Deer Park Country House Wedding: When the Ring Bearer Steals the Show!
They say — and by "they," I mean anyone who's ever found themselves behind a lens at such an event — that photographing a wedding is the ultimate litmus test for a snapper. You've got your sprawling landscapes to contend with, the gritty realism of documentary shots, the delicate artistry of portraits, and the fiddly precision of studio lighting, all rolled into one grand, often slightly chaotic, package. What "they" rarely mention, however, is the unexpected curveball of pet portraits.
Last month, I had the distinct pleasure of joining forces with the exceedingly talented Jamie Parr to capture the nuptial splendours at the frankly magnificent Deer Park Country House. This isn't just any old venue, mind you; it's the sort of place that, were it to grace the cover of Country Life Magazine, you'd find yourself impulsively buying a copy, solely for the vicarious pleasure of drooling over its architectural grandeur. Naturally, the bride, resplendent and ethereal, was in no mood to be outshone by mere bricks and mortar, looking every inch the fairytale heroine awaiting her Prince Charming. But the true pièce de résistance, the cherry on the already rather delicious cake (if you'll pardon the culinary cliché), was undoubtedly the ring bearer.
Now, when one is accustomed to orchestrating these matrimonial affairs, one often imparts sagely advice to the happy couple: "Do take your time," we'll murmur, "savour that leisurely stroll down the aisle; it makes for truly splendid photographs." Benny, a vivacious fox-coloured retriever with a boundless enthusiasm for life, clearly hadn't received this particular memo. He streaked past the assembled guests in a joyous blur, a furry orange missile single-mindedly determined to fulfil his vital mission: the delivery of the rings.
With the ceremony successfully navigated and the requisite family portraits duly bagged, I found myself unable to resist the siren call of a quick pet pawtrait. Up went the studio flash, and with the groom's patient assistance, we coaxed our very special guest into position. A few, shall we say, questionable animal noises from yours truly invariably do the trick, and hey presto! So, should you happen to be perusing the offerings at your local newsagent and spot a glossy magazine featuring a remarkably handsome chap posing with an air of aristocratic nonchalance outside a stately home, do yourself a favour and pick up a copy. You won't regret it.