Preview: Danni and Anthony’s Shendish Manor Wedding
ByYesterday, myself and Steph were privileged to photograph an incredible occasion, the wedding of Daniella and Anthony at Shendish Manor. From the moment we met this amazing couple it was clear that Danni is an exuberant ball of energy and Anthony is slightly more reserved but utterly hilarious… as his witty speech proved.
The weather was typically British, raining all day, but it mattered not-a-jot. It was a perfect day with a great couple, each blessed with a wonderful family, in a beautiful location. On Anthony’s side his great grandmother, affectionately known as Ma, was there – which was such a blessing. On Daniella’s side, it was the first ever time her grandmother has been in one room with all her grandchildren – from three different continents! This was an epic get-together. When photographing this select group, the importance and resonance of this photograph was overtly clear, it will stay in the family for generations to come and we were trusted to get it right. No newspaper front page publications beat the professional satisfaction of recording hugely significant moments for amazing families.
It was also the first time I had ever witnessed a speech being made by a cardboard cut out! As a serving soldier one of Anthony’s Best Men could not get clearance from the Israeli Army to come to the wedding, so a life-sized cardboard cut out and some especially recorded audio was arranged… equally hilarious and poignant.
The music was provided by everyone’s favourite South African accountant-turned-Chazan Steven Leas, and later on the party was kept rocking by his crew… Style The Band. If Steven’s voice wasn’t as powerful and emotive as it clearly is, Danni’s family may have hired him solely as his surname sounds like ‘Leeds’. They’re extremely passionate Yorkshire folk, in fact ‘Marching On Together’ doesn’t get sung as many times in a season at Elland Road as it did at Shendish Manor yesterday! Honestly though, having a Chazan who has sung for the Queen sing to you under the Chuppah is quite something.
Mazal Tov again to Danni and Anthony, and thanks to your families for breaking the record for the amount of times I’ve been asked at a wedding “Have you eaten?”. Here are a selection of our favourite shots from the day…
Blake Ezra Photography 
An amazing day captured so beautifully by these stunning photos. Brought tears to my eyes yet again. Mazal tov to the lovely couple and their families. Sharon F-V xxx