Smiling bride and groom hold hands while walking across a green lawn

Ettington Park Hotel Wedding in Autumn

ByLewis Bishop

If you’re looking for an Ettington Park Hotel wedding photographer, Laura and Mark’s autumn wedding is an honest look at how I photographed their day. An outdoor ceremony at the Orangery, guests on the lawns, portraits around the hotel and emotional speeches in the Great Drawing Room.

What made Laura and Mark’s plans feel personal?

I knew Laura before the wedding through a styled shoot where she was the make up artist. When she and Mark asked me to photograph their day, we had a proper chat about their plans and how they wanted it to feel. They were warm, fun and focused on enjoying time with the people around them.

  • Aerial view of a historic mansion with gabled roofs, gardens, trees and geometric designs
  • Aerial wedding setup with white chairs facing an ornate archway between historic buildings

My coverage began an hour before the ceremony, so I didn’t photograph preparations. I arrived early anyway, had a look around and spoke to the staff. That little bit of groundwork means I’m not working out the practical stuff while a couple are waiting for a photograph.

How did the Orangery ceremony unfold?

Mark was waiting near the entrance in a red muscle car, which was hard to miss and far too good not to include in a few photographs. Guests arrived, found their places and then headed to the Orangery for the ceremony.

Laura and Mark chose an outdoor ceremony there. They were both smiling and the feeling among their guests was properly warm. After the vows, the first congratulations began and the day opened out onto the lawns, which is exactly the sort of change of pace that lets everyone relax into the celebration.

Why did the lawns work so well after the ceremony?

Guests had drinks, appetisers and lawn games while Laura and Mark were congratulated. That gave me plenty of natural moments to photograph without asking anyone to do anything. Children were enjoying themselves, guests were catching up and the couple were in the middle of it all.

We used the grounds for group photographs and a few couple portraits. The Neo Gothic hotel, stonework, turrets, Orangery and Norman Chapel gave us different backdrops close together. The front entrance also worked well with the red muscle car. There was no need to walk miles or take over the reception.

How did the Great Drawing Room change the atmosphere?

The day moved into the Great Drawing Room for the wedding breakfast, speeches and evening reception. It was a lovely shift from the open lawns to a room full of reactions. The speeches had laughter, tears and all the in between bits that make a room feel connected.

When I photograph speeches, I’m never just looking at the speaker. I’m watching Laura and Mark, their parents, friends and the people who know exactly where a story is going. Those reactions are what bring the room back when you look at the photographs later.

  • A man sitting in a red car.
  • Four men in black tuxedos stand beside a red sports car and ornate stone building
  • Woman in bright pink warmly embraces a young boy as suited guests smile nearby
  • Bald man in a suit warmly hugs another man at an outdoor event

What should couples know about photography at Ettington Park?

From photographing Laura and Mark’s wedding here, I know Ettington gives you plenty of variety without needing a long portrait session. The building, gardens, terraces, Orangery and Norman Chapel are all close together. The Great Drawing Room has large sash windows looking over the grounds, which helped with the light for the meal and speeches.

There are indoor ceremony options if the weather turns, and how the rooms are used depends on the package you book, so that’s worth checking with the venue. I’ll always talk through the running order with you and the venue rather than assume anything from an older plan.

  • Smiling groom in a black velvet tuxedo awaits the bride at an outdoor aisle
  • Bridesmaids in matching blue dresses walk down an aisle before a historic building
  • Bride holding a bouquet walks down an outdoor aisle with two men
  • Bride and groom hold hands before an officiant during an outdoor wedding ceremony
  • Smiling guest in a blue dress and fascinator holds a bouquet beside a blue haired guest
  • Smiling bride watches as the groom places a ring on her finger during their garden ceremony
  • Newlywed couple kisses before an ornate historic building as guests applaud
  • Bride and groom walk down an outdoor aisle as guests clap and cheer

How do I keep portraits from taking over the day?

Laura and Mark’s portraits were kept short and relaxed. Around 15 minutes is normally enough when the best areas are close by. I guide the practical things, like where to stand and when the light is helping, but you don’t need to pretend to be fashion models for an afternoon. Nobody has the energy for that.

The photographs of your guests laughing on the lawn and reacting to a speech are as important as the portraits. How the day feels always shows up in the photographs.

Are you planning a wedding at Ettington Park Hotel?

Laura and Mark, thank you for making me so welcome and trusting me with your day. If you’re planning a wedding at Ettington Park Hotel and want calm, documentary led coverage with a few relaxed portraits, I’d love to hear about your plans.

  • Bride holding white flowers warmly hugs an elderly woman in a navy dress
  • Bride in a white dress warmly hugs an older man wearing a boutonnière
  • Older woman with glasses hugs a younger woman, both wearing feathered hair accessories
  • Man in a grey suit prepares a croquet shot as another man watches
  • Decorated banquet hall with white tables, floral centrepieces and candle arrangements
  • Aerial wedding reception with guests on a patio and lawn beside trimmed hedges
  • Bride and groom smile with foreheads touching beside a stone wall
  • Four formally dressed people pose before a historic building
  • Woman in a blue dress and white corsage smiles at a table beside a man and child
  • Joyful bride and bald, bearded groom enter a decorated room hand in hand
  • Small boy in a blue vest and bow tie runs happily across a grassy lawn
  • Woman in a blue dress holds a smiling girl beside a bouquet by large windows
  • Older man in a black vest and bow tie reads from a paper in an ornate room
  • Groom, bride and young girl raise champagne glasses together in celebration indoors
  • Couple embrace beneath a carved stone archway, surrounded by greenery and white ceremony chairs
  • Couple embrace beneath a ruined castle arch, glowing in warm golden light
  • Bride and groom smile as they cut a flower adorned white wedding cake
  • Bride and groom embrace during their first dance beneath an illuminated MR & MRS sign
  • Couple dance and smile at each other, she in a sparkly blue dress and he in grey
  • Bald, bearded man in a tuxedo smiles at a woman with a blonde updo in a white dress
  • Man in a black tuxedo dances with a woman in a sparkly dress at a formal event
  • Bride and groom hug among family and friends at a reception, with a boy being held nearby

Thinking about holding your wedding at Ettington Park Hotel?

If you’re still looking for a photographer, drop me a message and we’ll have a chat about your day.

ALDERMINSTER, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, WARWICKSHIRE CV37 8BU

Lewis Bishop

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