Great Fosters wedding photography that captures the special moments and your unique personalities.
Wedding photographer Great Fosters
Edd and Justine’s are a fantastic couple, and their wedding took place on a beautiful Spring day in April. Surrey’s weather was warm, and the sun was shining, with the pink blossom emerging to boost our spirits. I really couldn’t have asked for more – a great couple, perfect weather and an excellent wedding venue! Their special day at Great Fosters was full of emotion, which helped me create some spectacular images. The couple exchanged their vows in the Orangery with its big windows that offer great photography light. As the new Mr and Mrs Taylor emerged from the wedding ceremony, everyone advanced to the bar to congratulate the newly married couple.
Great Fosters has immaculate gardens
I took Edd and Justine around the extensive grounds in the sunshine for a great photoshoot, offering my support to them as they shared some intimate time alone. These were the couple’s first moments together as husband and wife, so I take a lot of care to be unobtrusive by promoting a natural style with no awkward posing. They were both really at ease in front of the camera and didn’t need a great deal of encouragement from me! 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 does the manicured hedges and topiary trees. The plants around the Great Fosters garden receives lots of nurture whilst the estate lovingly maintains the grounds to an exceptionally high standard. It was soon time to head into the Tithe barn to raise a glass of champagne to the newlyweds. The evening wedding reception was soon underway with a great first dance and lots of laughs that ensured a wonderful evening.
I loved being their wedding photographer!
I’m excited to share Mr & Mrs Taylor’s big day at Great Fosters. A special thank you goes to Alicia, my second shooter, for her help capturing some great moments from the wedding. Edd and Justine left me a very kind and encouraging review, and here is some of my photography from their special day.
“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 and Alicia capture our day at Great Fosters, and we have done nothing but rave about you to anyone who will listen! Many thanks.” – Edd and Justine
I love working as a Great Fosters wedding photographer
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. Great Fosters has a considerable amount to offer, and the compositions I can create here are breathtaking.
A little history of this great wedding venue
This magnificent wedding venue was initially owned by Sir Robert Foster in 1639 and 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.
A plethora of options for a great wedding
What’s not to like at the magnificent Great Fosters for a wedding photographer? There’s an abundance of possibilities for couples planning their wedding, and here are some of the beautiful elements that make up this iconic wedding venue.
An exclusive Surrey venue
Having worked at Great Fosters regularly over the years, it never ceases to amaze me how beautiful this wedding venue is. The original beams, the cosy fireplace and the tastefully restored decor, make for an authentic Tudor experience.
Idyllic grounds and topiary garden
As a keen gardener myself, 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 Great Fosters in the morning of a wedding day, I always seem to bump into the groundsmen tending to his horticultural masterpieces. I can’t help but compliment him on his fantastic work and how stunning the backdrops are at this hotel. I love to lead the couple through the enchanting pergola to the Japanese bridge, taking in the scenic views of Great Fosters 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 the beautiful reflections in the water.
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
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, 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
Down the barn corridor is the beautiful Tudor room, perfect for more intimate weddings at Great Fosters. If you’re planning a micro wedding, then this is a fantastic option with a capacity of up to 20 guests.
Outdoor ceremonies in the Archery Pavilion
During the warmer months, an alternative outdoor setting is the Archery Pavillion, with its clear views of Great Fosters 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.
The attractive Painted Hall
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.
Grade II listed Tithe Barn
The Tithe Barn is a spacious and authentic setting for the wedding breakfast and evening reception at Great Fosters. With original wooden beams supporting a mezzanine balcony that looks out on to 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; however, my personal favourite is the Tithe Barn.
Are you looking for someone to cover your Great Fosters wedding photography?
Tying the knot at this extraordinary venue in Egham is a great experience, so if you are getting married and need a photographer, 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 photos.
I take great care to nurture my relationship with the couple, their parents, family and bridal party to help everyone enjoy the wedding day. Over the years, I have developed my unique photography style to capture memorable and meaningful moments as they unfold.
To see more of my images from weddings at Great Fosters, please click here.