Romantic Herefordshire Wedding at The Orchard at Munsley of Laura & John
Laura and John’s summer tipi wedding at The Orchard at Munsley, Herefordshire
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer at The Orchard at Munsley, Laura and John’s summer wedding shows why the venue suited their relaxed plans so well. An apple orchard, guest tipis, a big reception tipi, lots of handmade touches and a crowd who were fully up for it.
Why did Laura and John choose The Orchard at Munsley?
They wanted somewhere that felt different from a usual wedding venue. I’d never photographed a wedding in an apple orchard before, and the setting gave the day its own character straight away. We met at the venue the day before to run through the plan, which also gave me a proper look around before everyone arrived.
The July weather was hot, properly hot. The sort of heat that has guests hunting for shade between hugs and drinks. It didn’t dampen the mood. People just made the most of the cooler spots when they could.
I’M BASED IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, BUT I’M HAPPY TO TRAVEL FOR A WEDDING LIKE THIS ONE.
How did the tipis shape the day?
There were smaller tipis for guests to stay in and a larger one for the meal, speeches and evening reception. It kept everything close together while giving the day a clear centre. The orchard and tipis felt informal and personal, which was exactly right for Laura and John.
They’d put real work into their own details too. One of my favourites was a spinning drinking wheel game. It’s the kind of thing that makes guests stop, laugh and get involved without anybody telling them to have fun. Those personal choices are what make one wedding feel different from the next.
What did the ceremony and reception feel like?
Laura and John were calm, funny and easy to be around from the start, and their guests followed suit. Everyone arrived smiling and the ceremony had the same relaxed, happy feel that had been building all morning. After the vows, the celebrations rolled naturally into the rest of the day.
The heat made shade very popular, but there was no shortage of people enjoying themselves. I photographed guests chatting, laughing and settling in. This is why most of my coverage is documentary led. When people are simply spending time together, the photographs don’t need forcing.
How did their handmade choices make the wedding personal?
A wedding doesn’t need lots of expensive extras to feel personal. Laura and John had made a lot of their own details, and they said a lot about who they were. The important bit wasn’t a particular colour or a rigid theme. It was that their guests could see their sense of fun in everything around them.
I always pay attention to those small things, but I don’t let them take me away from the people. The faces during the ceremony, the parents watching, friends getting together and the reaction to a good speech usually matter just as much when you look back.
How do I keep portraits easy in an orchard setting?
Laura and John were happy for me to do a few portraits, but their wedding never turned into a long portrait session. The orchard gave us space, and the different areas around the venue meant I could find a bit of variety without them disappearing from their guests.
I work mostly in the background, and portrait time is short and low key. Around 15 minutes is normally enough for a breather and photographs you’ll love, then it’s back to the party. A bit of guidance is useful. A long performance for the camera isn’t.
This lot certainly knew how to have fun, as you’ll see below.
What made this Herefordshire wedding memorable?
It was the mix of people and place. Laura and John brought the handmade details and a brilliant group of guests. The orchard and tipis gave everyone room to relax. The heat gave us a few sweaty moments, but it also made the whole thing feel like a proper summer celebration.
Laura and John, thank you for making me so welcome and for trusting me with your day. If you’re planning a wedding at The Orchard at Munsley and want relaxed photography built around your people, drop me a message. I’d love to hear about your plans.
Planning an orchard or tipi wedding in Herefordshire?
Have a look at The Orchard at Munsley, and get in touch if you’d like me there too.
THE ORCHARD AT MUNSLEY, HEREFORDSHIRE
