Robin and Emma at Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

I was eagerly awaiting this wedding as I had not photographed at Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse before and I have heard what a beautiful venue it is (no the stories of the most delicious meals had nothing to do with it).  Whatever I had heard was correct as I kept stopping and admiring something either in one of the many beautiful gardens or one of the rooms filled with character and interesting furniture.  Well done to Leza and her team.  Back to the wedding.  Robin was pretty chilled with his groomsmen and we had a relaxed pre-shoot down in the forest and river.  Even the dogs came and joined in.  Emma had unfortunately hurt or broken her toe so was very uncomfortable until her aunt came to the rescue with some antiseptic cream that made it instantly numb.  Everything is close by so there was no fuss about driving anywhere to get to the service so as soon as all the guests had arrived we got started.  The minute I saw that AJ was the minister I got the giggles.  He puts everybody at ease straight away with his loud and honest humour. The sun burst through the clouds just before the service started so the setting was spectacular with the huge mountains in the background.  I was staring straight into the sun most of the time but that was my problem.  After the service we went off for a long photoshoot as we had plenty of time to kill before we had to be back.  I had scouted a place up the road where I had been to before which was the most outrageous setting for a photoshoot.  It had everything, a small road, a cave, a stream, huge rocks and of course the majestic mountains in the background.  The bridal party were so obliging and easy to work with and one of them would keep coming up and thanking me for the fun shoot which was quite humbling.  I have to mention what a star Emma was as she climbed up steep mountains, crept into the cave, clambered over the stream and never mentioned her aching foot once.  Wow.  After the cool “boat” ride Robin and Emma joined all their family and close friends at the reception.  It started with the 5 course menu being explained to everyone.  It must have been funny as I was in the front facing all the guests and I am pretty sure I was drooling at the sound of the meals to come.  Before the speeches started one of the guests went around taking bets on how long the speeches would be in total with the winner taking all the loot.  It was quite funny as every time someone stepped up to give their speech someone would either tell them to take their time or say “thank you” and sit down depending on what time they had originally given.  At the end of the speeches the list was checked and the winner who guessed within one minute was the only person who had not paid.  He got given the prize and it was nobody else than…..Robin.  I think it was rigged.  Some fun was had with the photobooth with people wearing wigs, moustaches etc.  Allan from DJ Worx did a splendid job keeping everyone on the dance floor and I have to admit I wished I was a guest at times as there were some groovy songs to dance to.  Ester from Midlands Style Events was very creative with the decor and made the room look so pretty and inviting with an appropriate farm style which complimented the setting perfectly.  Thank you to Robin and Emma for being so down to earth and sharing such special memories with me.  Thanks for all the kind words of gratitude as well it means a lot to get such feedback.  Thank you to Corrie and her staff at SilverHill Lodge for making Mandy and I feel so at home.  The view that we woke up to the next day was breathtaking.