Ardencote Manor in Claverdon is made for weddings with all its lovely gardens, I was literally spoilt for choice where to photograph at Gemma and James’s wedding this year.
I photographed Gemma and James last year when we met up with them at Combe Abbey for their engagement photo shoot, this was a great way to get to know them both more and for them to become more relaxed in front of the camera. To see their engagement photo shoot from last year click here.
I generally start the wedding days early when I have a full wedding to document and this was no different. I met up with James early in the morning at his home to start photographing him getting ready and some of his detail shots. I always like to include as many different details as possible, the obvious ones are the rings and cuff links but I also like to add nice shots of his watch if it has a special meaning or is a present from his wife to be like this was.
I then drove to Ardencote Manor to meet up with Gemma and her bridesmaids. I love documenting the bridal preparation as normally it’s slightly chaotic and there are sometimes surprises that make fantastic photo opportunities. Unknown to Gemma, James had booked her a surprise honeymoon which she knew nothing about and had written this breaking news to her in a lovely card. The only information he hadn’t added was where exactly they would be going and this wouldn’t be told until the speeches. Her reaction to this news of a surprise honeymoon was priceless and you can see her excitement in the pictures below. The bride and bridesmaids were running traditionally late for the wedding ceremony and the chauffeur must have been on a high speed driving course the week before because he certainly wasn’t hanging around on the way to the church.
At the church I could see James and his best man waiting nervously at the front eager to see Gemma and her bridesmaids walk down the isle. The ceremony itself went as planned and I could really move around the church to get lots of different angles without being obtrusive thanks to the very kind vicar.
After the fantastic ceremony everyone made their way to Ardencote Manor while I went back into the church to take some of our signature portrait photos. These do take a little setting up with my creative lighting but it’s well worth it, as the photos are very unique to my style of photography.
Wedding reception at Ardencote Manor
We all made our way to the reception at Ardencote Manor to carry on enjoying the day. I photographed this wedding up until the first dance and I’ve added a small selection of their wedding photos below.
“Wow! What can i say…..we first met David when he did our daughters christening photos which were stunning. So when my husband and myself announced we were getting married we knew straight away who we wanted to do the photography. We met before the wedding for an engagement shoot, which was great to get to know David and feel more relaxed for the big day. Our wedding photos are absolutely stunning, I look at them all the time….David captured everything and more of what we wanted. Wouldn’t hesitate using him again in the future!
Thank you for your hard, amazing work :)”
If you are considering a wedding at Ardencote Manor then please don’t hesitate to contact me.
