Nikki & Sam's Elegant Spring Wedding at Manor by the Lake | Cheltenham Wedding Photographer
Manor by the Lake in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, is one of the Cotswolds' most stunning wedding venues. This Victorian manor house offered the perfect venue for Nikki and Sam's elegant May wedding—a day filled with genuine moments, elegant details, and creative evening magic.
As a wedding photographer who regularly captures celebrations at this exclusive-use venue, I was thrilled to document their special day amid the seven acres of landscaped gardens and beside the serene lake that gives this grand manor house its name.
A Love Story Years in the Making
Nikki and Sam's journey is one of reconnection and perfect timing. "Sam and I first met at Chipping Campden Secondary School," Nikki explained, "although we were several school years apart, so didn't know each other." It wasn't until many years later that they reconnected through work, with Sam being the finance manager Nikki had to contact regarding her school's swimming lessons.
After 15 years together and building a beautiful family with four children in Bishops Cleeve, they finally decided to celebrate their love with a wedding at one of the most spectacular settings in the regency spa town of Cheltenham. When they married at Manor by the Lake, it culminated their beautiful love story—a perfect day reflecting their journey together.
Wedding Morning at the Manor
The wedding day began in the charming cottage on the grounds, where Nikki and her bridesmaids started their preparations. The bride's dress hung perfectly against the historic architecture, creating picture-perfect getting-ready photos. The excitement was palpable as they later moved to the beautiful Bridal Suite—one of several beautiful spaces this stunning manor offers for wedding preparations.
Meanwhile, Sam and his groomsmen were getting ready in the unique Rock Room, a music-themed space that adds character to the venue's diverse rooms and offerings. His suit perfectly complemented the style of their elegant celebration. The morning was filled with laughter, anticipation, and those precious candid moments with their four children that Nikki and Sam specifically wanted captured.
The award-winning wedding coordinator at Manor by the Lake ensured every morning detail ran smoothly, allowing me to focus on capturing those fleeting moments of anticipation.
A Picturesque Outdoor Ceremony by the Lake
One of the most magical aspects of a Manor by the Lake wedding is the flexibility for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. Nikki and Sam opted for the beautiful Italian Gardens for their ceremony. Sam and his groomsmen made a memorable entrance walking up the impressive yew tree-lined path—a feature that makes for stunning manor wedding photos.
Under the bright May sunshine, Nikki and Sam exchanged their vows in a heartfelt outdoor ceremony. The lake's shimmering waters and manicured gardens provided the perfect backdrop for this intimate moment, while the award-winning team at the venue ensured everything ran smoothly. Guests enjoyed half a bottle of sparkling wine and orange juice for toasts following the ceremony—just one example of the venue's excellent service.
Celebrating in Style: The Wedding Reception
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed an intimate wedding breakfast indoors. Delicious food was perfectly catered to accommodate all dietary requirements—a testament to the venue's attention to detail, where nothing is too much trouble. House wine accompanied the meal, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
Later, the celebration spilt onto the lawns where garden games entertained guests. These moments allowed me to capture precisely what Nikki and Sam wanted—candid shots of their friends and family enjoying themselves amid the picturesque grounds of this South West dream wedding destination.
The flowers throughout the venue complemented the couple's style and the manor's history beautifully, creating a cohesive look for all the wedding photos.
Golden Hour and Creative Evening Portraits at Manor by the Lake
As a wedding photographer specialising in documentary storytelling and creative night portraits, the evening at Manor by the Lake offered endless possibilities. Before the reception moved to the elegant ballroom, we took advantage of the golden hour light dancing across the lake for romantic portraits.
As night fell, I created signature evening portraits using multiple flashes to illuminate the couple against the stunning backdrop of the manor, the serene lake wedding setting, and the impressive yew trees. These evening photos transform ordinary moments into something magical, creating images that become conversation pieces and showcase both the couple's love story and the venue's spectacular setting as darkness falls.
Why Manor by the Lake is the Perfect Wedding Venue
Manor by the Lake prides itself on creating a perfect day for each couple. The venue offers exclusive-use privacy, ensuring you and your guests can celebrate without interruption. The combination of Victorian architecture, landscaped gardens, and the serene lake creates a truly photogenic setting for wedding photography.
From the flexibility of indoor and outdoor ceremonies to the lavish spaces for your wedding breakfast or extravagant evening reception, this Cheltenham venue balances historic charm with modern luxury. The venue's planning showcase events help couples envision their big day in this fantastic location.
For photographers, the diverse backdrops—from the Italian Gardens to the characterful interior rooms—provide endless creative opportunities throughout the wedding day. It's no wonder many couples look forward to seeing their wedding photos from this fantastic venue.
Capturing Your Manor by the Lake Wedding
Congratulations to Nikki and Sam on their beautiful celebration! Documenting your love story in such a magnificent setting was an honour.
If you're planning your wedding at Manor by the Lake and are looking for photography that captures both natural moments and creates something magical, I'd love to hear about your plan. With experience at this venue and a passion for creative wedding photography, I understand how to make the most of the manor's beautiful space.
Please get in touch with us today to discuss how we can tell your unique wedding story at one of the Cotswolds' most picturesque venues. As a wedding photographer who knows this venue intimately, I can help you create images you'll never forget.
Paul Hickey is a documentary wedding photographer specialising in creative portraits across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, and the Cotswolds. With multiple awards, including Weddison and a Flashmasters Gold Award recognition, Paul combines natural storytelling with artistic vision to create wedding photography that captures genuine moments and creates evening magic.