Sophia and Gareth’s Beautiful Autumnal Wedding at Hampton Manor, Solihull
On a crisp, sunny October day, with autumn leaves glowing in shades of gold and amber, Sophia and Gareth celebrated their unforgettable wedding at Hampton Manor, Solihull. The rich autumn setting inspired every detail, from the warm, rustic floral arrangements featuring Australian blooms to the cozy, candle-lit reception that perfectly complemented the season's natural beauty. Their day began in a charming cottage on the manor grounds and featured a heartwarming ceremony at St Mary & St Bartholomew Church, just a short walk away. From touching family moments to golden autumnal portraits in the manor’s gardens, every moment was filled with joy, love, and elegance.
Venue Details
Hampton Manor and St Mary & St Bartholomew Church
Nestled in the picturesque village of Hampton in Arden, Hampton Manor is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Solihull. This stunning 19th-century manor offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern luxury, making it a dream location for autumnal weddings.
The ceremony occurred at St Mary & St Bartholomew Church, a beautifully preserved parish church steeped in history. Its proximity to the manor makes it ideal for couples wanting a traditional church wedding and a grand manor reception.
Gareth and Sophia’s Story
Gareth and Sophia met in 2018 in Derby and quickly bonded over their careers in engineering and their love of great food. Originally from Australia, Sophia had only recently moved to the UK, where Gareth, a Birmingham native, became an excellent guide, helping her discover the region's charm.
Their shared passion for exploring new places led them on countless adventures worldwide, often dining at Michelin-starred restaurants. They’ve since settled in Tamworth with their excitable Samoyed dog, Yoshi (though he couldn’t attend the wedding—there aren’t enough lint rollers in the world!).
Some of Sophia’s immediate family traveled from Australia to celebrate, turning the wedding into an emotional reunion after the long separation caused by COVID and travel restrictions. Their arrival brought heartfelt moments throughout the day—from tearful embraces during the ceremony to joyful conversations at the reception, making every shared experience even more meaningful and unforgettable. Their presence added even deeper meaning to the occasion, making every moment memorable. They chose an autumnal wedding theme, blending Australian flowers with the natural beauty of late October. The venue’s timeless elegance perfectly reflected their vision for the day.
Story of the Day
Bridal Preparation at Hampton Manor Cottage
Sophia and her bridal party began the day in one of Hampton Manor’s cozy cottages, surrounded by autumnal trees. The air was filled with laughter and excitement as bridesmaids sipped on morning mimosas while the talented hair and makeup team worked their magic. The soft scent of fresh flowers lingered in the room, accompanied by the gentle melodies of a curated wedding playlist that added to the joyful, anticipatory atmosphere. The cottage buzzed with warm energy, from the soft rustling of silk dresses to heartfelt toasts shared among close friends.
Walking to St Mary & St Bartholomew Church Ceremony
The walk to St Mary & St Bartholomew Church was magical. Golden autumn leaves gently fell, the crisp air filled with rustling branches, and the soft murmur of excited guests created an atmosphere of joyful anticipation. Under a canopy of autumn leaves, Sophia and her father shared a touching walk to the church. Inside, the light filtered beautifully through stained glass windows as Gareth waited nervously at the altar, accompanied by his Best Man, Lewis Whitmore.
Their heartfelt ceremony was filled with personal vows, shared smiles, and joyful cheer as they were declared husband and wife. I captured every emotion as their closest family and friends watched with love.
Formal Group and Family Photos at Hampton Manor
After the ceremony, guests returned to Hampton Manor for drinks and canapés in the courtyard. I used the manor’s grand entrance and autumnal gardens as backdrops for formal family portraits. The crisp autumn air and golden leaves created a stunning seasonal atmosphere.
Bride and Groom Wedding Portraits in Hampton Manor’s Grounds
With golden hour approaching, we explored the manor’s stunning grounds, where the soft, golden light bathed the autumn foliage, adding warmth and romance to every frame. The gentle glow highlighted Sophia and Gareth’s tender moments, creating a magical, timeless atmosphere in their portraits. The autumn foliage and soft sunset light created the perfect romantic setting for Sophia and Gareth’s wedding portraits. They strolled hand-in-hand through gardens, embraced under ancient trees, and shared tender moments that I captured in a relaxed, storytelling style.
Wedding Breakfast and Speeches at Hampton Manor
The reception was held in Hampton Manor’s grand hall, beautifully decorated with warm autumnal tones and flickering candles. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal in the Michelin-starred restaurant, followed by heartfelt speeches from Gareth’s Best Man, Lewis Whitmore, and Sophia’s father, bringing laughter and tears. I captured every joyful reaction, ensuring these precious memories would last forever.
Evening Entertainment and Sparkler Exit
Sophia and Gareth enjoyed an unforgettable evening with live music from a wedding band that kept everyone dancing. One of the most memorable moments was when Gareth surprised Sophia by joining the band on stage for a spontaneous duet, showcasing their fun-loving and adventurous personalities. The unexpected performance cheered the crowd and became a genuinely unforgettable highlight of the night. Later, I captured creative night-time portraits in the manor’s courtyard. The perfect ending came with a magical sparkler exit, surrounded by their loved ones under the starry autumn sky.
Summary of the Wedding Story
Sophia and Gareth’s autumnal wedding at Hampton Manor was a perfect blend of elegance, tradition, and heartfelt celebration. From the intimate church ceremony to the lively reception at the manor, every moment was filled with love and joy.
Wedding Photography Services at Hampton Manor
As a wedding photographer in Solihull, I specialize in capturing the authentic emotions and natural beauty of Hampton Manor weddings. My style blends candid storytelling with creative, dramatic portraits, ensuring your wedding photos reflect every unique detail of your big day.
Are you planning your dream wedding at Hampton Manor or another stunning Solihull venue? I’d love to hear about your special day and how I can capture it with beautiful, timeless photography.
Get in touch today to learn more about my services, or download my Free Guide, 100 Hints and Tips for Planning a Wedding, to help you create the perfect wedding day.
