Alex and Sophie’s Buddhist festival wedding

What a wedding this was!! It was my second Buddhist ceremony at the incredible Taplow Court, a mid 19th century mansion set high above the Thames near Maidenhead, and the home of SGI-UK, a lay Buddhist society.

The building is simply stunning, I could have shot there for days, so many amazing spots to shoot in the house and the gardens.

The ceremony, with its chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, is incredibly powerful, I can really explain it. Theres something about the sound of all those voices in unison that moves the soul. The  Nam-myoho-renge-kyo chant is a vow, an expression of determination, to embrace and manifest our Buddha nature. It is a pledge to never yield to difficulties and to win over one’s suffering. At the same time, it is a vow to help others reveal this law in their own lives and achieve happiness. You could see the this pour through Sophie and Alex as they chanted.  Pure Magic!

The whole day was really an expression of pure love and happiness. The reception was at the gorgeous Park View Farm, filled with stunning wild flowers and homemade touches.

This really was one of my favourite weddings ever. I really hope I get to be witness another Buddhist wedding soon. It’s the most magical and life affirming experience.

“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely”