Gemma and Sean Donington Park Farmhouse Wedding Photographer

I always love returning to one of my favourite venues and almost feel like part of the team as a Donington Park Farmhouse Wedding Photographer. So for the 2nd time this year I was back at this awesome Derbyshire Wedding Venue for Gemma and Sean’s big day and the weather gods were definitely smiling down on us too which made it even more enjoyable. It was absolutely glorious, with blue skies and very few clouds. When I arrived to capture Gemma and her bridal party getting ready it was already a hive of activity. Gemma and Sean’s theme was yellow, greens and blue suits for the boys, and the details added to Gemma’s and all the bridal party’s hair by Steph’s Salon fit beautifully with the spring themed wedding. I can’t imagine that a super hot day is a make-up artist’s weather of choice but Ellie Roe Make-up did a stunning job and all the bridal party looked flawless for the whole day.

Meanwhile, the men were getting ready close by and their preparation was being captured by my 2nd photographer, Chris. All the groomsmen looked super smart in their bow ties (I do love a good bow tie!) and Chris was able to get plenty of great shots when they got to the venue before Gemma was on her way.

Gemma and her bridal party travelled in style to Park Farmhouse, in a lovingly restored blue campervan supplied by I do Campers complete with spring bunting! They arrived with time enough to cool down (shame campervans don’t come with air condition!!) before heading down the aisle to become Mrs Wood. The exposed brickwork of the barn, fairy lights and additional floral decoration supplied by Perfect Wedding Day Flowers provided such a romantic (and thankfully cool!) backdrop for a perfect wedding ceremony. Loved the bit of humour which just showed Gemma and Sean’s personality perfectly: their order of service was entitled “So you’re going to sit through a wedding – a practical guide to not falling asleep and figuring out just what is going on”!!

Gemma walked down the aisle to music performed by Newhall Brass Band which gave the whole ceremony even more gravitas! The ceremony was emotional and touching, and clearly all the planning and preparation for the day had been worth it. 

With the weather as beautiful as it was, following the ceremony the newlyweds and all their guests spilt out into the enclosed courtyard for drinks, nibbles and to enjoy the sunshine. There were plenty of opportunities for photographs with the campervan and the obligatory confetti – just look at the colour of the sky in the confetti shots, it is as blue as you can get I reckon!

I really like it when couples share with me the photos that have inspired some part of their wedding and Gemma was keen to get a photo of her and Sean’s feet – to showcase her beautiful Red or Dead shoes but to show off Sean’s “In case you get cold feet” socks she had bought him as a joke – luckily the photograph is proof that he didn’t! The wealth of choice for different photography settings at Park Farmhouse is one of the many reasons I love shooting there and Gemma and Sean made the most of all them. The spiral staircase shot is just stunning – and well done to Gemma for making it up and down in that gorgeous dress without any issues at all! With the weather being SO hot, we decided to seek out some shade for some of the group shots which resulted in an absolute epic composite of the couple and their bridesmaids and groomsmen with the enormous “G & S” sign they had supplied by JMC! We then took a little wonder for a few portraits and for Sean and Gemma to get a few moments to themselves, (well with me laying on the floor etc taking snaps).

Thankfully cool inside the pigsties, Mr and Mrs Wood were introduced to a standing ovation and then the beautiful food provided by Park Farmhouse was enjoyed. Following that the speeches were delivered, with plenty of laughter, tears and embarrassment (mostly for Sean but that’s a grooms lot on his wedding day isn’t it!!) With the sun starting to lower I managed to steal Gemma and Sean away from their guests for a few minutes to use the rapeseed field over the road to have a mini sunset portrait session with the couple. I loved how Gemma and Sean were up for any suggestions, which even involved climbing a huge pile of haybales (again in that beautiful dress – well done Gemma!) The sky at that time in the evening is just stunning!!

After cutting the yummy cake by The Lemon Balloon Cake Company, it was time for the party! Not many couples would be brave enough to allow their first dance to be scored by the Strictly judges but they looked like Fred and Ginger out on the dancefloor so the judges scored them favourably (except Craig, obviously!!) With the dancefloor rocking and the light definitely faded outside we were able to fulfil Gemma and Sean’s last request – some sparkler shots outside.

I had such a fantastic day shooting at Gemma and Sean’s spring wedding day. The weather, venue, couple and their guests were all just perfect and such fun to be with. If you are interested in booking me as your Donington Park Farmhouse Wedding Photographer then please don’t hesitate to get in touch here.

CHECK OUT THIS AWESOME WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SLIDESHOW OF ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DAY