Jenny & Mark’s festival style, Wed-fest wedding last summer was definitely one of the highlights of my wedding photographic year.
Earlier in the week, I attended their official wedding at Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham with close family and friends and then as the weekend drew near they took over the stunning wedding venue - Upwey House in Dorset - for wedding number 2 with a bigger gathering of friends. Guests made a short way down from the house and out of the the midday sun to the coolness of an idlyllic woodland setting complete with flower arch and next to a shimmering brook. Dappled sunlight kissed their faces and as they reiterated their promises to each other before leading everyone to a beautiful tent marquee reception and the celebrations.

Adults, children and an array of dogs, including Jenny and Mark’s adored Indy, enjoyed the stunning surroundings and views where the wedding breakfast was served festival style and everyone basked in the high summer sunshine.

If that wasn’t enough for one magical wedding day, as that hot summer's evening beckoned, the Best Man grabbed the mic and announced to the guests: " Does anyone want to get high?"

And there in an adjacent field was a hot air balloon ready to take anyone who fancied it for a ride in the sky.

This was my first time photographing a hot air balloon wedding. In fact it was my first time in a hot air balloon let alone with the challenge to get pictures. From the limited space and angles, crouched down inside with Jenny and Mark getting all romantic above me, and from below looking up into that bright sky with the guests, it was memorable and exciting to say the least.

I'm definitely up for having a second go at this so if you are getting married and pondering a hot air balloon surprise for your guests, get in touch! And with thanks to the Airship Balloon Company for keeping things steady and not keeling us over for that silhouette shot. For those of you who don't know these things, this is when they fill the balloon with air and you can briefly step inside and get some pictures. A slightly cheesy wedding picture and not really my thing but hey it’s not everyday you get to go inside a hot air balloon so why not for the memories:)

Just such a fabulously fun day and a dream wedding for the documentarian. Here are some of my favourites to give you a glimpse of the story: