Sarah and Ross originally planned to wed in the United Kingdom, but due to unforeseen circumstances, they both travelled thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean to Las Vegas and married at The Little White Chapel.
As family and friends were unable to join them for their wedding in Las Vegas, the couple decided to have a wedding blessing and reception and invited everyone to celebrate on this special day instead. Their wedding blessing took place at St. Mary's Church in Attenborough, with a party at the nearby Village Hotel in Chilwell on the outskirts of Nottingham.
This is the second wedding blessing Mark Pugh has captured in the last eight months. Wedding blessings are becoming increasingly popular.
Ross and Sarah's wedding blessing day was beautiful, and Mark Pugh was delighted to join them.
THE DAY OF THEIR WEDDING BLESSING
Sarah had just returned home from having her hair coiffured at Chess Salon in Beeston when Mark Pugh arrived to photograph her makeup preparations by Alex Archer.
In addition to photographing her preparations, and her bridesmaids, Mark Pugh also captured images of her wedding dress which was designed by her friend Di Bagshaw.
The dress was, of course, already very well-travelled, having recently made the trip from Nottingham to Las Vegas and back.
In what seemed like no time at all, the moment had come to depart for the church.
The village of Attenborough is situated on the outskirts of Nottingham, and has the feel of a country village, yet is close to Nottingham City centre. Narrow winding roads and picture-perfect houses line this beautiful place, and St. Mary's Church sits next to Attenborough Nature Reserve, a large wildlife habitat opened by Sir David Attenborough in the 1960s.
As Mark Pugh waited outside in the beautiful spring sunshine, all of Ross and Sarah's guests arrived and made their way into the church.
St Mary's is a large building, and it was pleasing to see it completely filled with people.
After their vows were re-affirmed, readings made and hymns sung, everyone stepped outside for a brief series of formal photographs.
The couple had arranged for photographs on the large lawn adjacent to the church. It really was the perfect venue with plenty of space, beautiful trees, and wonderful weather.
With photos complete by Mark Pugh and guests, confetti was thrown; everyone moved onto the reception / party venue, The Village Hotel in Chilwell. This large hotel has an extremely spacious ballroom, perfect for their guests, and some very special Las Vegas themed entertainment.
Their friends and family entered through the 'Casino Entrance', a red carpet flanked with tall artificial flames and two greeters. Inside, there was a large disco with state-of-the-art lighting supplied by KPD Sounds. At the far end of the room, there was a Casino supplied by Blackjack Fun Casino, complete with Roulette and Blackjack tables and croupiers. Next to the casino was a mechanical bull provided by Big Bounce which proved extremely popular with both the adults and the children.
The table centrepieces were designed by one of Mark Pugh's (previous brides); the extremely talented Angela.
If you are a regular reader of our blog, you will know that we photographed Angela and Karl's wedding on the 1 December 2012, and it was Karl and Angela who recommended us to Sarah and Ross. It's always pleasing to be recommended, and it is good to have the quality of our work recognised.
Angela had created impressive towers of playing cards, in keeping with the Las Vegas theme; each table was named after a different Las Vegas Casino.
We supplied one of our luxury Wedding 'Guest Message' Frames.
These frames are hand-crafted using the highest quality materials to our own bespoke specifications. We provide a mounting easel and pens, and friends and family can leave the couple a personal message; it is a more visible alternative to the traditional Wedding Guest Book which guests sign, and then is stored away, never to be seen again.
Ross's best friend was the first to sign their 'Guest Message' frame, and left them both a poignant message as pictured below.
Mark Pugh said: It has been a genuine honour to capture the wedding blessing of such a lovely couple. Sarah and Ross were never flustered at any point throughout the day, and it was a privilege to spend time with them and their lovely family and friends.
We have shared a selection of firstLOOK image previews (over 100 images) on behalf of www.markpugh.com from their Wedding Blessing photography collection and these can be viewed below.
As always, enjoy! :-)
THE TALENT INVOLVED
Wedding Planner: Ourselves and Lue-Anne at the Village Hotel. Also Jonathan Smithhurst the Vicar at St Mary's Church Attenborough helped arrange the service
Stationery / Wedding Invitations: Designed by Ross - The Groom (Had them printed at Elson & Hall in Long Eaton)
Table accessories: Team MP's previous bride Angela (Ross and Sarah's friend) was a huge help, she produced all the centre pieces and table decorations. The table names were designed and printed by Ross (The Groom)
Transport / Wedding Car Provider: The grooms father
Dress Designer: Designed by the Bride's friend Dianne Bagshaw
Bride's Shoes: Vivienne Westwood
Brides Hair Stylist: Chess Salon in Beeston
Makeup Artist: Alex Archer
Bride's Jewellery: John Lewis necklace
Bridesmaid's Dresses: from Debenhams
Groom's Formal Wear: All items from Next, Harrods and House of Fraser.
Wedding rings purchased from: Marlows in Birmingham
Ceremony Florist: Fruits of the Florist (Marie Aldridge)
Caterers: Village Hotel
Wedding Cake: Brides friend again Dianne Baghaw (who designed her wedding dress).
Musician / DJ / Entertainers: KPD Sounds from Bramcote Nottingham and Blackjack Fun Casino
Bronco Hire: Big Bounce
Travel Consultant: Complete North America Travel
If you would like to book Mark Pugh to capture your wedding, blessing, anniversary renewal or event - view his 'Price Options' or complete the form below.