Shaun and Christine's wedding at the Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa

In August 2018 we had the real privilege of photographing Shaun and Christine's wedding at the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire. Petwood is an elegant, timeless country house hotel set in beautiful grounds, and it comes with a story: during the Second World War it was the officers' mess of 617 Squadron, the famous Dambusters.

Shaun and Christine had planned every last detail. All that was left was to hope for sun, and after plenty of nail-biting and a few weather dances, we got a gorgeous, hot summer's day.

Getting ready

After a quick coffee in the hotel restaurant, we started on the preparations. With Jimmy Choo and Tom Ford in the mix and a brilliant hair and make-up team, Shaun, Christine, the bridesmaids and the groomsmen all looked fantastic, and the rooms were full of laughter (and a few nerves) as the ceremony got closer.

The ceremony

Christine looked radiant as she came down Petwood's grand staircase in her classic gown. It is always a buzz to watch the groom and guests as the bride arrives, and she lit up the Woodland Suite as she walked in to a live performance of Ave Maria. It was a lovely, emotional service, full of smiles, tears and laughter, and with the vows and rings exchanged, they were married.

Portraits in the grounds

While the guests headed to the bar, we took Shaun and Christine across the lawns to the pavilion for their couple's shoot. Christine has always loved lifestyle and fashion-magazine photography, which is right up our street, so we made the most of the afternoon's natural light and shade, with a soft box and a simple outdoor studio set-up.

Speeches, dusk and the first dance

Back in the Woodland Suite came dinner and the speeches, which were delivered brilliantly. Thank goodness for steady hands: we were laughing as much as the guests.

As day turned to dusk, we headed into the flower gardens for a second, more relaxed shoot with the bride, groom and wedding party. Think Sex and the City meets Suits. The light was perfect.

Finally, it was back to the party for Shaun and Christine's first dance and the end of an amazing day. We said goodnight and bon voyage as they set off on their honeymoon, first to Rhodes and then on to Barbados.

Shaun and Christine, we wish you all the happiness in the world.