Suzy and Ben's Wedding

Suzy and Ben were married at the beautiful St Michael's Church in Bath. We don't get to photograph many weddings here. It really is a lovely church inside and the most helpful Rector who allowed us to shoot some fantastic, unobtrusive pictures, during the marriage ceremony. Suzy looked stunning, as did her bridesmaids. With very little room outside the church, we all made for the splendid Wick Farm Barn at Monkton Farleigh for pictures. All the guests were having a brilliant time, and enjoying the gardens in the sunshine. With all the groups photographed, we attempted a daring picture of the whole wedding party. Everyone headed inside for the wedding breakfast in the magnificent 17th century threshing barn and speeches. A great wedding day with nice people !  Susy and Ben's pictures are available to view at www.christopherchard.com

Sarah and Tim's wedding

Sarah and Tim were married at the wonderful  Malmesbury Abbey. Sarah and her lovely bridesmaids were getting ready next door at the sumptuous Old Bell Hotel. These girls were really having a good time too ! We shot some great pictures of makeup being applied and hair being styled. Tim and his groomsmen were getting ready not too far away and we were able to get some fun shots of the boys before they made their way to the Abbey. Meanwhile Sarah was getting into her dress back at the hotel. What a stunning dress ! Sarah looked fabulous ! The lady vicar at the abbey was so helpful, and allowed me to take a few pictures of the marriage ceremony. Only a few pictures at the Abbey, and then a short stroll next door to the wonderful Abbey House Gardens. Barbara who owns the gardens with her husband, is just charming, if just a little eccentric ! allowed me to shoot a unique picture from a bedroom window of all the guests gathered around the well. Every where you look, there is a picture opportunity in Abbey House Gardens, and with Sarah and Tim being so easy to photograph, we could have carried on for hours. A quick stroll down to the river for a last few pix and it was time for the wedding breakfast. Breaking with tradition, the speeches were made on the lawn, which meant great pictures ! and great speeches too ! That led into the evening party with a ceilidh band. What a great day ! We enjoyed every minute !

All the pictures from the day are available for guests to see at www.christopherchard.com

Amy and Ben's wedding

Amy and Ben were married at the awesome Wellington Barn near Calne. Set in the rolling Wiltshire downs and surrounded by cornfields on all sides, this is an almost unique wedding venue. We had already got some great pictures of Ben and his groomsmen when the "Roller" appeared way in the distance. Amy looked amazing, as did her bridesmaids. For once the registrars wouldn't allow me to shoot a few unobtrusive pictures during the ceremony ( most are very relaxed about this nowadays) Wedding complete and registers signed, we went outside as I balanced precariously on top of my step ladder to shoot a great picture of all the guests. Not too many family groups today but lots of great reportage of guests who were all having a great time. We found some time for some beautiful images of Amy and Ben in amongst the cornfields. Very amusing and touching speeches from every one - including the Bride ! Later in the evening everybody joined in with the dancing to the Ceilidh band. 

All the pictures from the day can be viewed by visiting www.christopherchard.com

Clare & Paul's wedding

What a gorgeous sunny day for Clare and Paul's lovely wedding at Lackham House near Chippenham. Clare was being driven to the ceremony in her dad's beautiful Austin- Healy Sprite. It was some feat for Clare who is a very slim bride to squeeze into the passenger seat especially in her stunning wedding dress, but she made it ! After a very moving ceremony, we all moved to the beautiful gardens, and began with a group picture on the steps. This is a great opportunity with the House in the background. There was enough time to shoot all the family groups before using the rest of the grounds for some more photo's of Bride and Groom. The biggest surprise was yet to come ! Clare and Paul were probably wondering how they were both going to fit in to the Sprite for the journey to the reception marquee. Mum and Dad had secretly arranged for a Horse and Carriage to miraculously appear to take over. This was what Clare had always wanted, and there were a few tears and hugs ! With the weather still perfect, everyone made their way to the marquee. Some great speeches preceded the wedding breakfast, and then the evening disco began. What a enjoyable wedding day !

All the images are now viewable at www.christopherchard.com

Claire and Oliver's wedding

Wow ! I'm getting just a little behind with my blog, so I'll try to catch up !

Claire and Oliver were married at the sumptuous Close Hotel in Tetbury. Claire and her Mum and Dad and Bridesmaids were taken to the venue in a brilliant VW camper van. This made for some really great pictures. Meanwhile Oli and his groomsmen had made the trip to Tetbury in a very impressive A Team wagon. The ceremony was held in the wonderfully historic old chapel in the garden. After the ceremony, the guests made use of the beautiful gardens while we took our family pictures. There are plenty of great picture opportunities in and around the hotel. After a few more shots with the camper van, we arranged all the ladies for a bouquet throwing moment ! As so often happens a man sneaked in and rose high to catch the flowers ! Your turn for a wedding next now mate !!  After some very amusing speeches at the wedding breakfast, the evening disco began, and all the guests came in from the garden to watch Claire and Oli take to the floor for their first dance.  As always, any guests can view all the pictures from the day by visiting www.christopherchard.com

Amy and Steve's Wedding

Amy and Steve tied the knot at St. Peters Church, in Chippenham. Wow ! what a sunny day !  We got some great images inside the church, and then most of the family and friends shots outside in the sunshine. Amy, Steve and their two lovely children headed off in an amazing VW camper van. We made a small detour to the picturesque village of Lacock for some more relaxed pictures down by the ford. When we arrived at the Bell Inn, all the guests were enjoying the sunshine in the garden. What a great wedding ! Amy looked fantastic, and had a huge smile on her face all day !  Great speeches too !  All pictures from the day are available to view at www.christopherchard.com