Hardika and Vijay - Ashton Lodge Country House wedding photography
Ashton Lodge – Colour, Laughter and Games on Hardika and Vijay’s Special Day
I absolutely love photographing an Indian wedding. There is something about the colours, the energy that goes into the incredible dancing and the food that gives me a buzz. When Hardika and Vijay booked me for their Sikh wedding at Ashton Lodge, a venue I really enjoy visiting, I was really excited, and even if I hadn’t been, Hardika had so much energy for her special day that it was infectious! She really inspired me to achieve something extra special for what was set to be a spectacular day.
Gurdwara Sahib and the Ceremony
The wedding day started off at the temple, and like all good Indian weddings it began with food. The room was packed, and buzzing, and all of the guests were mingling, and everyone was celebrating the special day before the ceremony had even begun. To me, this always seems like such a fantastic way to greet your guests and it really helps to get the right vibe flowing for the day.
With all the guests soon fed it was time for the ceremony to begin. This is always one of my favourite parts of a Sikh wedding. There are so many lovely rituals that make up the ceremony. It also gives time for everyone to share their love with the happy couple, even if only for a few seconds.
Jephson Gardens and on to Ashton Lodge
Hardika and Vijay had chosen an early start for the day to allow their guests time to relax and change after the main ceremony. This gave us the perfect opportunity to get some special wedding photos of the happy couple before they headed to Ashton Lodge to get changed.
Leaving the temple, we headed to Jephson Gardens, a location I know well, having shot there many times. The weather was absolutely perfect, and the gardens made a great location for some special wedding photographs before heading on to the celebrations.
The guests had begun arriving at Ashton Lodge and Hardika and Vijay went for a rest and to change outfits. The sun was really starting to shine, making for the perfect complement to a venue with such a great outdoor space.
Garden Jenga Battle
Soon the garden games were in full force and, as always, it was Jenga that was the highlight. One of the most competitive games of Jenga I have ever witnessed was soon underway. With the guests all taking it in turn to watch the family battle and see who would be crowned champion there were plenty of opportunities for photos to be had. I have never seen a game last so long or stacked so high.
One of the other main attractions of this venue is the double swing, and this another great draw for the guests that allowed for plenty of relaxed photos the happy couple are sure to treasure.
A Powerful Father of the Bride Speech
With all the guests present it was now time for the wedding breakfast and the speeches. Something told me Dad had been looking forward to this, and his speech was one of the most emotional and powerful that I have heard in a long time. The love he felt for his daughter was evident in every word and I may even have had a tear in my eye - as did many of the guests.
The speeches were complete, and when eyes were dried, it was time to dash off to grab some quick sunset wedding photographs. The timing couldn’t have been better as we just managed to catch the last rays of the sun.
With evening now approaching, Hardika’s parents had arranged for some Indian drummers to get the party started. This is always a fantastic way to enter a room and perhaps more importantly a great way to get everyone into the mood for an evening of dancing and celebration which would continue long into the night.
I’d like to thank Hardika and Vijay for letting me be a part of their colourful, energetic and emotional day, and I hope they love the wedding photography I’ve created for them at Ashton Lodge!
If you’re having your wedding at Ashton Lodge and are looking for an experienced wedding photographer to capture your day with beautiful storytelling images then feel free to https://www.everybodysmilephotography.co.uk/contact
