Location: Monkey Island Estate, Bray, Berkshire, UK – 51.5013° N, 0.7078° W
Time of Year: Summer
The Vibe: Multicultural Elegance, Riverside Romance, Cinematic
Nancy and Russell chose Monkey Island Estate for their summer wedding, blending English and Chinese traditions into a truly multicultural celebration. As their Monkey Island Estate wedding videographer, capturing the personal moments, cultural traditions, and riverside grandeur of their day was an absolute privilege.
Why Choose Monkey Island Estate for Your Wedding?
Monkey Island Estate is one of the UK’s most sought-after luxury wedding venues. Its riverside location, manicured gardens, and historic interiors create a stunning backdrop for both intimate and large-scale celebrations. Key highlights include:
- Riverside lawns for outdoor ceremonies
- Stunning terraces for drinks receptions
- Iconic interiors for elegant dining and parties
- Flexible spaces for cultural ceremonies and personal rituals
For couples searching “Monkey Island Estate wedding videographer”, the estate offers both cinematic vistas and intimate corners to capture the story of your day.
Preparations and First Look
Nancy and Russell prepared onsite at Monkey Island Estate. Nancy got ready in the bridal suite with her bridesmaids and her mum, starting her day with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Russell and his groomsmen relaxed in one of the estate cottages, opening a bottle of vintage whiskey to celebrate the morning.
The couple shared a private first look by the river, creating cinematic moments with golden light. Their bridal party also joined them for a short cruise along the Thames, with champagne and photographs on the boat — a playful and memorable prelude to the ceremony.
Ceremony on the Riverside Lawn
The ceremony took place on the estate’s lawn next to the River Thames. A beautiful floral arch framed Nancy and Russell as they exchanged personal vows and rings. Blending traditions, the couple honoured Russell’s Jewish heritage with the breaking of the glass at the ceremony’s conclusion, while incorporating Chinese elements from Nancy’s family.
The ceremony combined heartfelt personal moments with multicultural significance, creating an atmosphere that was deeply emotional and visually stunning.
Portraits Around Monkey Island Estate
After the ceremony, we captured more portraits across Monkey Island Estate. The gardens, terraces, and riverside views provided the perfect backdrops, and the golden evening light enhanced the cinematic quality of each shot. The combination of riverfront first looks, boat portraits, and garden portraits allowed us to create a dynamic, immersive film narrative.
Reception at Monkey Island Estate
The reception seamlessly combined cultural rituals and lively celebration:
- A Chinese tea ceremony with the couple’s parents
- Speeches from family and friends
- Cutting of the wedding cake, followed by a high-energy party
Guests enjoyed a riverside drinks reception on the terrace with live guitar and vocals, then moved inside for dining and dancing. Every element was designed to reflect Nancy and Russell’s personalities, traditions, and love story, creating a cinematic and emotionally rich experience.
The Wedding Film
As their Monkey Island Estate wedding videographer, our goal was to create a film that reflected both the elegance of the estate and the depth of their connection.
The film captures:
- The private first look by the river and boat portraits
- Golden-hour garden portraits
- The riverside ceremony with personal vows and Jewish and Chinese traditions
- The intimate tea ceremony, speeches, and party
Nancy and Russell were deeply involved in the process, inviting us to their London home to discuss creative ideas, music, and cinematic approaches — resulting in a film full of meaning, atmosphere, and immersion.
FAQ: Monkey Island Estate Weddings
Is Monkey Island Estate licensed for weddings?
Yes, the estate allows civil ceremonies, outdoor weddings, and receptions onsite.
How many guests can the estate accommodate?
The estate is flexible, accommodating both intimate celebrations and larger weddings.
Can I have both ceremony and reception onsite?
Absolutely! You can host your ceremony on the riverside lawn and move into the estate’s interiors for drinks, dining, and dancing.
Is the venue suitable for multicultural weddings?
Yes. The estate’s versatile spaces accommodate multiple cultural traditions, rituals, and music.
Why hire a Monkey Island Estate wedding videographer?
The riverside location, architecture, and lighting require expertise to capture both emotion and cinematic visuals beautifully.
The Wedding Team
- Venue: Monkey Island Estate https://www.monkeyislandestate.co.uk
- Videography: Forever Curious Films https://forevercuriousfilms.com
- Photography: Sara Cooper Photography https://www.saracooperphotography.com/
- Dress: Stephanie Allin via Morgan Davies Bridal https://www.morgandaviesbridal.co.uk/
- Boat Hire: Boat Hire Co https://www.boathireco.com/
- Makeup & Hair: Louisa Jayne Hair & Makeup https://www.louisajaynehairmakeup.co.uk/
- Florals: Lavender Green Flowers https://www.lavendergreenflowers.co.uk/
Nancy and Russell’s wedding at Monkey Island Estate was a celebration of love, culture, and cinematic storytelling.
If you’re planning a wedding at Monkey Island Estate and want a Monkey Island Estate wedding videographer who can capture both the romance and the cultural richness of your day, explore our investment page to learn more about booking us and the experiences we offer.
