In spring, Pelham House feels a bit different to the height of summer. The light is that bit softer and the new plants coming out add colour, making the garden lovely and fresh. Claire and Alex chose it precisely for that quieter atmosphere. They wanted a day that was calm, intimate and welcoming from the outset, shaped around the people they love, good food and a room that feels full without ever feeling crowded.
They made that happen.
The getting ready was split between the Pelham Suite and the Bridal Suite, keeping everything within the house simpl;ified things, but gave them the space to enjoy the start of the day. I spent much of the morning with Alex and the boys in the Pelham Suite, it’s suchg a beautifully lit room with high ceilings and tall windows – it oozes sophistication. It suited him. He was composed, attentive & already focused on Claire long before the ceremony began. Across the courtyard, Claire went through the morning preparations – understated yet refined, entirely in keeping with her nature. She is not someone drawn to attention and certainly not one to perform for the camera – a perfect fit for my approach.
The ceremony in the Goring Room is always a special – the room has a good blend of relaxation and sophistication. Afterwards, guests headed onto the terrace overlooking the (as always, beatufiul) gardens, the overcast sky occasionally breaking to offer brief flashes of sun and, at one point, Claire and Alex were immersed in what I feel is the largest quantity of confetti I have seen at Pelham House. The reception in the Blencowe Room unfolded perfectly into some truly heartfelt speeches. It was relaxed, joyful and emotional – all the things you need for a great day.
Portraits were important to them, so we made a little time during the end of the drinks reception. We made great use of the gardens, including the quiet at the bottom, then later, we slipped up to Lewes Castle for a few minutes. The light at the castle gates is soft and even, I particularily love it on hot summers days – it’s worth the short walk, but we kept it brief. My approach is always to ensure couples remain part of their own celebration rather than stepping away from it for too long.
What stayed with me most were the moments during the speeches – The way Alex looked at Claire when he thought no one else was paying attention. All throughoutout the day he did not take his eyes off her for long. So full of love. And that felt completely fitting for a spring wedding at Pelham House in Lewes.
As well as documenting this beautiful day in Photographs, Claire & Alex had me along for Wedding Videography as as well – with speeches like those, it was important to capture them properly.
