A relaxed May wedding at Cantley House Hotel, full of sunshine from the moment the dress came out to the sparklers at the end of the night. The couple wanted a day built around spending time with friends and family, and that feeling ran through every part of it.
Getting Ready
The bride got ready in Room 38 at Cantley House, and the sun was already streaming in by mid morning.
The bride looked beautiful and her mum’s expression was absolutely heart warming.
Her bouquet of white roses and freesias smelt absolutely beautiful. And she carried a memorial charm photo of her late dad, so he could be part of the day as well.
Groom Prep
The groom got ready at home, in a blue tweed suit with an orange tie. There were several important details. He carried an engraved gold pocket watch and a photo charm of their dog. And he wore R2D2 cufflinks. When he arrived at Cantley I had time to pop out of bridal prep to do some groom portraits both in the reception area and outside in the grounds.
Then it was straight back to bridal prep for the bride getting dressed and some bridal portraits in the garden.
The bride and her son shared a first look together. It’s always such an honour to document these quiet, special moments during the day.
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place indoors in the Oak Room, dressed with tall floral arches either side of the leaded windows and the chairs decked with white sashes down the aisle.
The groom waited at the altar with his best man, and the bride’s son walked her through to him.
They exchanged rings and shared their first kiss as a married couple, with family and friends looking on.
Confetti and Celebrations
It was such a sunny day that the confetti moved from outside the Oak Room to the lawn instead, so the sun wasn’t shining straight into the couple’s eyes. It made for a bright, happy confetti exit.
Family and Couple Portraits
The group photos and couple portraits also moved onto the lawn, to give us beautiful even light on everyone’s faces. And of course some respite in the shade from the hot sun. Cantley House has lots of variety no matter what the weather.
Drinks Reception
Guests spilled out onto the lawn for drinks in the sunshine, making the most of a genuinely hot May afternoon at Cantley House.
The Wedding Breakfast
The wedding breakfast was held in Cantley’s beamed Briar Barn, dressed with fairy lights and matching floral arches at the windows.
The couple walked in to shouts and applause before everyone sat down to eat.
The speeches brought plenty of laughter, with toasts along the way.
The Evening Party
The cake, a five tier display of cupcakes, was cut before the dancing began. The newlyweds took to the floor for their first dance, and the party carried on from there.
Although the dance floor was busy, many guests hung out outside in the golden evening sun of the courtyard. As the evening wound down, guests lined the covered walkway with sparklers for the couple to walk through, a lovely way to end a relaxed, sunny wedding day.
Suppliers
Cake: Celebration Cakes by Catherine
DJ: Not Just DJs
Make Up Artist: Yasmine Aline Make Up Artist
Dress: Lush Curve
Are you getting married at Cantley House? I’d love to photograph your wedding! Pop over to my portfolio to see more of my work or contact me to check my availability for your wedding date. Or visit my Cantley House Wedding Photographer page.
