a dreamy occasion as they wandered around the grounds and played skittles which had been hand turned by Jodie.  Another friend came to play the guitar so they could eat to their favourite tunes and ensure they could do a first dance as man and wife under the canope of trees.

Here are a few images from their special day to give you some inspiration and remind you that it your day can be as individual as you two and you must do your day in your own way. xx