A Sunkissed Summer Wedding at Wethele Manor - Wedding Photography at Wethele Manor

 

Jo and Ben got married at lovely Wethele Manor just outside of Leamington Spa. I’d been recommended to them by a guest at a previous wedding I’d worked, which I love – it’s always nice to get referrals as that’s when you know you’re really doing a good job.

Wethele Manor is a venue I’ve shot at a lot of times – no wonder really, because it’s so well located for couples getting married around Leamington, Warwick, and the wider West Midlands. It’s got big, versatile, indoor spaces and cracking views over the beautiful Warwickshire countryside which stretches out as far as the eye can see. Wethele Manor also boasts a lovely outdoor covered ceremony area so that those views can make a beautiful backdrop to your wedding ceremony whatever the weather.

Morning Bridal Preperations at Wethele Manor

When I rocked up at Wethele Manor in the morning it was an incredibly hot summer’s day. Jo and her bridesmaids were outside soaking up the sun and one of the group recognised me from a previous wedding she’d attended. She put any nerves the bridesmaids might of had to bed (and gave my ego a nice little massage) by letting everyone know that I would blend in with their group seamlessly and put them at ease in front of the camera. Perfect!

Soon the group was deep into bridal prep and there was a fantastic party vibe to start the day! Jo had several bridesmaids who were all chatting away, enjoying a drink or two and filling the place with good energy.

Wethele has got some lovely cabins overlooking their lake and one of these was designated for the bridal prep with the make-up artists based in another. Jo, her mum, and her bevy of bridesmaids made the most of the weather and spilled outdoors into the sun as they were getting ready.

Jo’s dad arrived bright and early too – but not being involved in the bridal prep, and with everything else safely in the hands of Wethele Manor’s staff, there wasn’t too much for him to do but soak up the sun and nervously twiddle his fingers for an hour or two! Before too long though, his moment arrived, as he got to see his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time – such a magical moment.

Time to get Married, off to Wellsbourne

I hopped off to Wellesbourne church where Jo and Ben’s wedding ceremony was taking place, to snap a few pictures of Ben.

Already lots of wedding guests had arrived, which definitely helped as Ben and his groomsmen attempted to fix their button holes and some assistance with this fiddly task was much appreciated. It was clear that Jo and Ben’s friends and family were a really close to one another, which made for a fantastic supportive atmosphere full of laughter even before the day had properly kicked off.

Ben and his mum shared a few quiet moments before everyone headed into the church and it was clear that they were both feeling overcome by the heightened emotion of the day and were feeling a real sense of significance and occasion about the day ahead. I knew then that I could expect a few tears to be shed in the ceremony…

When Jo’s bridesmaids arrived, the day had started heating up considerably, and to shelter from the sun’s rays they sensibly decided to take cover under a nearby tree. However, they inadvertently upset some nearby birds and ended up with some unwanted souvenirs on their dresses! Luckily, Jo saw the sunny side when she arrived shortly after.

It was finally time to start walking the aisle. Ben’s emotions rose quickly to the surface again and he shed some happy tears when the bridesmaids arrived, and again at the sight of his beautiful bride Jo. It was lovely to see the connection between the two of them – although Jo did share a few giggles at her blubbing groom!

Let the party begin, back to Wethele Manor

Following the beautiful ceremony, and a generous helping of Kleenex, we headed back to Wethele Manor to get the celebrations started. Wethele is just the perfect summer venue, because it’s got so much grassy outdoor space. I knew the drinks reception would have a fantastic atmosphere and Jo, Ben, and their guests didn’t let me down! There was a fabulous feeling and warmth to proceedings, and the drinks were flowing – perhaps a little too much for one guest, who in her attempt to raise Nanna up for a photo, managed to take out most of the family (fortunately the grass made for a relatively soft landing)!

Dusted down, everyone started to drift indoors for dinner and after a delicious meal, we were treated to some brilliant speeches – not just from the groom and best man, but the bridesmaids and Jo too, who managed to keep on theme and shed a little tear as she talked about her relationship with Ben. All together now – awwww!

As the sun started to set over Wethele Manor, the guests soaked up golden hour outdoors and enjoyed lounging on Wethele’s grassy bank that catches the glow just right. It was a lovely sunkissed evening – only enhanced by the wedding guest on a toddler’s trike touting a hefty cigar in her mouth. Jo and some of her friends headed to the top of the bank and, hearing laughter, I followed them up only to find Jo being spun around in the air by her pals, who were all giddy with the excitement of the day. With the sun setting behind us, it was a picture perfect moment.

A few more drinks and a lot of shapes thrown on the dance floor made for a perfect ending to a perfect, sun-drenched day. Congrats Jo and Ben!

IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A Wethele Manor Wedding Photographer , THEN CONTACT ME TODAY TO DISCUSS.