I’m fortunate; many of my ever so wonderful wedding clients have been on the planner for anything up to eighteen months. So when a new venue opens and enquiries start to filter my way, it can be a while until I find myself in a position to accept a commission there. Botleys Mansion has been a classic case in point. I do a reasonable amount of work within the group that own this venue, and indeed photographed Botleys before it was transformed to become the majestic setting brides and grooms fall in love with. So thank you Tim, Ro, for the opportunity primarily of being there for you both, and secondly for choosing Botleys Mansion. As a side note, I’ve photographed well over three hundred weddings in my career, but enjoyed a first at your wedding. Distracted by a third reading when being formally announced as the new Mr and Mrs, the registrar omitted to permit a rather important PDA. It’s the public display of affection expected by all and sundry, a photo opportunity, a sealing sentence; “You may kiss your bride.” At heart I’m a documentary photographer and aside from the family portraits, I don’t hold court or conduct a wedding as if I am the toastmaster. But during this instant, and harking back if just momentarily to my days in the entertainment and broadcasting industry, old habits resurfaced, if just for a moment. Was it a pleasure to assume the task usually reserved for registrars and clergy? Oh yes. I’ve been waiting to say those five words for years. Dress by Suzanne Neville, flowers by Louise Avery.