Sadie & James - A Festive & Fun Football-Themed Wedding at Merrydale Manor
“I can’t remember when I didn’t like you
It must have been lonesome then
Even if it was the 999th of July
Even if it was August
Even if it was way down at the bottom of November
I would go on choosing you
And you would go on choosing me
Over and over again
And that’s how it would happen every time”
December weddings are known for their magical, festive atmosphere, and Sadie and James's nuptials at Merrydale Manor were no exception. As a photographer, I had the privilege of capturing the unique charm of their day, which turned out to be a beautiful blend of love, resilience, and a touch of football-themed joy.
The day began with the soft drizzle that often accompanies winter weddings in England. Despite the rain, Sadie and James embraced the weather with a remarkable sense of trust and openness. Their commitment to creating beautiful moments, rain or shine, set the tone for a day filled with warmth and genuine connection.
Merrydale Manor, with its elegant architecture and lush surroundings, provided a stunning backdrop for the couple's celebration. The rain added a romantic touch, creating a reflective sheen on the cobblestone paths and enhancing the vibrant colours of the venue's gardens. It also helped to have the wonderful Tall Toastmaster himself, Stefan, there to hold the brolly over me whilst I worked for the shot!
James, a football commentator by profession, and Sadie incorporated a light football theme into their wedding, a nod to James's passion for the sport. The subtle football touches, from table decorations to a ‘football portrait’ photo challenge, added a playful and personal element to the celebration.
One of the most touching moments of the day was during the ceremony when James's son, Freddie, took the stage to deliver a beautiful reading. The young boy's words resonated with sincerity, adding a heartfelt touch to the proceedings. It was evident that family played a central role in Sadie and James's union, and Freddie's participation made the day even more memorable.
Despite the weather challenges, the couple's positive attitude and willingness to embrace every moment made my job as a photographer a true pleasure. The rain became an ally, enhancing the emotion and intimacy of the images. The misty air created an ethereal quality, making each shot feel like a scene from a romantic film.
As the day unfolded, it became clear that Sadie and James's love was not deterred by a bit of rain. Their wedding at Merrydale Manor was a testament to the power of love, trust, and openness, proving that even in the face of unexpected challenges, the beauty of the moment can shine through.
I have adored getting to know the new Mr. & Mrs. Gordon (and Freddie of course!) and their wonderful wedding was the cherry on top of another banner wedding season. I loved getting to work alongside my pals Stefan and Hannah Kennedy of Kennedy Films plus Nathan from DFC Entertainment, Barrett’s Event Catering and the exceptional staff at Merrydale Manor (can’t wait to be back!)
Here is the story of their wonderful wedding day…
