Rachel & Sean’s Anglo-Zimbabwe wedding

So when a friend of some fun friends books you, you know you are going to have fun squared, right? RIGHT!  Sean & Rachel are complete wonderbunnies;  funny and energetic people with piles of verve – just my type.

I started at their home with Rachel & her bridal team, while my lovely second shooter Julie went to see Sean & his team at a local hotel. Buns were stitched to the heads of small children, prosecco was drunk, and Rachel battled with some serious nerves.  Luckily she had her awesome buddies Gem & Herb to guide her through the wedding morning quagmire – it can be a tough time; months of planning & worry & expectation can feel pretty overwhelming at this point.  But, inevitably, it was worth it – and the flippin’ giant beaming smile on her face when she finally saw Sean at the end of the church aisle was a thing to behold, it almost made me well up.  So, as is tradition, they got wed. The rain did not stop play, and the bride & groom sped away to Southend Barns where the excellent staff there kept us furnished with food & drink, and we gathered around fire pits to keep the chill wind at bay.  Sean is a pro cricketer, and the whole day was infused with touches of his native Zimbabwe – from throws & cushions in the bar area, to beaded wild animals on the table, and perhaps most spectacularly in the absolutely amazing cake that our lovely friend Ann from Smallpiece Catering created for them – a sunset savannah of wild animals. Take a bow, Annie!

After an amazing dinner (thank you Southend Barns, I am still drooling over the starter), a couples session where we were blessed with sun, rain, and only a blimmin’ rainbow, a funny & heartfelt set of speeches, we finally hit the dance floor in quite some style.  If I hadn’t been shooting the next morning I would have stayed to the absolute end – sooo many prosecco fuelled shapes being thrown on that dance floor.  (Gemma, you may wish to have a stiff drink before seeing these you LEGEND).

Sean & Rachel, thank you so much for having us along – we really felt welcomed into team Ervine & had such a brilliant time.  GIANT HUGS!  Here is a not-at-all-short sneak peek of your day.