Checking the forecast all week before Ellie and Alistairs big day, it was not looking great. Heavy rain forecast for the Saturday. On the morning, I awoke to grey skies but it was dry, feeling grateful I jumped in the car to head to Ellies house for the bridal prep and the drizzle started. By the time I got there, the rain was pouring, the wind was howling, but thankfully everyone was still in great spirits. With a bride, 5 bridesmaids, a Mum, Dad, Brother, and 2x soon to be Sister-in-laws all getting ready there was that wonderful buzz that makes the bridal prep one of my favourite parts of the day. Ellie was cool, calm and collected and it was a great way to spend the morning.
From there it over to Reigate Baptist Church where I arrived to a jam packed car park but managed to find a sneak space near the door. With a couple of guys from the church helping with umbrellas we were soon sorted and the ceremony was underway to a packed house of eager participants. As the service progressed, I noticed the clouds were clearing and the rain easing away, perfect!
A quick couple of group shots outside the church and Ellie and Alistair were into the stunning old Riley to be whisked away to Burrows Lea Country House, just outside of Shere in Surrey. Here we got to bask in glorious sunshine for the remainder of the day, with only a couple of small rain showers that also gave us some truly stunning skies and rainbows. I always seem to get something a little special at Burrows Lea. Photographing the bride and groom overlooking the fields with a rainbow in the distance is certainly a pretty rare opportunity!!
It was a really fantastic day, with lots of involvement of the guests and an obvious, huge amount of love for Ellie and Alistair that was plain for anyone to see and that made it a really special day to be a part of.
by Chris Legg