a relaxed, autumnal country house wedding in Warwickshire, filled with love, laughter, pumpkins and surprise singing waiters.
IT WAS THE FIRST TIME I’D PHOTOGRAPHED A WEDDING AT ASHTON LODGE COUNTRY HOUSE. IT’S A GORGEOUS EXCLUSIVE USE MODERN COUNTRY HOUSE, WITH A PERMANENT MARQUEE TAGGED ONTO THE BACK, SET IN THE ROLLING WARWICKSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE JUST OUTSIDE RUGBY. DARREN AND HELEN BOTH GOT READY AT THE VENUE, BEFORE HOLDING A GORGEOUS INTIMATE CEREMONY. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A SIT-DOWN MEAL IN THE MARQUEE, FINISHED OFF BY THE SINGING WAITERS WHO COMMISSIONED ONE HELL OF A DANCE-OFF (INCLUDING A LAP DANCING SESSION!). THE PARTY WAS PLAYED OUT BY THE AWESOME DJ ANDY SAUNDERS WHO IS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO BUMP INTO ALONG THE WAY.
Darren and Helen got married in the lovely and rather grand ceremony room, before greeting all of their guests with huge hugs in the bar for lots of cheery drinks.
The vibe was relaxed, autumnal and full of laughter. The volume levels from everyone when cheering Helen and Darren in to be seated for dinner, confirmed this was going to be a fun afternoon. And they did not disappoint, surprising all of their guests with the singing waiters who got everyone up on the dance floor for dance-offs, lap dancing. Followed by a huge conga which was enough to get the party well and truly started by 4 pm!!
The day was jam-packed full of love, laughter, mischief and pumpkins. Unfortunately, the rainy October weather didn’t allow us much time outside, but this certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the day. And we did manage to sneak out for one or two outdoor photos with Helen and Darren.
The bride on how did I as an Ashton Lodge Country House wedding photographer:
“Oh my goodness Charlie, these are AMAZING. Thank you so much. I can’t wait to see the full set!! xx”
For those who like to watch rather than read:
httpsss://vimeo.com/372178461
more detail about the day
The venue
Sitting in the rolling countryside of Stretton under Fosse, Ashton Lodge Country House is about 15 minutes from the outskirts of both Rugby and Coventry. It is a beautiful exclusive use country house, which has been converted and modernised inside to make a really lovely stylish wedding venue. The outdoor space and lovely countryside gardens are SUPER beautiful. And the marquee makes for a completely customisable space.
The ceremony
Helen & Darren got married in the lovely original part of the house. Which is lined with wooden floors and dec’d with grand mirrors and candelabras. Darren was overwhelmed with emotion when he saw his beautiful bride walk up the aisle wearing her fairy-tale Mori Lee dress. And wow she looked every bit THE most gorgeous bride. As it was raining outside we did a whole group photo of everyone in their seats in the ceremony room and then the guests threw confetti over the couple as they walked out of the room as husband and wife.
The reception
Hugs, laughs, lots of fizz and canapes followed the ceremony in the bar area. And we did family group photo’s in the ceremony room as it was too wet to go outside.
Everyone was seated for dinner and started off by greeting Helen & Darren with fantastic whoops and cheers! The marquee looked epic! The ceiling was filled with paper lanterns in autumn colours and table centrepieces were made up of pumpkins and candles. The amazing caterers The Chopping Block (who now also own the venue) served joints of roasted meat, and Helen and Darren selected a carver from each table, complete with a personalised apron and chef’s hat. This made for a really special touch on the big feast.
The party
The party started a lot earlier than everyone expected when the fantastic Silver Service Singers surprised everyone by bursting into song just after delivering extra gravy to everyone’s tables. They got everyone up on the dance floor for some hilarious dance-offs, including a lap dancing competition. My cheeks were aching from laughing so hard at all of the awkward ladies pretending to lap dance other peoples men. It certainly broke the ice!
There was no turning back after a giant conga around the whole house. The dance floor was well and truly ready for the DJ Andy Saunders who took care of the rest of the party.
Supplier creds
As ever, weddings don’t just happen. They are always pulled together by truly awesome teams of suppliers who work tirelessly to make sure that everyone has a fantastic day. This particular team was made up of loads of fab local suppliers:
The dress: True Romantica
Men’s suits: Peter Posh, Warwick
Helen’s Makeup: Amy Louise Beauty
Helen’s Hair: Kerry Reading
Bridesmaids Hair: Nicki Duffey mobile Hair
The beautiful flowers: Anita Preston
Venue: Ashton Lodge Country House, Stretton Under Fosse, Rugby
Catering: The Chopping Block
Wedding cake: Lovingly made by Helen’s friend
Singing waiters: Silver Service Singers
DJ: Andy Saunders
and finally, the all-important wedding photographs
For those who like to scroll rather than watch, here are a few of my favourite Ashton Lodge country House wedding photos from Helen & Darren’s day. Hope you love them as much as I do…
So, how did I do as Helen & Darren’s Ashton Lodge Country House wedding photographer?
If you are looking at these Ashton Lodge Country House wedding photos because you are planning your own Ashton Lodge Country House wedding, please shout me to discuss your photography requirements. I’d love to be a part of your day too and catch all the love!
CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT PAST COUPLES HAVE TO SAY ABOUT WORKING WITH ME.
CLICK HERE TO GET IN TOUCH AND FIND OUT IF I AM FREE ON YOUR WEDDING DATE.
Category: Real Weddings | Wedding Photography| Destination: Ashton Lodge Country House | Venue: Ashton Lodge Country House | Setting: Relaxed, autumn country house wedding | Vibe: relaxed and fun
