Earlier this year I was the photographer for the wedding of Alison and Tristan, somewhat off my usual “patch” of wedding photography in Hampshire, Dorset and the New Forest. Tris and I have been friends since university and I was delighted to hear that he and Alison had got engaged, not least because it meant that they were looking super-positive despite Alison’s recent diagnosis with a rare form of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Two years later, and with Alison feeling much better, she was recuperating, taking things easy (that should probably be “celebrating”) by organising a wedding for 140 guests.
Here are some of my favourite shots of their day.
Reflecting Tris' London roots, he and Alison hired a London Bus for the day, which drove around town collecting the guests and delivering them all to the Zoo gates. Here are the boys as we leave the centre of Chester.
During the bus journey I noticed this mirror which made a great frame for a shot of the bridesmaids as they made their way off the bus.
With all the guests assembled, there was nothing to do but wait for Alison to put in an appearance.
Alison, her father and sister arrived in a gorgeous peacock blue Silver Shadow and were the centre of attention as they cruised through the zoo on their way to Oakfield Manor!
In homage to Tris' love of running, Alison came down the aisle on her Dad's arm to "The Trap", the London Marathon theme tune!
Some of my favourite weddings have been the really relaxed ones where there isn't that crackle of tension in the air. Alison and Tristan's was no exception. Sorry, everyone else, but I don't think I've seen a happier couple.
There were serious moments too... it never fails to amaze me how fast the mood can swing during a wedding ceremony.
And then they were wed - and came back down the aisle to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" - perfect for a zoo!
Incidentally, do check out Alison’s story for Brides Up North – there are more of my photos there including the look of utter joy on Ali’s face as she leaves the ceremony room punching the air with delight. I was so glad I could be there to catch that for her and Tris.
To make sure the newlyweds got some time together, we took a slow cruise through the zoo in the Silver Shadow and ended up at the bus which Alison was really keen to see. Before we could get going, though, best man Paul did a sterling job of poking his head through the Roller's window with refreshments!
Once out by the transport it was time for a few shots together - a lovely couple and an incongruous pair visit the zoo!
Perfect for a June wedding, scones with lashings and lashings of cream and jam. Perfect for filling a hole between the ceremony and the evening barbeque! (Pimm's not shown...)
Alison and Tris' butterfly theme made it onto this incredible Sachertorte. Just looking at the photo still makes my mouth water.
Oakfield Manor has a gorgeous Japanese Garden which is perfect for wedding photos. It's a short walk from Oakfield Manor which is a boon in heels (I imagine...) but the constantly changing flowers and plants will make everyone's photos unique.
Alison's dress is by Jenny Packham, headdress by Flo and Percy.
When you have 170 guests there's only one place for the speeches, and that's outside on the terrace, with a PA system! Alison's Dad gave a moving speech full of warmth for both Alison and Tris..
I love to shoot people's reactions to wedding speeches, and Paul didn't disappoint. My favourite part was the letter from Tris' team, Brentford FC...
There are times in a Best Man's speech where you wonder how often the groom will crumple up in surprise. All I do is be there so that when it happens, the couple has a reminder of another chapter in a brilliant day.
After normal hours, Alison and Tris enjoyed a Zoo Safari on foot with an expert Zoo Keeper to keep everyone informed.
Just one to prove we went to the zoo!
Alison and Tris' first dance. And then the party really started, but I won't be blogging those photos...
My overwhelming memory of the day is one of unadulterated joy, which is hardly surprising given the previous two years that Alison and Tris had been through. Congratulations, good luck and best wishes to you both!
I hope you enjoyed the story of Alison and Tris’ Oakfield Manor wedding. If you’d like to have a chat and find out how Hampshire and Dorset wedding photographer Jon Roach could tell the story of your wedding, please get in touch.
You might also like to follow Alison’s eclectic and ever-entertaining blog, It’s a Wonderful Life.
Tags: 2011, chester, wedding, zoo
This is a lovely summary of our wedding Jon! We’re starting to realise what a huge job it is to whittle the photos down to a reasonable number to put in the album. You did a fantastic job on the day and have really captured the joy and laughter – I’m so pleased that we hired you and would certainly recommend you to friends. Thanks again. Tris