Amy & Ben's Magical May Wedding at Hogarths Stone Manor
A love story that began with a simple swipe, captured through natural moments and creative magic
When Amy and Ben swiped right on Tinder back in 2015, neither of them expected their casual connection to blossom into the beautiful love story I had the privilege of documenting at Hogarth's Stone Manor this May. Their journey from that first digital hello to Ben's romantic proposal in Spain perfectly encapsulates what I love most about wedding photography. Every couple's story is unique.
Morning Magic: Bridal Preparations
The day began in the elegant bridal suite at Stone Manor, where Amy's relaxed personality immediately shone through. Despite mentioning in her questionnaire that she "hates having her photo taken," Amy was an absolute pleasure to work with. Using my gentle, unobtrusive approach, we captured some stunning preparation shots, including a wonderful image of Amy in the impressive suite's bath before she put on her dress – a moment of quiet anticipation that perfectly captured the serene atmosphere of the morning.
The changing light throughout the day, with its mixture of clouds and sunshine, created perfect conditions for both natural documentary coverage and dramatic creative portraits later.
Natural Storytelling Throughout the Day
What struck me most about Amy and Ben was their genuine "team" dynamic that came through in every photograph. As Ben is naturally comfortable with cameras and Amy is initially more reserved, I focused on capturing their authentic interactions and the way they naturally complement each other.
The ceremony and reception flowed beautifully, with their laid-back personalities creating a relaxed atmosphere that allowed for genuine moments to unfold organically. I documented every detail of their thoughtfully planned day, from the room décor to the intimate family moments during our formal group shots.
Speaking of family moments, one of my favourite candid shots came during the group photography when two of the tallest guests playfully stood in front of Amy and Ben as a joke – the kind of spontaneous, joyful moment that perfectly captures the fun-loving spirit of their celebration.
Creative Evening Magic
As the sun began to set, we moved into the creative portrait sessions that Amy and Ben had specifically requested. They wanted "candid and loving" shots of themselves walking around Stone Manor's beautiful grounds, and the venue's stunning exterior provided the perfect backdrop.
Using my signature lighting techniques, I captured dramatic portraits around the grounds and exterior walking paths. One of my favourite shots was taken at the entrance to the hotel, where creative lighting transformed an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.
The standout creative shot of the evening was a fake sunset portrait on the lawn, achieved using CTO gels and up to four flashes. This technique created a warm, golden-hour effect that turned their romantic moment into a cinematic masterpiece – precisely the kind of "evening magic" that sets my coverage apart.
I also captured stunning aerial shots using my drone, showcasing the full beauty of Stone Manor's grounds and providing a unique perspective on their celebration.
Reception Celebrations
The evening reception was filled with energy and joy. The father-bride dance was particularly touching, with Amy sharing beautiful moments first with her father, then her stepfather. But the real magic happened when this transformed into an energetic, fun dance that had everyone on the dance floor, capturing those genuine, unscripted moments of pure celebration that I love most.
The reception featured fantastic entertainment from Blue Diamond DJ services and a popular photobooth that kept guests entertained throughout the evening, providing plenty of opportunities for candid celebration shots.
A Perfect Blend of Natural and Creative
Amy and Ben's wedding perfectly exemplified my approach to wedding photography – documentary storytelling that captures genuine emotions combined with creative artistry that produces stunning, unique images. From the quiet intimacy of morning preparations to the dramatic evening portraits using creative lighting, every moment was preserved with both authenticity and artistic vision.
Their story reminds me why I love what I do. Every couple brings their unique energy, and my role is to document both the natural flow of their day and create those show-stopping artistic moments that become treasured memories.
my and Ben's wedding at Hogarths Stone Manor showcased the perfect blend of natural documentary coverage and creative evening portraits. From intimate morning preparations to dramatic nighttime artistry, their complete wedding story was beautifully preserved through genuine moments, elegant details, and stunning creative photography.
Planning Your Own Stone Manor Wedding? As a recommended supplier at Hogarths Stone Manor, I'd love to discuss how we can capture your unique story with the same blend of natural moments and creative magic.
Venue: Hogarths Stone Manor, Kidderminster
Photography: Once in a Lifetime Photography
DJ: Blue Diamond Entertainment
Featured: Creative evening portraits, drone photography, documentary coverage
