Lucy and Lee married at Hogarths Stone Manor on a bright, sunny day, surrounded by their closest family and friends. The gardens and Tudor-style house set the scene for an outdoor civil ceremony and some bold creative photographs. I'm Paul Hickey of Once in a Lifetime Photography. I covered their day in my relaxed, candid style as their Hogarths Stone Manor wedding photographer.
Why Lucy and Lee Chose Hogarths Stone Manor
In the heart of Worcestershire, Hogarths Stone Manor offers 27 acres of grounds and a house with real character. Outdoor spaces such as the Pump Rooms and the Walled Garden sit alongside indoor rooms like the Garden Room. For a photographer, that means variety. There's golden light in the walled garden by day and dramatic shots by the fountain at night. It's easy to see why so many couples choose it.
Lucy's Calm Morning in the Bridal Suite
Lucy got ready in the bridal suite at Hogarths Stone Manor with her closest family and bridesmaids. Hair and make-up took place in the soft light from the suite's large windows. The mood was calm and happy as Lucy prepared to marry Lee. I photographed the laughter with her bridesmaids and the small details of her bridal accessories.
Outdoor Civil Ceremony at the Pump Rooms
Under a blue sky with the odd cloud, Lucy and Lee exchanged vows outdoors at the Pump Rooms. Greenery and flowers framed the ceremony. I focused on the emotion. There was Lucy's face as she walked down the aisle and Lee's proud look as he saw her. A gentle breeze and their families close by completed the scene.
A Group Photo of Every Guest in the Walled Garden
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a relaxed drinks reception in the Walled Garden. The space was full of light, which made it ideal for candid group photos. As Lucy and Lee mingled, I mixed formal family portraits with fun shots of the bridal party. I also arranged a group photo of every guest in the heart of the garden.
Confetti Outside the Drawing Room
One of the most joyful moments of the day was the confetti throw just outside the Drawing Room. Lucy and Lee walked through a shower of petals, and their smiles said it all. It's one of my favourite parts of any wedding to photograph. Light filtering through the trees gave these shots a soft, warm glow.
Bride and Groom Portraits Around the Grounds
The grounds of Hogarths Stone Manor offer plenty of spots for couple portraits. We worked from the Walled Garden to quieter corners of the estate. I keep portrait time relaxed so couples can be themselves. Lucy and Lee were natural in front of the camera. A standout was the smoke bomb photos with the bridal party, which added colour and fun.
Lee Broome's Best Man Speech
The reception moved indoors to the Garden Room for the wedding breakfast. Light poured through the large windows onto the styled tables. The speeches had plenty of laughter and emotion. Best man Lee Broome had the room laughing, while bridesman Dave Rudge shared memories that brought happy tears. I photographed both the speakers and the reactions around the room.
An LED Dance Floor and a First Dance
As evening arrived, Lucy and Lee took to the dance floor for their first dance. Blue Diamond Entertainment's LED dance floor and uplighting gave the room a warm glow. Music, dancing and laughter filled the rest of the night. The photo booth was a hit too, with guests grabbing silly night-time shots.
Night-Time Creative Photos: Bubbles, Gels, and the Walled Garden Fountain
After dark I took Lucy and Lee outside for creative night portraits. One of my signature shots uses bubbles lit with coloured gels, and it worked beautifully here. We also lit the Walled Garden fountain with coloured gels for a dramatic final image. The results suit the couple's fun, romantic personalities.
Wedding Photography at Hogarths Stone Manor
As a Hogarths Stone Manor wedding photographer, I aim to show the venue and the couple's own story together. My style is candid and story-led, focused on relaxed, natural images. Lucy and Lee's wedding shows how much variety this venue gives, from bright garden ceremonies to bold portraits after dark.
Lucy and Lee's wedding at Hogarths Stone Manor was full of love and laughter. It was an honour to photograph every part, from the Pump Rooms ceremony to the evening party. Planning a wedding at Hogarths Stone Manor or another Worcestershire venue? Once in a Lifetime Photography would love to hear from you.
More weddings at Hogarths Stone Manor: Nicola & Rory's summer wedding and Stuart & Tracey's sunny wedding.