CLAIRE & ALEX | BRILLIANTLY CRAZY, COUNTRY-CHIC, SUTTON-ON-FOREST WEDDING, AT THE ROSE & CROWN

"The children are mad," warned Claire. "I don't know how we'll get a good one of us all." That's why it's good to use an open mind and space to turn things in to a game, Claire and Alex were great at this!

Here's the result!

They chose to have their wedding reception at The Rose and Crown in Sutton-on-forest, because it has the best play park just at the bottom of the beer garden, right from the beginning Claire was keen to keep the children busy and happy, knowing that if they were, then both her and Alex could enjoy their day too. What a great plan, they had everything they could need, swings, slides and a football pitch, along with Uncle Al, who seemed to be the worlds most popular guy!

Claire has told me since that The Rose and Crown was everything they had hoped for, the kids had been relaxed and loved ever minute of the day too. We all know weddings can be tedious for little ones, especially when Mum and Dad are chatting to other people alot of the day. These three had a ball though!

The Rose and Crown at Sutton-on-Forest, York

Here's Uncle Al pushing Darcey on the swing, she looks pleased.

She wasn't impressed when she realised Mummy had switched so she could get in the photos 😂

Even the big kids enjoyed the park!

Claire and the girls chatted in the park, whilst the children played...

with Uncle Al

He never stopped!

My cutest little model 🥰 she followed me around.

I was aware that Alex wasn't looking forward to having a photographer there after Claire told me he was doing it for her, because she wanted memories of the day, a wise decision, your photos are so important-they're they only thing you can physically look back on. I was keen to check in with Alex after to see how he's found it all, sometimes I think people have preformed ideas of what a photographer is like. I often get told I'm discreet and laid back, which I consider a good thing. Alex, lucky for me hadn't found the experience too traumatic at all and thanked me at the end of the day too, which was lovely.

I love shots like this!

We got some stunning photos and kept things as relaxed as possible.

Then we found this amazing dappled light on our little walk!!

Beautiful

I LOVE TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE BRIDES FAVOURITE PART OF THE DAY, CLAIRE COULDN'T PIN-POINT ONE PART...

"I don’t have a favourite part of the day, the whole day was magical. From waking up and enjoying a cuppa with my best friend, the chaos getting everyone ready. Being completely overwhelmed by how many friends were stood outside the church.

The lovely service and personal touches Margaret added in."

Claire had her close friends with her, helping her get ready,

Her daughter Darcy and nephew Jaxon played outside in the sun.

Claire did her own make up.

The flower girl in the making.

The details on the dress.

Claire's Mum and Dad stayed outside to watch the kids.

Stunning bouquet by Yvonne Dennis

The latest, upcoming, ironing board...

Darcy's dress

Time for the veil!

Arriving at the church, Claire couldn't believe how many people were waiting to see her!

How cool is this bike!

One of those proud Dad moments.

And inside the church Alex was starting to get nervous.

Alex had moral support 🥰

I think this is one of my favourite moments at every wedding.

I love it when a couple set eyes on each other for the first time of the day.

The ring bearer.

The bell ringers #behindthescenes

Shooting through quirky holes can add a lovely effect like this!

Ahh, a church with a balcony!! 🤗📸👏🏻

This little monkey, she's just the cutest!

Entertaining herself throughout the service...

Greeting everyone who had waited!

This is one of Claire's favourite moments of the day.

Confetti fun

We're going on an adventure!

Photos with their family

Funtimes

I could not believe how chilled out these two were, from the get-go they were both pretty relaxed despite having their children running around them, with them pretty much solely in charge. This is something to bare in mind if you are lucky enough to have your children at the wedding, keep calm, remember there are lots of eyes watching over them and try to think of things that will keep them entertained, that way they enjoy the day as much as you do and they don't get up to mischief. Laugh at their mischief too and don't expect them to be perfect in your photos...

I can't tell you how much I love this photo, it's life, it's real and they have embraced the moment as a family instead of worrying about them looking at me and smiling.

And here, this was meant to be just Alex and Claire, but how lovely is it was the children sprinkled in, in the end.

Here's a few more from their day...

Like what you see?

Credits to the suppliers: Photography: Anoif Photography | The Dress: The Bridal Affair | The Flowers: Yvonne Dennis | Hair: Hair by Sammi | MUA: Brides own | The Suits: Moss Bros | The Cake: Claire's Gran | The Venue: The Rose and Crown, Sutton-on-Forest, York