Kristy + Calvin
The most beautiful day, steeped in history and tradition. The morning started with Kristy and the bridesmaids, getting ready at a cottage around the corner from Sandon Hall. The girls were all in dusky blue, romantic dresses, with matching light blue bows for their hair - whilst Kristy got dressed into the striking, incredibly ornate, bold red Chinese outfit. Not long after, the boys arrived to start the games. Calvin was also wearing the traditional red Chinese outfit, equally as detailed, as he bargained with the bridesmaids to gain entry to the cottage. Then the games, derived by the girls, and impossible for the boys to win, rounds included: the groom putting lipstick onto his ten groomsmen without his hands, in 30 seconds, brewing tea from a tea bag tied to your waist whilst doing push ups, and putting boxers on over your trousers without using your hands. All of which they failed, and had to succumb to forfeits of having their legs waxed and eating whole slices of lemon (rind and all). After that, Calvin had to sing a song in Chinese to Kristy behind the door, and he was finally allowed the honour to win his bride!
After all the fun, it was onto the more somber ritual of the tea ceremony. Kristy and Calvin both kneeled before their parents, as they offered each of them in turn some tea, and the parents returned this gesture with jewellery, words of wisdom, and lucky red envelopes.
The couple then took the vintage Rolls Royce to the incredible Sandon Hall. One of Staffordshire's most beautiful and historic stately homes, Sandon Hall is steeped in grandeur and drama, from the beautiful grounds , rose garden, orangery, to the grand staircase and library rooms. Here Kristy and Calvin got changed into an incredible, textured, HUGE wedding dress, and Calvin into elegant black tie. They had a personal ceremony in front of all of their guests, before heading out in front of the orangery for a long confetti line!
The rain brought everyone back inside, so we did some vanity fair style group portraits indoors, and used the amazing windows around Sandon Hall for some dramatic and editorial couple portraits. Despite the on off rain all day, we did get a gorgeous golden hour, and managed to get outside for some super romantic portraits of Kristy + Calvin, with that low, autumnal golden sun. Kristy got changed again for the evening celebrations, stepping into a silver, sparkling gown, to be able to dance the night away!
This was a gorgeous day start to finish, and Kristy + Calvin made sure to make time for everything that was important to them, to incorporate their cultures and families into their day and honour their families coming together. It was beautiful to document and be a part of, and also a joy to work alongside James Smith Weddings on videography for this one, who it was so easy to work in tandem with!
Suppliers
Venue - Sandon Hall
Florist - Flowers by Briege
Video - James Smith Weddings
