Emma and Chris married at St Michael’s church in Amberley, then went on to Amberley Castle, a short walk away, for their reception. The sun was out, the castle was looking its best, and there was music from the drinks reception on into the evening. Barrie and Bev photographed the day together.
St Michael’s, Amberley
St Michael’s is the village church, and it’s only a short walk from Amberley Castle. That’s the best thing about this pairing. The ceremony and the reception are close enough that the day flows from one to the other without a long journey in between.
Amberley Castle in the sunshine
Amberley Castle sits at the foot of the South Downs in West Sussex. It’s a medieval castle, now a hotel, with thick stone walls and a gatehouse that gives you a proper sense of arrival. On a sunny day like this one, the old stone looks warm rather than grey.
A string trio, three tenors and a party band
Emma and Chris had plenty of music planned. A string trio played through the drinks reception. The Three Tenors performed during the meal. Then the party band, Madison Square, took over and played on into the evening.
Earlier that spring, Emma and Chris had a pre-wedding portrait session on the beach, which is a good way to get used to being photographed before the day itself.
Congratulations to Emma and Chris.
Planning a St Michael’s and Amberley Castle wedding
- Use the walk. The church and the castle are a short walk apart. Guests walking together between the two makes for relaxed, natural pictures, so leave a few minutes for it in the timings.
- Plan the music around the day. Emma and Chris had different music for the drinks, the meal and the evening. Tell your photographer when each act is on so nothing gets missed.
- Think about a pre-wedding shoot. A session together beforehand means you know what to expect when the camera comes out on the day.
I was asked to join Amberley Castle’s list of recommended wedding photographers. See Emma and Chris’s pre-wedding portrait session, or another castle reception at Jade and Brad’s Amberley Castle wedding. For more Sussex weddings, see Sussex wedding photographer, or have a look at my prices and send me your date.
