October Ward Photography » Treasure a moment, captured in time – forever!

As Kelly walked through the entrance on the arm of her father, she beamed with the biggest smile and turned to look at her Dad. I watched him melt as he looked at her, bursting with pride. Kelly looked truly stunning in a gorgeous, lace, fishtail dress and a full length veil both from Fleur de Lys and not forgetting those fabulous SHOES!!!!! As her bridesmaid pulled the veil over her face, she looked at me and smiled – right there and then I knew this was going to be an amazing wedding!!!

I’d just like to say a massive THANK YOU to Kelly & James and their families for making my job so easy, I had so much fun with all of you and gathered some great cake-making tips from Granddad! Also big thanks the White Hart for looking after me. xxx

The big day was finally here! Today was the day that Louisa Morgan was going to marry her best friend and become Mrs Riches.

Matt stood quietly in anticipation of Louisa’s arrival and then the music started as she made her entrance, he turned to watch her and as their eyes connected the emotion took over. He couldn’t take his eyes off her all day!

As I walked into the suite of The Chesterfield hotel in Mayfair, Pauline was sat in front of the mirror, she turned to greet me with the biggest smile! The room was buzzing with bridesmaids, wedding preparations were in full swing.

The time flew by and before I knew it I was standing in St Clement Danes Church (you know, the one from the nursery rhyme Oranges & Lemons!) It’s an awe-inspiring church

After the service we headed over to the Middle Temple gardens for the official photos.

I loved photographing Pauline and Simon, they’re were so relaxed and happy…

After Middle Temple, a gorgeous 1950s blue dodge picked them up and whisked the couple off the No4 Hamilton Place so the reception festivities could commence.

It was now time to cut the cake. This fabulous cake was made by Janet Mohapi-Banks, which was inspired by the St Clement Danes church spire, it almost seemed a shame to cut it – until I tasted it!!!! Simply devine!!

The of the day was drawing near and it was time for the first dance….

Nestled among the Warwickshire hills and canals, sits Lowsonford Village, two miles from Henley-in-Arden. Surrounded by stunning views of quintessentially English countryside it’s a perfect destination for a few days away with the dogs.

Lengthman’s Cottage was home for the weekend. Built in 1812 for the Lengthaman who maintained the not only the lock which is right outside the front door, but the stretch of canal too.

The charming little house has whitewashed walls, a black half-barrel roof and pretty green doors. Inside, it boasts two bedrooms, a double and a twin decorated as you’d imagine a traditional cottage. A spacious living area, with its original, fully functional fireplace it even has the folding arm to hang your pot over the roaring fire. There’s an antique pine kitchen table, which seats four people comfortably. The kitchen, hallway and bathroom are located to the side of the living room. The kitchen has everything you need; pots, pans, crockery and cutlery – they even have two dog bowls!

We arrived late afternoon on Friday, it was getting dark so after settling in, we took Oakley and Roxy for a short walk around the village. Fortunately we found two torches in the living as there’s no street lighting in the village and it’s pitch black at night. On the way back we stopped in at the Fleur de Lys for a quick drink and find out they lay of the land from the locals.

We woke early on Saturday morning to two very excited Dalmatians. They knew that this weekend was about them and that meant walking and lots of it. After breakfast we set out along the canal heading towards Lapworth. The path is well maintained and meanders the length of the canal, passing locks, bridges and the odd docked barge. We made it back to the cottage for a spot of lunch before heading off into Hockley Heath to pick up some wood for the fire.

In the afternoon, we decided to explore the canal in opposite direction, this route was much more rural, providing beautiful autumnal views. There’s a well beaten track, but you’ll need your wellies if it’s wet. There are also a few public footpaths leading off into the forest at various points along the way.

We spent Saturday evening in front of a roaring fire, cuddled up with two very exhausted but extremely content dogs.

It’s Sunday morning and the sun was shining, we ate breakfast quickly and hit the track, literally. We took the advice from a fellow dog walker, and followed her directions to a nearby footpath that opened out to farmland and large copses. The dogs were in heaven, as we were able to let them off and stretch their legs for good run. We walked for miles through fields, woodland and country roads, but one thing remained constant, the views. They were simply breathtaking. Even in late autumn, the vista couldn’t have been more beautiful.

The three hour walk had built-up quite a appetite, as we walked past the local pub the Fleur de Lys, the tempting smell of Sunday roast was more than we could take. The Fleur de Lys is the original home of the Steak and Kidney and Chicken and Mushroom pies made famous by Mr Brookes in the 1950s. He use to sell the pies from hatch at the back of the pub. Although, I really fancied a Sunday Roast – having been tempted by the fumes – I just had to sample of the famous Chicken and Mushroom pies, and yes it tasted every bit as good as looked. The pub is only a two minute walk across the bridge from the cottage, and the owner also having a couple dogs of his own welcomes well behaved dogs.

Feeling the need to walk off all that pastry, we took the dogs for one last walk before making the long journey home. We explored the route we’d seen earlier. This one was a bit more off the beaten track. We walked back to the cottage through the North end of the village along the roadside, all of us were dragging our feet – like little children who knew the fun day was about to end.

Lengthman’s Cottage is a fantastic holiday home in a gorgeous location. There’s more than enough walking for even the most hardcore walkers, plenty of dog and child friendly pubs and Henley-in-Arden is definitely worth a visit for spot of shopping.

For more information on Lengthman’s Cottage or any other dog friendly property check out the Land Mark Trust

She smiles the biggest the smile, it’s beautiful and infectious. She’s an absolute delight to be with, but then so is Dan and their families… and friends… They ALL have an energy that radiates. Their day was perfect, even the sun smiled along with them. I had so much fun capturing their day.