A relaxed & pretty wedding at Woodhall Manor

First up, Natalie is a photographer. This means that not only was I massively flattered that she wanted me to capture her wedding, but I also felt a tad more pressure than usual before the day. The journey to their wedding day had been a bit of a challenging one. They had got in touch with me 2 years earlier and even before they had an actual date booked in (how amazing did that make me feel? Pretty blooming amazing!) After a few ups and downs the date was set and the venue booked and I happily headed to Woodhall Manor in Suffolk for their big day.

A month or so ago we had a jaunt over to Paris to do an engagement photo session. Nothing beats Paris in the Spring for a romantic setting and a beautiful place to do photos. It was really fun to hang out with Natalie and Simon for the day so I knew the wedding day was going to be a wonderful, relaxed affair.

When I arrived at Woodhall Manor Natalie was pottering around, opening Champagne, relaxing with her bridesmaids and getting ready for the day ahead. It was a very calm and chilled morning. The weather wasn’t playing ball and turned dull and rainy as the ceremony time approached. A quick dash across the driveway under umbrellas and the girls headed towards the ceremony room at the other side of the walled garden. Simon was waiting, looking rather relaxed, with all the guests. The bridesmaids entered along with Natalie and Simons gorgeous daughter, who was the chief flower girl. A simple and lovely ceremony followed and soon the two were announced as husband and wife.

The reception was held back in the main house and while the guests chatted and enjoyed drinks and canapes the sun came out and the rain stopped. It was perfect timing for photos with the new Mr & Mrs After a lovely wander around the grounds with Natalie and Simon it was time for the wedding breakfast. Some yummy food, a few photos of the venue and time to scope out some places for sunset photos later (I’m ever the optimist with this, hopeful of a sunset at every wedding!) and it was time for speeches. The couple had arranged a very special little surprise for their daughter and the other girls at the wedding. As with many small girls Disney Princesses and in particular Frozen rate very highly, so Natalie and Simon had arranged for Princesses Appearances to bring ‘Elsa’ and a Disney Princess along to keep the girls entertained for an hour. While the kids played princesses, the adults got to listen to the speeches. There were lots of laughs, a few embarrassing moments and some lovely sentiments. Very happily the sun came out as the speeches finished and we got our sunset for some gorgeous photos with Natalie and Simon. There was lots of cuddling and plenty of kisses (which Simon was very happy about!)

It was soon time for the evening party and Natalie and Simons first dance, with some confetti throwing once they were on the dance floor. As the party continued I left the couple chatting with their guests and very much enjoying the celebrations. Huge thanks to Natalie and Simon for asking me to be a part of their day. It was such a joy to photograph their engagement shoot in Paris and their wedding at Woodhall Manor.

Here are a few of the people who helped them create the wedding they wanted.

Suppliers

Venue – Woodhall Manor in Suffolk

Wedding dress – Stella York from The Wedding Shop in Colchester

Bridesmaids dresses – Coast

Make up artist – Make up by Celina

Hair stylist – Janay at Occasions Hair Design

Florist – Lily and May

Cake maker for cake pops – Sweet Williams Cake Boutique

Videographer – G L Productions

Kids entertainers – Princess Appearances

Despite the rainy start, this was a wonderful day. It was a real honour to photography Natalie & Simon’s wedding at Woodhall Manor and to be part of their wedding day. If you would like some more pretty Spring wedding inspiration take a look at Alex & Nick’s gorgeous Nonsuch Mansion wedding with the prettiest flowers.

Thanks for popping by

Fiona x