The Wedding House invited me to photograph their Greek-inspired styled shoot at Hogarths Stone Manor. I'm Paul Hickey of Once in a Lifetime Photography, a recommended Hogarths Stone Manor wedding photographer. The shoot took place at one of Worcestershire's most photogenic venues. Pale blues, crisp whites and zesty lemons gave wedding styling a fresh Mediterranean twist.
What made this shoot even more fun was the inclusion of two dogs, who brought real joy to every frame. It's proof that dogs don't have to stay at home on the wedding day.
The Wedding Day Begins: Morning Preparations at Hogarths Stone Manor
The day began in Stone Manor's elegant Garden Room with Sarah's bridal preparations. Makeup artist Aimee from The Hyde Bridal Salon created her look.
I've photographed weddings in all kinds of settings. I still love documenting the quiet moments before a bride steps into her gown. Sarah looked naturally beautiful as Aimee worked.
Meanwhile, the Wedding House styling team transformed the Garden Room with careful attention to detail. Four tables were laid with a Mediterranean-inspired tablescape. It featured white linens, fresh lemons, elegant candles and stationery from Weddings by Kathy B.
The setting felt like a trip straight to Greece. Citrus accents and a blue colour palette gave subtle nods to Greek food and island style. Guests at a real celebration would love it.
Four-Legged Friends: When Fur Babies Join Your Wedding Day
One of the day's highlights was welcoming our special guests. Meg, an elegant greyhound, and Red, a sausage dog, came courtesy of Flossy & James Dog Sitting Service. As a dog lover, I loved photographing them in their bow ties. They added joy and spontaneity to the shoot.
Once Sarah was dressed in her gown from TDR Bridal Birmingham, we headed into Hogarths Stone Manor's 27-acre grounds. The venue is a good choice for couples who want their dog in their wedding photos.
We walked the woodland paths and gardens with the dogs, the bride and the groom. Lee wore a suit from Heaphys Menswear. The walk gave us natural, cuddle-filled moments. Genuine smiles and relaxed interactions are what I look for as a wedding photographer. For many couples, their dogs are family, and including them matters.
Wedding Ceremony & Reception: Mediterranean Feast in the Walled Garden
The Wedding House team built a rustic feasting table in the venue's walled garden, with a Mediterranean feel. The setup had wooden bench seating, pale blue accents, fresh lemons and flickering candles against the old stone walls. It would suit a ceremony followed by an intimate reception.
The caterers could easily serve Greek-style food here, such as grilled vegetables and other Mediterranean dishes. As a photographer, I found the carefully crafted details full of opportunities. They gave me plenty of creative photos that sum up a Greek-inspired celebration.
An Ice Cream Tricycle in the Gardens
Daisy & Co. set up a vintage ice cream tricycle serving treats. The café latte flavour was my favourite. At a summer wedding, this would be a fun surprise for guests. I photographed Sarah and Lee with ice cream cones in hand and laughter on their faces. Even the dogs seemed to hope for a taste.
Meg from Hogarths Stone Manor's banqueting team served us a delicious lunch, a welcome break before more creative setups. Bluebells Floristy dressed the walled garden ceremony area with Mediterranean-inspired flowers. Touches of orange and lemon made another lovely backdrop for portraits. I've worked at this venue many times. The grounds offer plenty of places for photos with friends and family through the day.
Cocktails, Smoke Bombs and Champagne
Later we moved to cocktails in the bar for elegant lifestyle images. They show how Hogarths Stone Manor moves easily from day to evening. The bar gives guests a place to relax while the newlyweds take a moment's rest.
The shoot ended with the evening moments I love most. There was confetti as the couple "got married", dramatic smoke bombs and a celebratory champagne spray. These are the moments when friends and family celebrate together, and I aim to photograph them honestly.
A Milk Bath with Floating Lemons
For our final creative portrait, Sarah volunteered for something different: a milk bath in the bridal suite, with floating lemons. The image brought together the Greek theme, bridal beauty and a strong creative idea. As a wedding photographer at Hogarths Stone Manor, I'm always looking for distinctive moments that make your photos stand out.
A Collaboration of Talented Suppliers
This styled shoot shows what happens when creative wedding suppliers work together. From The Wedding House's styling to the flowers, the cake and the treats, every element fitted one Mediterranean-inspired vision.
The images blend documentary storytelling with creative portraits, recording genuine moments and the details that complete a wedding story. Once in a Lifetime Photography gives the kiss, the bridesmaids and the children at your celebration the same care. Planning a themed wedding or looking for styling ideas? I hope these photos give you inspiration.
More weddings at Hogarths Stone Manor: Andy & Laura's wedding and Dana & Adam's wedding.
Huge Thanks to Our Talented Vendor Team:
Venue: Hogarths Stone Manor - @hogarthsstonemanor
Stylist: The Wedding House - @theweddinghouse_droitwich
Hair & Makeup: The Hyde Bridal Salon - @thehyde_bridalsalon
Dress: TDR Bridal Birmingham - @tdrbridalbirmingham
Suits: Heaphys Menswear - @heaphysmenswear
Stationery: Weddings by Kathy B - @weddings_by_kathyb
Fresh Flowers: Bluebells Floristy - @bluebellsfloristy
Models: Sarah and Lee - Sarah @thebrooksey
Dog Sitting Service: Flossy & James - @flossyandjames
Ice Cream: Daisy & Co. - @daisy.co.catering
Are you thinking of a themed wedding at Hogarths Stone Manor? As a recommended photographer at the venue, I'd love to document your whole day. I blend natural storytelling with creative evening portraits. Get in touch to check my availability for your wedding day.
