Chrissie & Tom’s Emotional and Joyful Wedding at Dodmoor House
A Spring Wedding Full of Love, Laughter, and Unforgettable Moments
During April, I had the absolute pleasure of capturing Chrissie and Tom’s wedding at Dodmoor House, one of my all-time favourite barn-style wedding venues in Northamptonshire. If you’ve followed my work for a while, you’ll already know how much I love this place—it’s charming, full of character, and the perfect backdrop for a relaxed wedding day. I’m lucky enough to be a recommended wedding photographer at Dodmoor House, so I get to return often—and every time is just as special.
Pre-Wedding Catch-Up and Timeline Planning
A few weeks before their big day, I caught up with Chrissie and Tom to chat through their wedding timeline and just have a general chinwag. Straight away, I could tell how much love these two shared—they were buzzing with excitement, and it got me even more hyped for their day.
They booked my Ultimate Wedding Photography Package, which meant I’d be with them from the morning preparations right through to the evening dance floor antics. It’s always amazing to have the full day covered, as it allows me to capture all the big moments and those beautiful little in-between ones that often go unnoticed.
Morning Preparations at The Vicarage in Flore
The wedding day arrived and I headed over to The Vicarage in Flore, in Northamptonshire, just a five-minute drive from Dodmoor House. Chrissie and her bridal party were getting ready there, and so was Tom—although he didn’t want much of the morning prep captured, so my focus stayed on the ladies.
As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by a few friendly faces and a buzzing atmosphere. The energy in the bridal prep room was unreal—laughter, music, champagne… you just knew it was going to be an epic day.
One of my favourite parts of the morning was when Chrissie and Tom each opened letters they’d written for one another. They read them in separate rooms to keep the surprise for the ceremony, and it was such an intimate, emotional moment. I even filmed a short behind-the-scenes video for them, which they absolutely loved when they received their full gallery. (If you follow my Instagram, you’ve probably seen a little snippet of this already!)
Back to Dodmoor House for Final Touches
Once the morning prep at the vicarage wrapped up, we made our way to Dodmoor House, where the final preparations were taking place. I stopped to say hello to the incredible venue staff (they really are the dream team), snapped a few detail shots, and then headed straight back into the action.
Again, the energy was sky-high. Glasses were clinking, tunes were playing, and it wasn’t long before the bridesmaids and Chrissie’s dad gathered for a first look. These moments always get me—the bridesmaids were full of joy, and the moment Chrissie’s dad saw her was full of emotion. He looked so proud, and honestly, it was one of those times I felt privileged to witness.
A Ceremony Full of Emotion
With everyone seated and ready, the ceremony began—and wow, what a vibe. The room was filled with smiles, tears, and so much love. Everywhere I looked, guests were beaming or getting a little teary-eyed. Chrissie and Tom’s connection was undeniable, and their ceremony was one of those where you just couldn’t stop smiling behind the camera.
Confetti, Celebrations and Courtyard Moments
After the “I do’s,” everyone made their way into Dodmoor House’s beautiful courtyard for a big group photo and the start of the drinks reception. The sun was out, the vibe was relaxed, and the prosecco was flowing. I used this time to capture a mix of natural candids and a few group photos, making sure we kept things light and fun.
One of the highlights for me was trying out a new idea for portraits—I popped the drone up and captured a stunning shot of Chrissie and Tom walking hand-in-hand across the little bridge just outside the venue. It added a unique perspective to their gallery, and they absolutely loved it.
A Personal Touch: The Receiving Line
Before the wedding breakfast, Chrissie and Tom made time for a receiving line, giving them a chance to say a personal hello and share hugs with every guest. It’s such a great idea for couples who want to connect with everyone without feeling rushed. Some wedding days can fly by, and it’s easy to miss moments with guests—so this was a lovely way for them to slow down and soak it all in.
Speeches, Laughter and More Tears
The wedding speeches took place before the meal, and they were brilliant. Full of laughter, cheeky stories, and a few emotional moments, they kept everyone entertained.
Evening Celebrations and Dance Floor Energy
As the evening guests began to arrive, there was a buzz of excitement in the air. Each person greeted the newlyweds with massive hugs, and soon it was time for the cake cut and first dance. The dance floor quickly filled up with friends and family ready to celebrate.
Before wrapping up for the night, I snuck off with Chrissie and Tom for a few more creative portraits—including a champagne spray, which has fast become one of my favourite end-of-day shots. Not only does it look incredible in photos, but it’s such a fun experience for couples. Chrissie and Tom threw themselves into it, and the results were brilliant.
Final Thoughts and Gratitude
Before I knew it, the day had come to an end and I was heading home with a memory card full of beautiful moments. I just want to say a massive thank you to Chrissie, Tom, and all of their loved ones for making me feel so welcome. You were a joy to be around, and your wedding was everything a photographer dreams of.
And of course, a huge shoutout to the team at Dodmoor House—you’re always an absolute pleasure to work with. Your attention to detail and the way you look after every couple is second to none.
Planning a Dodmoor House Wedding?
If you’re getting married at Dodmoor House and looking for a photographer who knows the venue inside and out (and absolutely adores it), I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re after candid, relaxed moments or creative portraits that tell the full story of your day, I’ve got you covered.
