So the autumn season began for me on 7th September with Jane and Matthew's big day in Warwickshire. Arriving at Nuthurst Grange to shoot a wedding is always such a lovely experience - I'm always made to feel so welcome by the team there and the hotel and grounds are just shouting out with photo opportunities. The good vibes continued up in the bridal prep room, with Jane and her bridesmaids all being super chilled and gorgeous plus a fantastic hair and makeup team.
Matthew arrived with groomsmen in tow a little later, including little Arlo - the bride and groom's son - who kind of stole the show at opportune moments throughout the day! Hey, what are kids for?! It's never guaranteed how young children will react to having a stranger with a camera follow them around on a wedding morning, but he wasn't phased at all, and even became my trusty photo-taking assistant more than once!
Jane and Matthew's ceremony was in the venue's lovely exclusive use buildings at the back of the hotel. This room is just beautiful for taking photos throughout the vows and ring exchanges, with wonderful light from the huge arched window at the front. Arlo was a very efficient ring bearer when the time came and Mr and Mrs Brain (Jane loves the fact that she is now 'Jane Brain') exited to huge applause from their guests and to a surprise dove release - organised by Matthew and his family and kept completely secret from Jane. It was a lovely moment when their doves were released and then Arlo had his very own mini dove in a little basket, which caught him by surprise I think, going by his expression in the photos!
There was plenty of laughter and some impressive speeches during the wedding breakfast - I think both bride and groom were suitably embarrassed - and the reception was definitely one of the livelier ones I have attended, with the groom ordering a round of about 30 Jaegerbombs before the cake had even been cut!
An absolutely fantastic wedding to kick off my favourite season. Congratulations Jane and Matthew - here's some of your best bits...