Kate & Ross // Dodmoor House // Wedding //

Kate and Ross’s summer wedding at Dodmoor House was hot, relaxed and full of the sort of moments that happen when people are left to get on with enjoying themselves. Short portraits, outdoor speeches, children playing in the courtyard and a cigar and miniature whisky detour that Ross hadn’t quite seen coming.

I had a proper chat with Kate and Ross before the wedding to go through their plans. They wanted no fuss and as much time as possible with their guests. That was the right call for them, and Dodmoor House was a good fit for it. Everything is close together, so the day can flow without anyone disappearing for ages.

How did the day begin?

I started with Ross and his friends at a nearby hotel. It’s not always possible to cover both sides getting ready, so it was good to have time with the lads before heading over to Dodmoor House for Kate and her group.

Ross and his friends brought plenty of laughs to the morning. Then I arrived at Dodmoor House to a bottle of champagne being opened and a courtyard already full of children playing. It was a nice contrast. A little chaos, a little excitement and plenty of people just happy to be together.

Kate and Ross had already had to postpone their wedding because of Covid. They told me afterwards that they’d appreciated me checking in with them while they waited for the new date. It made finally getting to the celebration feel even more meaningful. Plans change. The important bit is getting everyone there in the end.

How did everyone cope with the heat?

It was an August day and it was properly hot. The kind of heat where standing still starts to feel like an activity. During the ceremony, Kate brought out a hand fan to keep cool. Sensible decision. I could have done with one too.

The ceremony took place in the Courtyard Barn, which has natural daylight, oak beams, exposed rafters and flagstone floors. Kate arrived with her bridesmaids and flower girls, all smiling as they made their way down the aisle. Ross was clearly happy to see her. There were laughs, tears and that lovely mix of nerves and relief once they were finally married.

Heat doesn’t have to take over a summer wedding, but it’s worth leaving some breathing room in the schedule. The courtyard, lawn and sheltered spots around the barns give people different places to pause, have a drink and catch up. Nobody needs to be rushed from one thing to the next.

Why did a simple drinks reception work so well?

After the ceremony, everyone headed into the courtyard for confetti, congratulations and drinks. Dodmoor House is good for this part of the day because the courtyard brings everyone together naturally. There’s no awkward wait while guests try to work out where they’re meant to stand.

Kate and Ross kept their group photographs short. We had the important ones done in less than 10 minutes, then they chose to spend only another 10 minutes together for couple portraits. That left them with far more time to enjoy the people they had invited.

There’s no correct amount of portrait time. Some couples want five minutes. Some want longer. I’ll listen to what matters to you and shape the plan around it. At Dodmoor House, the courtyard, patio steps, arbour, brickwork, lawn and gardens are all close enough to keep things easy.

How did the portraits stay relaxed?

Kate and Ross didn’t want a long chunk of the day set aside for photographs, and they didn’t need one. They were comfortable with each other, happy to have a quick breather and then keen to get back to the party. That gave me everything I needed.

I’ll give a bit of direction if it helps, but I’m not looking for a performance. I want the photographs to look like you, not like two people who’ve been asked to forget there’s a wedding happening round the corner.

Then I step back and let the day run its course. The real stuff is usually happening nearby anyway. Friends catching up. Parents watching from a distance. A child trying to sneak another drink off a table. All useful material.

What made the outdoor speeches memorable?

Kate and Ross chose to have their speeches in the courtyard. It was a first for me at Dodmoor House, and it worked really well for their day. Everyone stayed outside, the atmosphere stayed relaxed and the people speaking had a proper audience right in front of them.

Outdoor speeches give you a different set of photographs. You still get the reactions, the laughs and the emotional bits, but with the courtyard and everyone gathered around as part of the frame. For Kate and Ross, it suited the warm day and the laid back feel they’d wanted from the start.

Catesby Barn is still the main space for the wedding breakfast, speeches and evening party, but this was a good reminder that the best timeline is the one that fits the couple and the day in front of them.

What happened with the cigars and whisky?

After the speeches, Ross and a few friends disappeared to the car park. I had no idea what was about to happen. One of the group had brought cigars, and Ross had never tried one before. Add a miniature bottle of whisky for each person and you had a very funny little chapter in the afternoon.

Ross’s face was excellent. His friends found it hilarious, which wasn’t exactly a surprise. It wasn’t a planned photograph or a big formal moment. It was just Ross trying something new with his mates, and that’s exactly why it belongs in the story.

Kate and her friends were having their own fun throughout the day too, with constant laughter around them. You can’t manufacture that sort of atmosphere. You just need to be paying attention when it turns up.

Why does Dodmoor House suit a relaxed summer celebration?

The venue gives you options without making the day complicated. The barns, central courtyard, lawn, gardens and outdoor areas are all close together. In summer, guests can enjoy the lawn and oak tree, then come back together in the courtyard as the day moves on. If rain arrives, there are barns, doorways and sheltered areas ready to use instead.

I’ve photographed many weddings at Dodmoor House, in all sorts of weather and every season, and I’m a recommended supplier there. I know how the spaces work and where people naturally gather, which helps me stay close to the action while keeping out of the way.

Over 250 weddings in, I’ve learned the best plan is a good plan with room in it. Leave time for the hugs, the conversations, the unexpected detours and, apparently, the first cigar.

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Kate & Ross

Are you planning a summer wedding at Dodmoor House?

If you’re planning a Dodmoor House wedding and want photography that feels relaxed and genuinely like your day, get in touch. I’ll keep the practical bits moving, make portraits feel easy and leave you to enjoy your guests.