Wedding photography ideas from a wedding venue in Bristol

Stacey and Tyler’s classic wedding at Clevedon Hall

Stacey and Tyler found their dream wedding venue in Bristol, Clevedon Hall. I was delighted to capture their day in the country house and the weather was on side for stunning photographs in the venue’s picturesque gardens.

A Perfect Match

Stacey and Tyler swiped right and matched on Tinder. After exchanging a few messages they had their first date. Tyler invited Stacey for a casual drink at the Airfield Tavern in Yeovil. They spent the evening chatting and giggling.

Popping the Question

It was on a tropical holiday that the all-important question was asked. Adding to the pressure, just before the holiday Tyler lost his passport, causing lots of pre-holiday stress. But fortunately, he found it just in time and the pair jetted off to Singapore for the holiday of their dreams. While there, Tyler and Stacey visited Gardens by the Bay, a botanical garden and tourist attraction. As they were walking through the gardens Tyler nervously asked Stacey to be his wife.

“He was so nervous – we had been so tense with each other before leaving for the holiday, because of the stressful passport situation,” Stacey explains. “He asked me to marry him, but he told me afterwards he had forgotten to get down on one knee because of the nerves! Of course, it didn’t matter to me. I said yes and I was so happy.”

Shortly after returning home and knowing they wanted a summer wedding, the couple set their wedding date for the 18th of August. They chose to marry on a Sunday in the school holiday so that their guests would have the best availability.

Couple cuddled on the beach on their pre wedding engagement photo shoot

Wedding Venue in Bristol

When the couple started the search for their dream wedding venue in Bristol they had a vision in mind. They wanted a country house wedding venue with plenty of accommodation so guests could stay overnight. They booked a viewing at Clevedon Hall and instantly fell in love with it. The exclusive-use manor house is surrounded by manicured gardens and boasts 25 beautifully decorated bedrooms, ample room for Stacey and Tyler’s nearest and dearest.

“We fell for Clevedon Hall, it’s so beautiful we felt we didn’t have to add anything to it in terms of decorations,” Stacey recalls. “ And we loved that everyone could sleep under one roof at the venue itself.”

The couple celebrated their nuptials with 68 close friends and relatives, with an additional 50 guests joining them for the evening reception party.

Wedding Wardrobe

Stacey looked stunning in a fit-and-flare gown featuring scallop-edged capped sleeves, pretty lace embroidery and a dainty button-up back. The bride accessorised with drop pearl earrings, a pearl necklace and a cathedral-length veil. Stacey carried a bouquet filled with fresh foliage and white flowers, including roses, Lisianthus and Astibe.

“I borrowed my Nan’s necklace to wear on the wedding day and brought earrings with a leaf design to match the pattern on my dress,” Says Stacey.

picture perfect

Tyler and the groomsmen all looked sharp in matching navy three-piece suits. They completed their attire with pale silver ties and matching tan brogues. It was important to Tyler that all the groomsmen wore the same shoes, so he bought them as a gift to the boys on the wedding day. Tyler stood out from the boys with a slightly different waistcoat and a personalised watch, a gift from Stacey on the wedding morning.

The bridesmaids walked down the aisle in pale sage green gowns, each wearing a different neckline. The girls each carried a posy of Gypsophila as they walked down the aisle. The bridesman wore a suit matching the other groomsmen but with a different pair of shoes.

The Little Details

The couple chose a floral and botanical theme in keeping with their wedding venue in Bristol, Clevedon Hall. They chose white and green floral arrangements for the bouquets and centrepieces. The wedding breakfast tables were styled with glass plate chargers, white napkins and silver candlesticks. The chavari chairs were finished with sage sausages making the floral and foliage centrepieces pop. The couple hired potted trees, which were placed around the banqueting hall, bringing the outside in.

“The venue styled itself really, it was already stunning, I didn’t have to do much at all,” admits Stacey. “Our botanical theme spread to my outfit, which featured lace leaves, which I extended to my shoes and veil.”

The couple included their furry friend in the celebrations, with their dog Oscar making up the wedding party.

“Oscar is a huge part of our lives, it wouldn’t have been the same without him.”

Oscar even appeared as a cake topped on the couple’s wedding cake!

WEDDING DAY First Look

Knowing they would be nervous on the wedding morning, Stacey and Tyler decided to include a couple’s first look moment on their wedding day. The pair met before the ceremony, revealing their outfits and sharing a sentimental moment together.

“Our first look was the most special thing we did because that is what the whole day was about, Tyler and I telling each other how we feel. It was so special,” Stacey reflects. “We both felt

much calmer after our first look, we’re so glad we did that.”

During their first look, the couple shared private vows, reassured each other and helped ease their nerves before the ceremony.

YOUR BRISTOL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Stacey and Tyler knew me well before they got engaged and as soon as they had chosen their wedding venue and booked the date they got in touch to book me for their photography.

“Having worked with Paul in a previous career, I already knew he was a warm person with a brilliant sense of humour. I also knew he was super passionate about his work, so once we decided on a venue we booked him straight away,” smiles Stacey.

The couple wanted natural-looking photographs, that showed off the beautiful surroundings and everyone having a wonderful time.

“On the day, Paul reminded me of some wedding photography ideas we had said we wanted to capture, which I had forgotten about, and I’m so glad he did. I love the photo of Oscar surrounded by flowers and the shots of the bridal party joking around together.”