Shaza & Simon’s wedding was a big weekend of celebrations at some pretty unique wedding venues in the Rutland countryside.
The focus of day one was a very intimate civil ceremony at Exton Park’s Fort Henry. As far as unique wedding venues go a magical gothic fort is a pretty hard to beat! With only the most immediate family and friends present, Shaza and Simon exchange their own vows to each other in an emotional ceremony (just 20 people and their dog Alfie who snuck into both the signing and couple shoot!). Time pressures had been abandoned and the rest of the day simply called for relaxing in the sun before heading off for a laid back dinner at one of their favourite spots, the Olive Branch Pub in Rutland. A beautifully calm and intimate day.
Day two was party day!! It began with a church blessing before a much larger gathering of friends and family (about 120 people). Emotions were still running high and Shaza struggled to hold back the tears. The rest of the second day involved ambling a few feet to the village hall which had been prepped for a party (all by Shaza and Simon with help from their family). They kicked off the afternoon with what everyone really craves on a hot summers afternoon like this…gin cocktails, craft beer, fish and chips, their own ice-cream van and a ceilidh band to dance the night away with. Oh and Simon just happens to be a master gin distiller (for Two Birds Spirits) so they had their very own ‘countryside cocktail’ flowing in abundance.
These guys have such a wonderful connection together and we loved being part of their celebrations. There were so many great moments but we particularly loved Simon helping Shaza get ready in the morning, it was so peaceful and loving. He even made sure Shaza’s hair was perfect…skills from his time as a hairstylist some years back! Also seeing them arrive at their blessing together, walking hand-in-hand down the aisle together was special to see.
We loved their wedding, it was uncompromisingly their own and the thread that ran through both days was laid-back, loving and fun!
