Gemma & Jon’s beautiful & joyful Pembroke Lodge wedding was all about family & celebration
When Gemma and Jon first got in touch with me about their joyful Pembroke Lodge wedding I was so thrilled. They were planning a relaxed, family orientated wedding with a church ceremony and an outdoorsy garden party feel for the reception at Pembroke Lodge.
They chose to have an engagement shoot before the day as a way to help the ‘photo nerves’. This was amazing in itself. The couple met through their love of climbing, they also love to be outdoors and mentioned beaches, sunsets and sunrises. I had a few ideas and found Botany Bay, which has the most awesome cliffs, a gorgeous beach and the sun rises in the perfect spot. After spending an early morning with them photographing their Botany Bay sunrise engagement shoot I could not wait for their wedding!
Getting ready
On the wedding day, I started at the hotel where Gemma was getting ready with her bridesmaids and parents. It was super relaxed and when I arrived they were all done with hair and makeup and ready to pop the Prosecco! After a few cheers the bridesmaids got into their dresses and then it was time for Gemma to get into hers. Her dad was ushered out of the room at this point! Her dress was beautiful. Simple, elegant and pretty. The tears were already starting before her dad came back into the room, but once he was in the floodgates opened. Everyone was wiping happy tears away!
The St Raphaels wedding ceremony in Surbiton
The wedding took place at St Raphaels Church in Surbiton and was a beautiful ceremony. After the tears of the morning, I was ready for the emotional moments during the ceremony. The vicar did a wonderful job of bringing laughter and joy to the ceremony and there weren’t many dry eyes after.
After Gemma & Jon had said their vows and done the legal bits, they walked down the aisle together to rapturous cheers. They then did a confetti tunnel outside the church door (always a favourite bit). The couple left ahead of their guests in a black London taxi and made their way to the reception. I followed and once we got to Pembroke Lodge took the opportunity to get a few relaxed photos of the two of them before all their guests arrived.
Joyful Pembroke Lodge wedding reception
The wedding reception took place at Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park. The room looked amazing with decorations that were very much inspired by the location of the venue – lots of greenery, pine cones and moss. It definitely had an elegant rustic feel. The head table even had a pair of deer antlers on, which looked perfect as part of the table styling. I have to say a quick word about the cake… It was made by the bride’s cousin and was so cool and so perfect! You have to check it out!
It was a bright and sunny day, which was what the couple had hoped for. While the guests enjoyed drinks and canapes on the terrace, the couple mingled while I took candids. There were loads of outdoor games, which kept everyone entertained (especially as the day went on and more drinks were consumed!)
The speeches were wonderful. Emotional, funny, heartwarming and entertaining. After wiping eyes and plenty of hugs Gemma, Jon and their guests made their way back out onto the terrace while the room was turned around for the evening party.
The evening party
Gemma and Jon had gone to dancing lessons to prepare for their first dance and it was wonderful. They swept across the dance floor to cheers from their guests, who then piled on with them ready for the party to start. Some brilliant and bad dance moves were witnessed and photographed… always makes for great photos! I left the couples having the best time with their wedding guests.
This was the loveliest day for two of the nicest people.
 
 
Suppliers
Venue – St Raphaels Church & Pembroke Lodge
Hair Stylist – Becky from Beauty Call
Brides Dress – Mori Lee from Love Me Do Brides
Bridesmaids – Jenny Packham from Love Me Do Brides
Florist – Dawn Jennings
Cake – Made by the bride’s cousin!
I hope you have enjoyed this gorgeous and joyful Pembroke Lodge wedding. I’ve photographed there quite a few times, so I have quite the collection for you to check out and get lots of inspiration for your Pembroke Lodge wedding. If you are planning a London wedding take a look at Belle & Tim’s fabulous Hampton Court House wedding for some more wedding inspiration.
Thanks for popping by
Fiona x
