A Surprise Proposal on Stage
Maria and Jon’s love story is the stuff of fairy tales, filled with surprises, laughter, and genuine affection. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing this wonderful couple for a few years now, and our paths have often crossed at the LR Awards ceremonies. Little did we know that their journey would take a beautiful turn with a surprise proposal that left everyone in awe.
Two years ago, in true Jon-style, he decided to propose to Maria in the most unforgettable way possible—on stage, in front of a captivated audience of 300 people. And yes, I was there to capture the heartwarming surprise on camera.
A Halloween Wedding to Remember
Fast forward to October 31st, 2023, and it was time for Maria and Jon’s wedding, a Halloween-themed celebration like no other. The venue of choice was Swancar Farm Country House, a picturesque rustic farm just outside of Nottingham, providing the perfect backdrop for their special day.
With the looming approach of Storm Ciarán, we didn’t want to leave anything to chance. So, we made the journey up the night before to ensure that nothing would dampen this joyous occasion. The morning of the wedding saw a fair share of rain, but by 10 am, the overcast skies hinted at a promising day ahead.
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A Charming Venue and a Warm Welcome
Swancar Farm Country House greeted us with its rustic charm. The farm house, orangery, main hall, and reception bar beautifully surrounded the quadrangle courtyard, creating an idyllic setting for the celebration. Upon arrival, I had the pleasure of meeting the wedding coordinator, Rebecca, who kindly gave me a tour of the venue before leading me to where Maria was staying overnight in the charming cottage.
As the hours counted down to the wedding, we arrived a full four hours early, as we had an additional task on our hands. In addition to documenting the day, we set up a popup studio complete with props, printing photos for gifts to be presented during the speeches—a lovely touch that added a personal and memorable element to the celebration.
A New Camera for a New Chapter
This wedding marked the debut of my new camera, the Nikon Z8, and I couldn’t have been more excited to put it to the test. From the moment I took my first shot, I knew this camera was something special. Its weight, the satisfying sound of the shutter, and the effortless auto ISO feature made every photo a breeze to capture. The 3D tracking and facial recognition features ensured that every shot was perfectly focused, bringing out the magic in each moment.
A Day Filled with Love and Laughter
The wedding itself was a true testament to love, laughter, and happiness. Despite the cloudy start, the skies cleared after the ceremony, gracing us with beautiful blue skies for our photographs. Maria and Jon participated in a touching tradition by attaching a padlock engraved with their names to a tree in front of the house—an act that has been part of the venue’s history for many years.
The staff at Swancar Farm Country House wholeheartedly embraced the Halloween theme, donning witches’ hats and devil horns to make the day even more unforgettable.
Homeward Bound with Hearts Full of Memories
As the day drew to a close, we packed away our equipment, filled with the warmth of having witnessed such a special celebration. Our five-hour journey back home gave us ample time to reflect on the beauty of Maria and Jon’s love story and the incredible day we had just shared with them.
Maria and Jon’s wedding was a magical blend of surprises, smiles, and shared moments of joy. It was a day to remember, and I feel truly privileged to have been a part of their love story
