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Random naked people, the A team van and a dress you could set up camp in.  Oh and rain.  Quite a lot of rain actually.  Yep, I had lots of fun yesterday at Bridgwood Manor and Cooling Castle Barn with Andrea and James.

First of all we had flowers.  Or rather not just flowers but FLOWERS from the very talented Caroline Grimble.

Here are a few of the, erm red ones…

Flowers by Caroline Grimble

Every so often, some quite unusual things happen on wedding days.  Frequently it’s a special request from a client, something that means a lot to them or a particular idea they have have had.  I try not to be phased by them.  So I guess I wasn’t particularly surprised when Andrea said to me “I’d like you to go down to room 236 and take a picture of my friend Vicki in a towel”.  Of course I was happy to comply.  There were only two small problems.

  1. Vicki wasn’t in room 236.  She was in 238 and the person in 236 was pretty confused by all of this.
  2. She’d actually finished getting ready and already looked fabulous in her dress.  When a random bloke she’s never met before hammered on her door and said “could you take your clothes off so I can take a picture please?”

Still, things have a way of working themselves out….

Vicki wearing a towel at the Bridgwood Manor Hotel

Meanwhile of course with “the lads” things were a lot calmer.  There was no messing about and absolutely no drinking at all.  Until of course the A-Team van turned up to take James and his seven (yes really) groomsmen to Cooling Castle Barn.

The A-Team van and 7 groomsmen - this can only be MyWeddingStory

By the way, if you think any of those people look familiar then refresh your memory with Caz and Rob’s wedding at the London Golf Club.  Same best man and ushers, different groom.  Similar weather as it happens…….

Anyway, back in the room.  Thomas and Louise were on hand to heckle help with all the proceedings.

Page boy and flower girl at Andrea and James wedding at Cooling Castle Barn

Meanwhile, Tara had turned up from Fripperies to help with the dress.  And it’s probably just as well she did.  There’s no easy way to say this.  It was a big dress.  In fact a b-i-g dress.  The kind you have to get inside to put the finishing touches to.

Tara from Fripperies helps a bride into her wedding dress

So we have flowers, random naked person, A-team van, page boy, flower girl and dresser.  I guess now we just need the bride…..

Andrea Fergusson on her wedding day

Yeah.  Worth waiting for.  Did you expect anything else?

And just before leaving the Bridgwood Manor there was time for a picture of Andrea with her dad Trevor.  Of course outside the hotel would have been nice.  But we were already enjoying a little “liquid sunshine”.

Andrea and her very proud father Trevor Ferguson

Speaking of time, here’s a picture I know James will treasure.  It shows

  1. The rather lovely watch he had as a wedding gift
  2. The date of his wedding just in case he needs a reminder
  3. Proof if he ever needs it that Andrea was just the tiniest bit late for the wedding :)

Raymond Weil watch

But then of course you can afford to be fashionably late if you’re going to make an entrance like this.

The deep breath before the plunge.  Andrea walks down the stairs at Cooling Castle Barn.

Did she make an impression?  Did she take James’ breath away?  I think so…..

James Burley sees his bride for the first time

In fact I’m pretty sure she did.

James Burley and Andrea Furguson - a wedding at Cooling Castle Barn

You’ll have noticed that I’ve mentioned the rain a couple of times.  Yeah it rained.  Quite a lot.  In fact a LOT.

But you know.  When you have a vintage Rolls Royce.  The beautiful Kent country side.  A rather ominous looking sky and loads of baby wipes to clean the dress then you can’t let a little rain put you off.

Wedding portraits in the rain

Meanwhile, back at the barn Matt Parro was busy entertaining the guests with some stunning close up magic.  Which provoked, well, quite a reaction.

Matt Parro performs amgic at Cooling Castle Barn

And then all too soon, it was time for Andrea and James’ first dance.

First dance at Cooling Castle Barn

(Told you the dress was big….).

But of course, there’s always time for one more picture.  Even in the dark.  And of course the rain.

Signature night portrait from Jonathan Ryan of MyWeddingStory

Loads more pictures when Mr and Mrs Burley return from slightly drier climes.  In the meantime please leave your thoughts and messages for them below.  I’m pretty sure they will have their Blackberries with them.

12 Responses to “Andrea and James – wedding pictures from Cooling Castle Barn”

  1. Tara Freeman Says:

    Hey Jonathan,
    How absolutely fantastic. I was really in the mood when i left, the atmosphere in the bridal suite bedroom was superb.
    You’ve done a fantastic job at everything, (except catching my best side).
    Good luck to you in all you do, your work is brilliant.
    Lovely seeing you again.
    Best Wishes
    Tara x

  2. Rob & Caroline Gan Says:

    Love the pictures, you both look amazing and we had a fantastic day! Can’t wait to see the rest of the pics! Love Caz and Rob x x x

  3. Paul Says:

    Awesome!

    What a great day!

    Not even the weather could spoil it!

    Love to you both.

  4. Christine Louise and Thomas Says:

    Such a wonderful day. Have fun in Mexico.

    Loads of love xx

  5. louise Says:

    had a brilliant time thanx cant wait to see all the pics. sunday was brilliant! luv ya both see you soon
    love louise xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

  6. Steve and Sue Says:

    It was a lovely day with lovely people! So many wonderful memories and fabulous photos to remind us all.
    Love mum and dad x x x x

  7. Jimmy and Brenda Says:

    Excellent day – Best Wedding ever !
    Our highlight was seeing James in tears as Andrea came down the stairs
    We both cried too.
    Love Grandma Brenda and Grandpa Jimmy xxx

  8. Mr & Mrs Burley Says:

    well its a bit warmer here!

    Thanks Jonathan for good fun and great pictures, cant wait to see the rest!
    Had an amazing day thank you everyone so much for being there to share it with us and make it special xx

    Love James and Andie

  9. Sarah Says:

    Great pictures and a great day – lots of love to you both – enjoy the honeymoon! xxx

  10. sylwia ziaja Says:

    What a lovely wedding! beautiful couple, beautiful venue, beautiful day/despite the heavy rain/.

    The pictures are absolutely fab!
    Thank You Andrea and James for inviting us to share this special day with You.
    Love,
    Sylwia and Matt.
    ps.kisses from Alice.xxx

  11. Jaki & Toby Says:

    Had such a great day, you both looked amazing, have a lovely relaxing honeymoon, love to you both,
    Auntie Jaki and Uncle Toby XXXXXXX

  12. Aaron Says:

    Absolutely fantastic pictures and had a brilliant time. Really glad it went well.

    Looking forward to seeing the photos and you guys at Christmas!

    Aaron xx

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