A first for a First Look...
I met Lizzie and Ollie on a July evening as I collected them from the train station to go and wander around in a Northamptonshire barley field for their engagement shoot. They had made the trip up from London to meet me and have a practice in front of the camera where we were treated to some epic skies!
Fast forward to December 2022 and it was the big day itself! I met Lizzie and her girl gang (including super cute niece) at the Hotel in Staverton where Kate Lodge was perfecting the girls hair and the girls did their own makeup. It was a beautifully relaxed vibe for morning prep and all the bridesmaids looked fab in their mix and match dresses in green and navy jewel tones befitting of a winter wedding and tied in with the Brides specially dyed green wedding shoes!
We captured a wonderful first look with Lizzie’s father in the foyer before we headed off to Dodford Manor where we were doing a first look between the bride and groom before the ceremony. A first for me and actually very sensible considering we lose the light so quickly for winter weddings!
The weather and the light was utterly gorgeous for the couples first look portraits with Ollie looking dashing in his tails. Once the pair had settled nerves it was time to walk the aisle in Dodford's rustically charming barn….Lizzie and Ollie enjoyed a very personal ceremony hosted by their close pal underneath a stunning flower arch and a Christmas tree to boot! The ceremony was topped off with a perfect confetti throw as they walked back down the aisle.
The guests enjoyed drinks and chatting while some of the family and bridal party took the opportunity to have some formal group shots. Entertainment was provided with a golf game outside which provided much hilarity! Guests were then summoned for the wedding breakfast via one of the groomsmen dressed in a giant sandwich board which hosted the table plan....the most interactive and funny table plan I have seen yet!
The wedding breakfast and speeches were hosted in a beautifully decorated barn with perfect Christmas touches. The best being a rousing round of 12 days of Christmas with each table taking turns to sing a verse. Best way to get into the Christmas spirit! But let's not forget that a number of guests were also nominated to carve the beef, complete with chefs hats and aprons to don! I always say if you want interesting funny candid guests shots....then give your guests an activity to do....which these guys provided plenty of!
The fun of a winter wedding is often the night time portraits. All be it a tad cold getting all the guests outside for sparklers and then doing some portraits in the dark with the couple, it provided some awesome hero shots for their gallery! My fave being the addition of awesome heart sunglasses and a bottle of fizz! Ollie did a stirling job of the champagne spray too!
My evening was concluded with the cutting of a beautifully crafted cake by the Brides sister and a first dance executed perfectly! I left the gang celebrating with a spring in my step as it had certainly given me all the Christmas feels!! I do adore a December wedding!!
Thank you guys for having me it was a beautifully styled day and the love the pair of you have for each other really shone through!
Little Black Book of Suppliers
Wedding Dress: London Bride - Ellis Orphelia Dress
Bridesmaids: Coast
Wedding Shoes: Rainbow Club
Suit: Moss Bros
Hair: Kate Lodge
Florist: Flory Florals
Cake: Brides Sister
Caterers: Jenkinsons
Entertainment: Covers in Arms & Vine String Quartet
Stationary: Twist Stationary Etsy
Jewellery: Borrowed from Bride's Mum
Decor: Little Details Company – Décor, Chair Drops, Confetti
