Cantley House Hotel
Late March saw my first wedding as a Cantley House wedding photographer. The hotel is in Wokingham, Berkshire. As usual I had been for a recce a couple of weeks before to see the venue and to scout out the best places for photos. Its a beautiful setting, a Victorian manor house with a 17th century barn and extensive grounds. The perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.
Before the Ceremony
The couple chose not to have getting ready photos, so I arrived early to take some stage setting and guests arriving photographs. I took a couple of quick portraits of the groom, before he began greeting his guests.
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the Oak Room, which both looked and smelled amazing. The flowers were absolutely lush, two massive pedestals flanked the front table, which had a huge table arrangement and another on the mantel of the fireplace. The smell was truly incredible. The room looked so beautiful, the chiavari chaIrs had white sashes and vases with floating candles lined the aisle.
The groom laughed and chatted with his wedding guests as everyone waited for the bridal party.
The bride arrived in an Imperial Limousine, a 1930’s style vintage wedding car. She was accompanied by her two adult bridesmaids and her two children.
The flower girl lead the way down the aisle, scattering petals as she went. Her brother walked his mum down the aisle to her waiting groom.
It was such a lovely emotion filled ceremony, with lots of tears and laughter.
Confetti and Formal Photos
The happy couple had five minutes of peace and a glass of champagne, whilst the guests lined up ready for the confetti. This was followed by the formal group photos that the couple requested.
Couple Photos
The weather was chilly and overcast and after weeks of rain, the grass was super muddy. Consequently we avoided the gardens and did the couple photos on the drive. And we were able to take some photos with the wedding car.
The Wedding Breakfast
The beautiful Briar barn was the setting for the wedding breakfast. Such a gorgeous venue, strung with fairy lights and filled with flowers. In addition there was a roaring fire to welcome everyone in from the cold.
Evening Photos
Since the clocks hadn’t yet gone forward, it was dark enough before speeches to grab a couple of evening photos of the couple. There is a lovely courtyard outside the Briar with a vintage lamp stand and festoon lights, just perfect for romantic couple photos.
The maid of honour made a lovely speech and then it was time for the cake cut and the dancing.
The evening finished with a surprise for the bride; the groom and his son performed a choreographed dance, which absolutely everyone loved.
Suppliers
The florist was Lily’s Flowers
The decor was by Seventh Heaven Events
The car was supplied by Christopher’s Cars
Are you getting married at Cantley House?
I’d love to photograph your wedding. Please click here to get in touch with me & to check my availability. Or click here if you would like to see my portfolio.
If you want to see more weddings at this venue then take a look at my Cantley House Wedding Photography page.
