Summer wedding photography at Dovecliff Hall Hotel, Burton
What a truly fantastic day for Maddie and Jack! After photographing these two as bridesmaid and groomsman at their friend’s wedding it was amazing to then be asked to capture their own big day. It was my first time photographing at Dovecliff Hall Hotel and wow does it deliver! The gardens are beautiful, and the staff so very helpful, I can’t wait to come back!
Special moments from the day
It was hard not to get swept up with the amazing emotion and raw energy Maddie and Jack possess.
It was such a special moment to witness Maddie’s very talented mum help her daughter into her bridal gown…a gown she had made especially for Maddie! Each bridesmaid even had a delicate handmade handbag and teddy bear to mark the occasion.
Jack and his boys were so much fun and laughed their way through the day. They were a true team and their bond (and that with his brothers) was evident when they were there for each other at those important moments.
Celebrating in style
Lots of happy tears were shed during speeches, some beer was also downed (the groom won fyi). The guests even raised money for charity when some brilliant paintings of the groom (created by friends and family) were auctioned off. The couple practised their first dance outside as the sun began to set – you have got to love some golden hour photography action! We finished up the day with dancing and sparklers!
What I loved about photographing a wedding at Dovecliff Hall
Dovecliff Hall Hotel is not too far from me, I am based in Stafford so it was only 40 minute drive. It was so lovely to shoot at a wedding venue that was totally new to me but fairly local too. The bridal prep room was amazing, so big and with plenty of natural light! A makeup artist hair stylist and photographer’s dream! The gardens at Dovecliff Hall Hotel were large enough to offer plenty of space for “break-off” groups and party games (as well as excellent photo opportunities) whilst still being intimate enough so you don’t “lose” your wedding guests here there and everywhere! The staff are so helpful and considerate, I arrived early to take a look around and I had a guided tour and lots if useful information ahead of starting to photograph the big day.
The ceremony room was so light and bright and looked out over the gorgeous gardens. The walkway from the building into the gardens outside was PERFECT for a big confetti moment – I love creating a “confetti tunnel” of guests. The established trees provided the perfect amount of shade for some truly beautiful wedding photographs.
Scroll down to see more images from this beautiful venue.
Suppliers:
Venue: Dovecliff Hall Hotel, Burton
Hair by Katie Attwood
Makeup artist: Amy Underwood
Flowers: Perfect Day Wedding Flowers
Suit supplier: Bespoke Creations
Entertainment: Highly Strung Quartet and The Four Kicks
Wedding photography album - sneak peak
Print your photographs! It is so important to avoid leaving your images on your computer – its not safe, they don’t get seen and they don’t get shared (and enjoyed).
Even if you print some small 6 x 4 prints, just to have something, something to touch, hold and show family and (if you have them)…your children.
I design and create wedding albums for my couples, it is an optional extra and I am happy to provide this service anytime within two years of the wedding…so plenty of time to decide on your favourites.
These albums are so so stunning – they are heavyweight and sturdy and the beautiful rigid pages are safe for even the smallest of hands to handle! The pages open completely flat allowing me to create amazing double page spread designs for you. The cover can be leather, linen, acrylic and more so plenty of options to suit everyones colour scheme or personal preference.
An album tells the story of your day, from the morning’s preparations, the last images of you both as ‘singletons’ through to your cake cut and first dance. I capture all of those wonderful details your guests, the laughter and the tears.
Five top tips to get the most out of your confetti moment
Getting the most from your confetti moment! Here are five top tips to help you enjoy and maximise your confetti moment on your wedding day
1) Get permission
First of all check with your venue what rules they have in place for when and where you can throw confetti. Also make sure it is biodegradable and safe for wild animals.
2) Supply it yourself
Sometimes couples will rely on guests bringing some confetti with them, trust me this rarely happens so plan ahead and provide your own if your budget allows.
3) More is MORE!
Get plenty, allow two good handfuls per guest if possible. There can never be too much! The more colourful the better, also large pieces show up more effectively on your photographs. I love the large paper circles – they float for longer, show up well and are easier to pick out of hair afterwards!
4) Maximise your moments
Consider popping a few confetti packets on the chairs that are closest to your aisle so if your venue allow it those guests closest to the aisle can then throw confetti as you make your way down as newly-weds. You can always have a fun group shot with it too later if you have plenty. Enjoy it, take your time! Look up and smile, as tempting as it is to hide from the confetti raining down! Pause and have a kiss – this is your moment!
5) Confetti etiquette
I always advise guests to put drinks down (accident waiting to happen!) get their confetti ready in their hands nice and loose so its ready to go – throwing straight from a bag or cone means it often clumps up. Also they throw UP….not AT you. Little bags can look cute but a solution that is better for the environment (and easier for you!) is to use recycled paper cones or one or two large baskets or buckets that people can dip into.
Remember not all confetti is colourfast so must be used careful in wet conditions!
For engagement photoshoot tips, see Top five tips to get the most out of your engagement photoshoot for five ideas you’ll love.
The Boathouse at Aston Marina Wedding Photography
This wedding day for Elise and Harrison was such an amazing day! Not only did the sun shine but I am not sure we stopped laughing all day! We started off with some bridal prep photographs at The Premier Inn and then on to meet the boys at the couple’s chosen venue The Boathouse, Aston Marina. The couple’s little boy Reggie was the cutest pageboy and watched his mum get ready in the morning, Elise looked so beautiful in an amazing lace gown from Charlotte Baker Bridalwear.
The venue styling was by the amazing Vintage Venue Dressing and the hair and makeup looks were created by Beauty by Scarlett and Laura Louise Artistry The floral arrangements were by Flowers Design Lichfield. I love gypsophila is photographs so beautifully, just how cute are the flower girls’s floral crowns? They also taught me some TikTok stuff…I am clueless!
It was great to work alongside Henry and Meg from DimDog Productions, I encourage couples to have a wedding film captured where possible, they are so wonderful and preserve all those audio and visual memories so alongside your photographs you have the whole day encapsulated. I have worked with some amazing film makers and always happy to recommend some options that I feel will suit my couple. Scroll to the end of this post to see Henry’s beautiful highlight reel from Elise and Harrison’s wedding day.
Elise and Harrison had a waterside wedding ceremony and drinks and canapés out on the decking, we were also lucky enough to capture some hot air balloons coming right past us at The Boathouse (they often launch them from the field next door) These two made my job as photographer so easier, they are just the cutest couple! I also went on to photograph Elise’s sister’s wedding a little while later…I think it was after capturing her fiancé so elegantly throwing shapes on the dance-floor! 😉 What an amazing family! You guys rock!
Top five tips to get the most out of your engagement photoshoot
Having a pre-wedding photoshoot is a brilliant idea as it helps relax you ahead of the big day, you can get to know your photographer a little more (and vice versa) and it gives you a fun ‘practice run’ before the wedding. It is also an opportunity to get some professional photos images to use on your save the date cards or invitations.
I offer engagement photography for all my couples, I have a studio and feel happy to shoot in the that environment I tend to lean toward outdoor sessions for these type of session where possible, it is closer to how things will be on the day plus we can change things up and move around accordingly to utilise the light and the background.
Engagement photography allows you to bring some special props along, for example some of my couples like to bring champagne and a picnic blanket for a summer session or wellies and a cosy blanket in the winter. I am always happy to discuss and advise when styling for engagement shoots. Fur babies are also welcome to come along for the fun.
Five top tips to get the most from your engagement session
- Think about timing, the beautiful soft morning light is perfect plus everywhere is quieter at that time so less distracting people walking past. Golden hour is also amazing as it the most flattering light, typically this is the last hour or two before sunset.
- Consider professional hair and makeup so you feel fantastic on the day – ladies, you may want to consider your nails as it is likely you will want to show off your new engagement ring off on a few photos
- Leading on from that….make a day of it. If you are all dressed up and having a shoot together why not have lunch afterwards or a special brunch beforehand. Don’t make it a rushed job in-between life-admin – be romantic!
- Coordinate with one another without being too ‘matchy matchy’. Soft neutral earthy tones work well for outdoor shoots, avoid too many clashing colours and patterns which will become the (unwanted) focal point of the images. I always provide styling advice ahead of time to all my couples.
- Bring a few props or items that are personal to you – be that your much-loved furbaby, a picnic hamper, a special blanket or your favourite flowers.
These photographs are from George and Paige’s engagement session, which took place at their wedding venue in Stone, Staffordshire. When Covid put a stop to their big day in 2020, we met up on their planned wedding date to capture these beautiful photographs instead. Then, when their second wedding date came in 2021, they were ready to rock when they finally got hitched on another gloriously sunny day!
George and Paige’s wedding photography at The Boathouse, Aston Marina.