Shirley and Dave married at Hogarths Stone Manor on a cloudy day, with rain arriving late at night. Their wedding mixed an intimate indoor ceremony with plenty of fun. It ran from the first look to evening portraits in the rain. I'm Paul Hickey of Once in a Lifetime Photography, a recommended Hogarths Stone Manor wedding photographer. Knowing the venue meant I knew where to go when the rain arrived. Here are the highlights of their wedding day.
Venue Details: Hogarths Stone Manor
Hogarths Stone Manor is a hotel and manor house near Kidderminster, in the Worcestershire countryside. It has Tudor-style architecture, landscaped and walled gardens, and 27 acres of grounds. Shirley and Dave held their civil ceremony indoors in the Drey. The venue says this smaller room holds up to 80 guests. The garden paths and indoor rooms gave us good options whatever the weather did.
The Ceremony in the Drey
Shirley and Dave exchanged vows in the Drey, a warm and intimate room for a ceremony. The bridesmaids entered first, then Shirley and Dave walked down the aisle together. Their glances and smiles during the vows said a lot, and I kept the camera on them throughout.
Family Photos on the Drawing Room Lawn
The rain held off long enough for group and family photos on the Drawing Room lawn. Shirley and Dave wanted these traditional groups with their closest family and friends. The greenery and the house made a classic backdrop, and the bridesmaids and groomsmen kept the mood lively between shots.
Smoke and Laughter in the Pump Room
Next, I took Shirley and Dave to the Pump Room area, a rustic space at Stone Manor. Despite the grey sky, they laughed and hugged their way through the portraits. The cloud gave soft, romantic light that brought out every detail. Coloured smoke bombs with the bridesmaids and the two best men added fun and colour. They showed off the couple's playful side.
Rob's Speech in the Garden Room
The celebration moved to the Garden Room for the wedding breakfast. Guests enjoyed a good meal surrounded by soft floral styling. Dave's best man, Rob, had everyone laughing with his stories. He finished with heartfelt words and a toast to the couple. I photographed the smiles, laughter and tender moments that followed.
Evening Celebration
As evening fell, Shirley and Dave cut their cake. The DJ from Blue Diamond Entertainment soon had everyone dancing. Their first dance was a highlight. The dance floor that followed was full of children twirling and family joining in.
Night Portraits in the Rain
Later in the evening, light rain began to fall. Rather than head indoors, we used it. I backlit the rain with off-camera flash so each droplet lit up. Then I photographed Shirley and Dave under an umbrella and a canopy of lights. It was a fitting end to the day.
Shirley and Dave's Day in Summary
Shirley and Dave's wedding at Hogarths Stone Manor mixed a heartfelt ceremony in the Drey with a laughter-filled evening. The weather changed through the day, but knowing the venue meant we always had somewhere good to shoot.
More weddings at Hogarths Stone Manor: Keren & Adam's wedding and Katie & Robert's wedding.
Booking Paul Hickey at Hogarths Stone Manor
Once in a Lifetime Photography specialises in candid, relaxed and creative wedding photography. Getting married at Hogarths Stone Manor or another Worcestershire venue? I'll give you honest images that reflect your day. See more of my work as a Worcestershire wedding photographer.
Your Own Hogarths Stone Manor Wedding
If you're planning your wedding at Hogarths Stone Manor or elsewhere in Worcestershire, I'd love to hear about it. Get in touch for dates, prices and an informal chat about your plans.