When Ben and Mari asked me to photograph their Fulham Palace wedding I was delighted. I had last visited three years ago for a really memorable wedding so I have a very soft spot for Fulham Palace.
Three years ago the botanical walled garden was two thirds archaeological dig and one third newly planted beds so was off limits. I arrived early to have a look around and was delighted to find the orchard and tree lined pathways restored and the planted beds now hip height. Although not the best of days weather-wise I am so pleased that Ben and Mari were happy to go to the walled garden as it made for stunning backdrops to their photographs. Luckily I brought my scruffy Sorel boots along which were handy both during my recce and also loaned to Mari on her way between the Palace and the botanical garden. The shot of them walking across the lawn was definitely a favourite.
Ben and Mari invited just family to their celebration and of course their two small children who featured both during the ceremonies and in the charming handwritten place names. In total there were 28 guests and the Bishop Terrick’s Drawing Room was perfectly suited for that number. The room looked stunning for both the civil ceremony and then for the wedding breakfast. The flowers were so pretty and effective – roses, freesias, daisies, chrysanthemums and trailing ivy – all brought to life with plenty of tea lights in frosted glasses.
At the end of the ceremony the Hammersmith and Fulham Registrar had everyone in stitches as she handed the marriage certificate to Mari. The Reverend Chris Eyden from All Saints’ Church Putney spoke beautifully during the blessing ceremony in the Victorian Tait Chapel. Chloe Goreham from Bovingdons Catering handled everything with charm and professionalism. The guitarist Peter Black sounded wonderful in the Bishop Terrick’s rooms both during the ceremony and reception. Sopranos Katy Thompson & Sarah Baillie sang a stunning aria during the blessing which sounded so beautiful in the Tait Chapel – it really was a privilege to hear them. And finally Fulham Palace itself looked wonderful in the Autumn colours.
The whole afternoon was filled with so much joy and love and everyone was so supportive. The four speeches in particular went down brilliantly – plenty of tears and laughter throughout. The children were all brilliant fun (and utterly charming) and I loved photographing their experience of the day. Ben and Mari were a delight to work with and I loved Mari’s dress. It looked great from any angle but I do have a soft spot for the shot of her walking away in the orchard. I love how the little roses in her hair lead you down to the lace top, the buttons, the bow, and finally the elegant silk shoes.
Key Suppliers
- Venue – Fulham Palace
- Bride’s dress, shrug and shoes – Sheila Harding at BOA Boutique / Monsoon / Harriet Wilde
- Bride’s hair – Nick Bland at Haringtons, Soho
- Flower Girl’s outfit – Monsoon (cardigan H&M)
- Groom’s suit – Jaeger
- Father of the Bride’s shirt – Ted Baker
- Florist – Styling by Jessica
- Caterer – Bovingdons
- Guitarist – Pete Black
- Sopranos – Katy Thompson & Sarah Baillie
- Photography – Emma Duggan
If you would like to see more weddings like this one, please visit the Fulham Palace information page or Fulham Palace blog posts.
