Edd and Justine are a fantastic couple, and their wedding took place at Great Fosters in Egham on a beautiful Spring day in April. The weather in Surrey was warm, with the sun shining and the pink blossom emerging to boost our spirits. I really couldn’t have asked for more – a great couple, warm sunshine and an excellent wedding venue! Their special day was full of iconic moments, allowing me to create spectacular images with my cameras. The couple exchanged their vows in the Orangery, with large windows offering excellent photography light. As the couple emerged from the wedding ceremony, everyone advanced to the bar to congratulate the new Mr and Mrs Taylor!
Picturesque gardens at Great Fosters
After the newlyweds had enjoyed plenty of time with their guests, I led them around the extensive grounds for an intimate photoshoot. These were their couple’s first moments alone as husband and wife, so it’s crucial for me to be unobtrusive. I adopted a natural style with no awkward posing, and they looked at ease in front of the camera. I framed them in various locations, taking in the scenic views of the rose garden and idyllic grounds.
The Japanese bridge makes iconic compositions of the bride and groom, as do the manicured hedges and topiary trees. The plants around the Great Fosters garden receive lots of nurture whilst the estate lovingly maintains the grounds to an exceptionally high standard. Following the group shots, it was time to head into the Tithe barn to give the newlyweds a glass of champagne. The evening wedding reception was soon underway, with great speeches, an epic first dance and lots of laughs that ensured a wonderful evening.
Edd and Justine’s wedding photos at Great Fosters
I’m excited to share Mr & Mrs Taylor’s big day at Great Fosters. Edd and Justine left me a very kind and encouraging review, and here is a photo montage from their wedding.
“WE LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM! We are just going through them this morning to choose our album’s pictures. So EXCITED! It was, as you know, a great pleasure to have you capture our day, and we have done nothing but rave about you to anyone who will listen! Many thanks.” – Edd & Justine
My focus and approach to documenting weddings
With my photojournalistic approach, I draw upon my many years of experience as a documentary cameraman for broadcast television. I focus on the candid moments that occur naturally on the special day to create images that tell a story. I opened my award-winning photography business over a decade ago, and I have recently received the accolade of being one of the Top 50 wedding photographers in the UK.
My style at weddings is to blend into the environment using my unobtrusive approach. This way of capturing images allows the moments to unfold naturally. Guests won’t feel inhibited, and I won’t interfere with the dynamics as I tell the story with my camera. I adopt an unobtrusive stance as I’m observing the action and then freeze the decisive moment without being noticed. My relaxed style results in a candid record with people looking at ease as they enjoy the celebrations in front of my lens.
Great Fosters in Egham is one of my favourite locations because of the impressive buildings and gorgeous scenery that give classic and inspired photos. This desirable Grade One listed property is set within 50 acres of remarkable parkland with gardens to the rear. This venue has a considerable amount to offer, and the compositions I can create here are breathtaking.
A wedding venue steeped in history
Sir Robert Foster initially owned This magnificent wedding venue in 1639, and it was passed down to his son, Sir Thomas Foster, in 1663. Great Fosters continued to stay in the family and, in 1685, was inherited by his two daughters. What a fantastic upbringing they must have had in this lavish setting! Today, Great Fosters is an exclusive royal retreat and a wedding photographer’s dream to work at, attracting couples from afar to get married. Having worked at this venue regularly over the years, I am always amazed by its beauty. The original beams, the cosy fireplace and the tastefully restored decor make for an authentic Tudor backdrop.
Idyllic grounds and topiary garden
In addition to my love of photography, I’m a keen gardener, so I’m forever in awe of the grounds at this majestic hotel. Great Fosters takes perfection to the next level with hedges and bushes trimmed to spherical works of art and colourful flowerbeds with beautiful rare plants. As I walk around the grounds, taking establishing shots on the wedding day, I often bump into the groundsmen tending to their horticultural masterpieces. I can’t help but compliment them on their fantastic work and the stunning backdrops at this hotel. I love to lead the couple through the enchanting pergola to the Japanese bridge, taking in the scenic views of the historic building through the hanging Wisteria as the Saxon Moat glistens beneath.
The Rose garden, lined with fragrant lavender, circles an attractive pond, and I love to photograph the bride and groom with my camera close to the ground to capture their beautiful reflection in the water.
This is the perfect setting for year-round weddings, and Michelle and Ricky married here in the Winter.
Regal accommodation at Great Fosters
I’ve never had the opportunity to stay at Great Fosters, but I have enjoyed photographing many of the rooms during the bridal preparations. My favourite is the iconic Tapestry Room, with its original period features and dual-aspect windows that allow for wonderful dramatic light in the pictures. The way the light falls off my subjects into the shadows creates a mesmerising chiaroscuro effect, highlighting the bride and bridesmaids as they anticipate the spectacular day ahead.
The light and spacious Orangery is perfect for photography
For the wedding ceremony, the Orangery to the East of the building looks out on to Magnolia lawn and beautiful blossom trees. Its floor-to-ceiling glass encapsulates the bride and groom with flattering, soft light that is perfect for photography. It’s the preferred setting for couples exchanging their vows. Up to 160 guests can attend the ceremony in this space, making Great Fosters an excellent choice for larger weddings.
The quaint Tudor room for intimate gatherings
Down the barn corridor is the beautiful Tudor room, perfect for more intimate weddings at Great Fosters. This is a fantastic option if you’re planning a micro wedding with up to 20 guests. Elvia and Jason’s intimate wedding took place in this setting.
Outdoor ceremonies in the Archery Pavilion
During the warmer months, an alternative outdoor setting is the Archery Pavillion, with its clear views of the hotel in the background, which you can see in your wedding photos. Chairs are laid out on the lawn, allowing guests to watch with excitement as the bride and groom marry underneath the ornate wooden structure. Take a look at Rebecca and Omeed’s wedding, which is a great example in this location.
The attractive Painted Hall at Great Fosters
A Great Fosters experience wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a well-deserved beverage at the Painted Hall bar after the wedding ceremony. This cosy setting overlooks the terrace and surrounding parkland and allows guests to mingle whilst marvelling at the magnificent artwork that dons the ceiling above. This picture-perfect area of the hotel is stunning, and I love to capture the bride and groom here as they mingle with their loved ones.
Oak-framed Grade II listed Tithe Barn
The Tithe Barn is a spacious and authentic wedding breakfast and evening reception setting. With original wooden beams supporting a mezzanine balcony that looks out onto the ground below, I love to gain a birds-eye view of the dance floor, capturing the newlyweds enjoying their first dance in the distance. The party can also be held in the Orangery if preferred, and this means there is no need to reset the space for the evening celebrations.
Are you getting married at Great Fosters?
Tying the knot at this extraordinary venue in Egham is a breathtaking experience. If you are getting married and need a wedding photographer to record the meaningful moments, it would be fantastic to hear from you. I adopt a reportage style of photography to promote my subjects’ natural interaction, which always results in the best images.
Throughout the day, I nurture my relationship with the couple, their parents, family, and the bridal party to help everyone enjoy the wedding celebrations. Over the years, I have developed my unique style to capture memorable and iconic moments as they unfold in front of the lens. If you like the sound of my approach, please don’t hesitate to contact me for more information.
