Fusion Jewish Wedding & Reception | Pauntley Court | Gloucestershire

An intimate yet beautiful Jewish Wedding & Reception, fusing two amazing cultures together.

A Day of Firsts

In recent years, I have been blessed to have worked with many multicultural couples on their special days. However, Aftab & Livia’s Jewish wedding was a one of firsts.

It was the first time I have documented a Jewish Wedding, and more than that, a fusion Jewish Wedding. Aftab and his family are from Canada with a Muslim background, so combining these two cultures was a pleasure to witness and capture. As a Multicultural Wedding Photographer, it really was something special to see how two families from different backgrounds came together to celebrate love.

A Setting Perfect For The Ocassion

Love was certainly the word of the day, and there was abundance of it everywhere. Keeping on the theme of firsts, it was the first time I have been to Pauntley Court in Gloucestershire, and it looked beautiful in the early morning light.

It was also a fitting venue for both the couple and their wedding plans. Getting to know the couple prior to their wedding, I could immediately tell it was a venue they fell in love with straight away. I could see why. Aftab was also self-assigned the task of finding a photographer for their day. He saw my work and contacted me straight away, then booked me without looking anywhere else. It was also lovely hearing about their plans during their pre-wed portrait session a few months before their wedding.

Back to the wedding day, both Aftab & Livia were getting ready in separate parts of the estate. Such was the calmness of everyone, I was able to stroll between the two of them in their locations for getting ready shots.

Meanwhile outside on the lawn of Pauntley Court, the set up for the Jewish Wedding Ceremony was nearly set up. I was able to wander around the beautiful grounds to take in the tranquility and discover locations for the couples portrait session later.

A Fusion of Cultures

The morning seemed to gather pace as guests started arriving. Seats were soon filled as Aftab awaited his bride-to-be. It wasn’t long before an emotional Livia was welcomed onto the lawn by her parents and sister, as she made her way down to meet Aftab.

The Civil Ceremony was a beautiful moment in an amazing setting. The birdsong in the background provided the soundtrack to a very emotional, yet happy occasion. With the exchange of rings and warm embrace, the happy couple were now happy newlyweds.

However, the ceremony did not stop there. It was time for the second part of the wedding which was the Jewish Ceremony. It was beautifully conducted by Rabbi David Mitchell of the West London Synagogue, with plenty of humour and wisdom.

As it was the first time witnessing a Jewish Wedding, it really was lovely to understand a culture I am not totally familiar with. I guess that’s the benefit of being a Wedding Photographer. You are invited and welcomed into people’s intimate and private occasions to document their moment of history. It was a humbling experience.

The Jewish Wedding concluded with cheers of ‘Mazel toff!’ which sparked off wild celebrations which Livia instigated.

The Celebrations Continued

Canapes followed outside in one of the beautiful gardens, but it looked like dark clouds were heading our way. That was our cue to start the couples portraits session. Having explored the grounds earlier in the day, I knew the locations I wanted to use.

Aftab & Livia were glad of the direction, and they looked incredible in their portraits. As a Wedding Photographer, all you can ask for is a couple who love being in each others company and can make each other laugh. These two did that and more.

We finished just in time to take shelter under the stretched tent for the wedding breakfast when the heavens opened. This didn’t dampen any spirits mind, as the temperature remained warm despite the downpour.

We soon moved into the ballroom once the wind picked up, rearranging furniture for the new, impromptu setting. Again, spirits remained high as guests took their seats for the cake cutting and speeches. There were plenty of emotions amongst the intimate crowd, but they quickly turned to dancing and more good times.

It really was an incredible day to be a part of as a Multicultural Wedding Photographer. Pauntley Court in Gloucestershire was a perfect fit for Aftab & Livia’s amazing day, and these two were a joy to work with. I was truly honoured to be chosen to document their Jewish Wedding and here are some highlights. Enjoy!