Rachel and Michael's Sun-and-Rain Summer Wedding
Rachel and Michael's summer wedding began in bright sunshine and ended in a downpour. The ceremony was at St Mary's Church in Stone, and the reception at Hogarths Stone Manor in Worcestershire. I'm Paul Hickey of Once in a Lifetime Photography. Here's how their day unfolded, from getting ready to portraits in the rain.
From St Mary's Church to Hogarths Stone Manor
Our day began at St Mary's Church in Stone, near Kidderminster, a historic church with classic architecture. The reception then moved to Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel, with its summer gardens and extensive grounds. The venue's modern styling sits alongside its traditional features, which gives a photographer plenty of variety. I followed Rachel and Michael from St Mary's to the night portraits as their Hogarths Stone Manor wedding photographer.
Rachel Gets Ready at Home
The day started at Rachel's house as she got ready with her bridesmaids. Nicola, her chief bridesmaid, made sure nothing was missed. The house was warm and full of excitement. That relaxed mood made for candid, heartfelt photos.
A Quiet Ceremony at St Mary's Church
The ceremony at St Mary's Church was an intimate affair. Photography during the service was limited, so I worked quietly and respectfully. Afterwards we made up for it with photos of the church's distinctive architecture. St Mary's is one of many churches around Kidderminster where I've photographed weddings.
Confetti and Family Groups in the Sunny Gardens
The sunny gardens of Hogarths Stone Manor were the setting for the formal family photos after the ceremony. The grounds suited both elegant groups and fun ones. Genuine smiles and relaxed families made these easy to photograph. The confetti shots were a highlight, with petals swirling around Rachel and Michael.
Rachel and Michael's Portraits Before the Rain
It was hot and sunny before the wedding breakfast, so I gave Rachel and Michael time with their guests. Shortly before the rain arrived, we slipped away for a few portraits. Those quiet minutes on their own produced some of my favourite photos of the day.
A Romantic Indoor Wedding Breakfast
The wedding breakfast was served in one of Hogarths Stone Manor's function rooms. Wedding House Droitwich styled the room for a romantic indoor reception. The speeches during the meal brought plenty of laughter and a few tears.
Cake, First Dance and a Rain-Soaked Night
As evening came, Rachel and Michael cut their wedding cake to cheers from their guests. Their first dance followed. Blue Diamond Entertainment kept the party going with a DJ and photo booth.
Later, the sunshine gave way to torrential rain. Rather than hide indoors, we used it for dramatic night portraits with off-camera flash lighting the falling rain. The day moved from sunny vows at St Mary's Church to dancing in the rain at Hogarths Stone Manor. The weather changed all day, but the joy never did.
More weddings at Hogarths Stone Manor: Nicola & Rory's summer wedding and Abby & Brandon's intimate wedding.
Booking a Photographer for Your Summer Wedding
As a Worcestershire Wedding Photographer, photographing Rachel and Michael's wedding was an honour. My style is candid and relaxed, telling the story of the day as it really happened.
If you're planning a summer wedding in Worcestershire, Hogarths Stone Manor is well worth a visit. It has guest rooms on site and plenty of good photo spots in its landscaped gardens. The venue's wedding team can talk you through menus and packages. Contact me, Paul Hickey of Once in a Lifetime Photography, to check my availability for your date.