Wrest Park Wedding Photography Bedfordshire

Wrest Park Wedding Photography Bedfordshire (1 of 2).  The fairytale wedding day of Yubing and Ken at Wrest Park in Silsoe.  A magnificent French-style chateau built in the 1840s deep in the Bedfordshire countryside and managed by English Heritage.  I‘m not sure whether it was the incredible classical gardens, a wonderful couple, or simply the glorious weather that made it so enjoyable.

Rob and I had already met Yubing and Kenneth on their funky pre-wedding photo shoot in Shoreditch, London.  Therefore, it was nice to have that familiarity and meet them again and photograph their wedding day.

Chinese Door Games

It was a tale of two ceremonies for Yubing and Kenneth’s wedding.  Firstly, however, the groom and groomsmen had to participate in the traditional Chinese door games.  Seems like a fun way to start the day!  Chinese door games originated in ancient Chinese folk customs, and have been elaborated on in modern times.  Door games are challenges set up by the bridesmaids for the groom.  They are a ceremonial demonstration of the groom’s love for the bride.  The groom typically receives the help of his groomsmen in completing the tasks.  For instance, common Chinese door games include the consumption of unpleasant foods and the performance of song and dance.  In particular, Ken’s challenges included drinking shots and singing a love song through a locked door 🙂

Tea Ceremony

After successfully completing the door games, the Chinese tea ceremony commenced in the mansion’s Library.  Yubing made an outfit change and into the golf buggy across to the Orangery for the civil wedding ceremony.  A mention to Yubing and Ken’s friends, Nicholas and Matthew who sang amazingly during the wedding ceremony.  The wedding breakfast was also held in the Orangery, where the wedding guests were served a traditional Chinese banquet.  In between courses were the speeches: moving and amusing, they had it all.

Here are but a few favourites chosen from the day’s photography. As always, most of our coverage is documentary style, simply recording the day as it happens with minimum intervention. Of course, we photograph some family groups, but also have time alone with the couple for some newlywed portraits.

Finally, thanks to all the suppliers.  Above all Helen Davies, the event coordinator ensured everything ran smoothly throughout the day.  To see Part 2 of this wedding, follow the link Bedfordshire Wedding Photography Wrest Park.

Wedding suppliers

Wedding planner – Helen Davies

Videographer – Hanif – Bloomsbury Films

Hair Stylists – Dolls and Dudes

Florists – Creations

Musicians – Emerald Strings

This great wedding was featured in Bride Magazine (page 60).

You can find more of our wedding photography, packages, and prices on our wedding venues page.