Chris and Natalie's –  Stunning Alcester Wedding Photography,  Wood Norton

 

Today I’ve got a gorgeous summer wedding to tell you about that happened to be at one of my absolute favourite Worcestershire venues, but one I don’t get to shoot at very often, The Wood Norton Hotel.It’s a real treasure – beautiful hotel rooms, stunning grounds with spectacular views, and the architecture is gorgeous. Despite its location close to the Cotswolds, Cheltenham, and Worcestershire, it seems to be a bit of a hidden gem, but I love it and so I was really pleased when Natalie and Christopher booked me to shoot their wedding there.

I first met Natalie and Christopher a few years ago at the Saxon Mill in Warwick, where we went for a drink and got to know each other. At that stage, I was just one of many potential suppliers they were considering – in fact they let me know that they’d seen over 12 photographers when they booked me! I understand it totally – you only get one chance to have your wedding pictures taken, and you want to get it right. But it did mean that the pressure was ON to deliver! 

They’d chosen me partly of course because they liked my work, and wanted to use the Vlog my Wedding service as well as have photos, but also, they explained, because they felt relaxed around me, and that they could spend all day with me and feel at ease. What can I say? I’m a charmer.The morning of the wedding, bridal prep with Natalie was fun and lively – but also emotional. Natalie’s bridesmaids had prepared a photo book for her, filled with stories and memories of their friendships over the year. Natalie’s mum and grandma were there too, and it was really touching to see everybody reminisce and express their love for each other! It set the tone for what was to be quite an emotional day. 

One of my favourite parts of bridal prep morning is when a bride sees her dad for the first time in her white wedding dress– the emotion at this moment is really heightened, you can feel the tension and excitement in the air, and it’s very rare that I don’t turn around to see bridesmaids weeping and smiling. That hug between father and daughter signals the start of the formal bits of the day – it says ‘we’re ready – let’s do this!’ 

When Natalie’s dad came in to see her, she was having her veil put in and her make-up touched up, near the window in the natural light. The four bridesmaids were near the bed, brimming with excitement, telling the bride how gorgeous she looked, taking photos, and generally being really joy-filled and happy. 

But Natalie’s dad stood in the corner of the room, quietly, for 3 or 4 mins. He didn’t move, or speak. He was just transfixed by the beauty of his daughter. It was really touching to see him completely stop in his tracks. What a genuinely beautiful moment to be a part of.

Soon, it was time for the ceremony. Natalie and Chris had planned an outdoor ceremony – and if you’re going to have one anywhere, Wood Norton is a great place to do it. The scenery of the Cotswolds is beautiful, and the terrace at the Wood Norton Hotel looks out over gorgeous rolling hills and lush green fields. To have it as a backdrop when you’re walking down the aisle is just perfect. It was a beautiful ceremony, with some gorgeous readings, and I definitely spotted a few more tears being shed.

Natalie and Chris were promptly brought back down to earth though, by the confetti throw. Perhaps they imagined the first thing they’d consume after they were married would be a glass of fizz, or perhaps a delicious smoked salmon canape – but no, it was an unwanted mouthful of confetti. Chris chomping down on a mouthful of confetti with Natalie looking on and laughing made for some of my favourite shots of the day.

It had been an emotional morning with tears during the ceremony and bridal prep, but Chris managed to save his until halfway through his speech. Most grooms get upset at the top of the aisle, or when they say I do – it was the first time I’ve seen someone crack during their speech, but it was a lovely moment because you could really see the connection between bride and groom, as Natalie held his hand and reassured him.

Like most grooms, Chris wasn’t keen on overly staged posed photos, so I had to work hard to get some good shots of the two of them together. There was a good opportunity as they headed back to the Orangery after the meal to check their room and take a few moments to themselves – the sun was setting and the whole of Wood Norton was bathed in a gorgeous glow. I know people say the best sunsets in the world are on the Serengeti, or in Barbados, or whatever…but I really think they might be in the Cotswolds.

Natalie had bought a second dress in preparation for the evening’s celebrations that was a bit more practical for dancing, and she and Chris had learned a first dance. She seemed a little more confident than Chris, who, feeling the pressure to perform an epic first dance, was having a drink to calm his nerves, but they absolutely wowed all their wedding guests and performed a brilliant first dance that had everyone whooping and cheering. What a fantastic way to celebrate the start of your married life – congratulations Natalie and Chris.

 

If your looking for a Alcester Wedding Photography Photographer , THEN CONTACT ME TODAY TO DISCUSS.