'Here comes the sun' - A stunning summer wedding at Makeney Hall Hotel in Derbyshire.

​On a scorching hot day in June last year, I was lucky enough to capture the moments when my very good friends Charlotte and Phil tied the knot! It was my first time at Makeney Hall Hotel so we had met there a few months before to wander around the beautiful grounds and go over all their plans for the special day.

---

The wedding day started in the bridal suite where the fizz was flowing and Emily from Oh So Makeup was helping all the ladies get ready along with hairdresser Charlotte. The bridesmaids and flower girls excitedly opened their gift boxes from the bride-to-be (containing jewellery and other special keepsakes) when a big white box arrived for Charlotte from her Groom Phil. The box contained a handwritten letter that had Charlotte in tears from the first few sentences, almost setting off everyone else in the room! We avoided any make up mishaps though, as Charlotte was soon laughing again when she opened her "Wifey for Lifey" top and bridal flip flops especially for their honeymoon. Phil also included little notes telling Charlotte all the reasons he loved her (future Grooms - take note!) 

​In another part of the grand venue the groomsmen were keeping cool on their balcony with chilled bottles of champagne while putting the finishing touches of pastel coloured ties and rose buttonholes to their suits. ​

​We all headed outside for the ceremony which was in the beautifully decorated Woodland Garden. The sun continued to shine as Charlotte walked down the aisle wearing a stunning vintage style, lace gown and accessories from Nora Eve Bridal and her something borrowed bridal veil from her maid of honour, Laura. 

After the ceremony, everybody gathered on the lawn for confetti throwing and celebratory drinks. They were entertained by The L.A Jazz Band. There were lawn games for people to enjoy in the sunshine, a chance to capture some stunning photos before heading into the conservatory for the wedding breakfast. 

The conservatory was decorated in a vintage pastel theme by Lenka at Ambience Wedding Venue styling, Derbyshire which included vintage bunting, handmade by the bride herself. The musical theme ran throughout with each table being named after a Beatles song. More personal touches included mini bottles of whiskey which the couple drank on their Christmas break in Edinburgh, where they got engaged. ​

After a few more photos in the stunning surroundings we moved into the reception room ready for the evening. Sweet-A-Fayre provided popcorn in every flavour imaginable and The Fat Cat's band were ready to get the guests moving on the starlit dance floor. Mr & Mrs Corker surprised everybody with a professional routine for their first dance which they had secretly been practicing in private dance lessons in the run up to the wedding!

​I loved working alongside Lukas&Laura Films on this wedding after previously meeting Lukas at a styled wedding photoshoot! I would recommend taking a look at their work if you're on the lookout for a videographer for your own big day. 

Suppliers: 
Photography: Jenny Mills Photography // Florist: The Greenery // Cake maker: Red Velvet Baking // The L.A Jazz Band // Evening band: The Fat Cats // Decor: Lenka at Ambience Venue Styling Derbyshire // DJ: RJL events // Candy floss & Popcorn: Sweet-a-Fayre // Videography: Lukas&Laura Films // Oh So Makeup // Hair: Charlotte Hamblet // BM Dresses: Chi Chi London