This was my first Dovecliff Hall Wedding Photography and the day was so unique and unlike any wedding I’d done before. We met earlier in the day at Burton registry office for the formal marriage of Sarah & Julie who had some of their closest family and friends there to witness. Everything was so relaxed and fun and one of the first pictures I took on the day was Sarah posing by a bin in the car park, it kind of set the tone that everything would be very chilled and just a great laugh. Julie’s sisters were such characters and a real laugh a minute. (I won’t mention what one of them pulled out of the handbag to use as a tissue in case of emotions (ahem … Tena lady!!!) Julie & Sarah arrived and walked in together and it was a lovely service with Julie getting a little emotional and made even more special by their friend Sam marrying them. After a few formal shots signing the register we headed to Dovecliff Hall which is just outside of Burton On Trent, so a great local venue for me 10 minutes down the road.
Dovecliff Hall Wedding Photography
Dovecliff Hall is a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian manor house dating from 1790 nestling within 7 acres of gardens and overlooking the River Dove. The gorgeous surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for wedding photographs. The period features inside the hotel also provide many photo opportunities.
When we arrived I noticed this amazing bit of sunlight coming through a gorgeous window of the venue so we grabbed a few lovely shots here before heading for a little walk around the beautiful grounds there. During my couple shots, I always want to keep them as relaxed and real as possible and both women did amazing and we had such a good giggle while capturing some beautiful photos for them. The silhouette one of them sharing a moment under the big tree with the sunlight in the background is one of my favourites of the year so far.
The weather was absolutely amazing all day with blue skies and after our mini portrait session, everyone spent a lot of the day basking in the beautiful sunshine with lots of Prosecco on hand too! Again there were a lot of giggles with one of Julie’s sisters realising she still had the label on her new trousers! After a few more photos around the grounds, everyone sat down for some food and then suddenly it was like the start of a wedding again with part two of the day.
Sarah & Julie both separated to get ready for the second part of the wedding which was to have a relaxed informal service in front of all of their friends and family at Dovecliff but in the early evening! It was like starting the day again, capturing hair and make-up, dresses, flowers and more fizz! All the guests were starting to arrive and this time the ladies arrived separately. I’ve never shot a ceremony that late in the day so it all felt quite strange with it now being dark outside. Julie was escorted by her dad and two sisters and Sarah was walked down the aisle with her brother and 2 friends. After a lovely personal service again conducted by Sam, there were a few mini speeches and then it was time to get the party started. Everyone was topped up with some more food (and of course more bubbles) and then the disco got into full swing. We’d done a mini confetti shot early but we decided to arrange another one as a surprise on the dance floor. Sam, who I was now realising to be more like superwoman, again was on hand to help organise and it was only at this point I realised she’s also done the flowers and dressed the cake too, amazing! You can find her details here SJBouquets
With some major moves being dropped by everyone on the dance floor I managed to grab the new Mrs & Mrs King for some cool fresh air outside for a couple of late night shots under the stars, wow what an amazing day! Sarah & Julie make such a lovely couple and are so thoughtful and really made me feel like one of the guests and part of the celebrations of the day. If you are interested in booking me for Dovecliff Hall Wedding Photography then please don’t hesitate to get in touch here.
