Sharon and Martyn were married at the stunningly beautiful Rowton Castle, in Shropshire on Saturday 4th June 2011. After visiting Rowton Castle, both fell in love with it and I can see why!
When we met up with Sharon and Martyn a month before the wedding just to chat about the wedding day in greater detail, I found out just how Martyn had proposed to Sharon. Flying off to Miami, the sun was just rising and it was 4.00am having been awake a long, long time Sharon and Martyn took a romantic walk down to the beach. This was it the moment that Martyn had been waiting for to propose to Sharon – with the time of day and the the sun rising, Martyn seized the opportunity asking Sharon to marry him. Luckily for Martyn, Sharon of course said yes!
The day started with me filming the bridal preparations with Barry filming the scenery before meeting up with Martyn. Filming the bridal preparations is one of my favourite parts of the day – don’t get me wrong I love everything about weddings and filming them but with the preparations, some of my brides do rely on my experience with things when they’re getting ready. I’ve laced up dresses, done up suspender hooks, I become more than just a videographer! Working with Sharon, Gaynor and Sharon’s daughter, Charlotte I had a great time filming in the massive bridal suite decorated with fine oak, ornate ceilings and marble.
The day was fine, dry and pleasantly warm with a bit of a breeze. The day did cloud over in the late afternoon but it remained dry and that was the main thing. Rowton Castle is a spectacular place belonging to the Lyster family for over 400 years before it eventually became home to the Royal Nation College for the Blind. The college closed it’s doors in around 1978. Laying dormant for 8 years, its new owners restored the castle to a fine luxury hotel before being it was taken over by its present owners today. Rowton Castle is recognised as being one of the finest wedding venues in the UK. Licenced to conduct civil and partnership ceremonies, Rowton Castle does get booked up very quickly!
The theme of the day was 50’s vintage classic elegance, with Sharon adopting a Grace Kelly look and I have to say she looked amazing. Sharon had chosen to wear “Fabiano” by dress designer Sophia Tolli. The dress had a taffeta and lace jacket with buttons down the back and lace appliqués on the ball gown skirt. The dress also has a wonderful appliqued cathedral train. Sharon complimented her vintage look with a classic 50’s up do and a fine silk 50’s style veil and headdress, that she had purchased from the USA. The two bridesmaids looked wonderful in their 50’s style prom dresses in light blue again with hair classically styled complimented with little cream rosebuds and cornflowers. The little flowergirl, Amelia, wore a white tulle and satin dress with matching blue accessories.
Sharon’s bouquet was a large posy of cream crystal embellished roses with a decorated cornflower amongst them. Sharon’s shoes were designed by the lovely Benjamin Adams made of duchesse satin with a kitten heel.
Martyn and his groomsmen all wore traditional grey tails with Martyn wearing a blue cravat with the other groomsmen all wearing silver ones. The 4 page boys all wore grey tails and indeed looked very smart in their attire.
During the short wait before the wedding ceremony the guests were entertained by the lovely music played by the String Quartet. Sharon and Martyn had chosen Shropshire based John Poole Photography to photograph their wedding. John was extremely pleasant and great to work with. He certainly works fast so kept us on our toes during the photo session! During the ceremony there were two lovely readings given, one by Charlotte, Sharon’s daughter, the other a fantastic poem read by Martyn’s two elder sons William and Harry.
Sharon and Martyn had chosen cupcakes with an additional larger layer all covered in smooth white icing and decorated with sugar crafted cornflowers. The wedding breakfast room was beautifully decorated with tall glass vases filled with cream, lilac and blue flowers. Every chair lined and finished off with a organza bow in blue. Kate Edwards, Deputy Operations Manager was on hand to assist the the happy couple every step of the way throughout the day, ensuring that there were no delays whatsoever and of course overseeing the event.
The speeches were excellently delivered, with the best man ending his speech with a poem he had written all about the happy couple – it certainly got family and friends laughing! Later that night, there was a hog roast that had been laid on for all guests to tuck in. For the first dance Sharon changed dresses to another vintage classic that was perfect to take to the floor for their choreographed dance to the late, great Andy Williams “Can’t take my eyes of you.” Our filming concluded around 10.00pm that night and we had a truly wonderful day filming at Rowton Castle and not forgetting the lovely Sharon and Martyn who were just great to work with.
Here are a selection of screen shots taken from some of our video footage:-
After the wedding, Sharon and Martyn were off to enjoy a week’s honeymoon in sunny Mexico. We wish them both many, many years of happiness. Congratulations to you both!
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