I cannot explain to you how amazing it was being the wedding photographer for Cat & Jon’s Cotswolds wedding at Manor by the Lake. I wish I could photograph their wedding again and again it was the most wonderful, joyful and relaxed day.
C & J slid into my DMs just about 4 months before their big day at Manor by the Lake in Cheltenham. It was probably one of the most last-minute bookings I’ve had for a wedding but oh, I was SO glad I was free as it was one of the most incredible weddings!
Wedding Photography Editing Style
Originally, they had this other wedding photographer booked for like 2 years, but as their date got closer Kat & Jon were like “Nah, the edit is not our vibe,” and went on a quest to find someone who could nail that more natural, candid look. A huge reason why I always tell couples to ensure you ADORE the edit of your wedding photographer, as well as how they photograph as the way we use colours and light is a huge part of how we work and what sets us apart.
Ceremony
The ceremony for this wedding happened outdoors, which is my favourite setting for a wedding ceremony. There’s so much light, you’re surrounded by the beauty of your venue’s scenery – what could be better. This wedding looked like it was happening abroad it had such a gorgeous Italian feel to it, and the floral arrangements just elevated it further creating the most perfect wedding photo backdrop.
The highlight for me though was Jon’s face when he saw Kat walking down the aisle, you can just see the pure joy on his face.
Portraits
As a wedding photographer, I hear time and time again how stressful couples have found family portraits at other weddings in the past. I run family portraits like a well-oiled machine! I speak to my couples about which portraits mean most to them to finalise a list, I then give them a rough timeline for how long they’ll take and finally, I ask them to nominate people from both sides who can round people up for photos quickly. The other thing I advise is doing them right after your confetti shot. As everyone is together anyway it’s an easy way to keep back the people you need. As you can see no serious or boring portraits here, just friends and family having a wonderful time. If you keep the energy high and just enjoy the experience, your wedding photos are all the better for it.
Reception Reveal
Ahead of speeches, the couple wanted a wedding reception reveal at Manor by the Lake. This is a great way to ensure your first look at all the hard work you’ve put in to styling your wedding tables is documented within your wedding gallery. We can also ensure there’s time in your wedding timeline for it if we know it’s something you’d like so you know it’ll be something I’ll be checking off my list. Your tablescapes are going to be in all your speeches photos, so it’s so wonderful to see how gorgeous they look before everyone sits down. This is another reason why I recommend speeches before wedding breakfast, so you know in your wedding photos they’ll be looking their best!
Manor by the Lake Wedding Photographer
I adore everything about manor by the lake, it’s got so many beautiful spots for wedding photographs from the bridge over the lake to the Italian pavillion outside. I also LOVE the Maximilian room for wedding breakfast as the room itself is so gorgeous and there’s heaps of natural light coming in to make your wedding photos pop. If you’re planning a wedding at Manor by the Lake and are looking for a Cotswolds wedding photographer – I’d love to hear from you. Just have a look at my packages, pick which suits you best and get in touch.
Suppliers
Venue: Manor by the Lake
Makeup: @victoria_abbosh
Hair: @Laurengoslinghair
Styling/Florals: @liliarosefloraldesign
Dress: @lilyjacobsbridal