An elegant Christmas Wedding at Pennard House in Somerset
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Emma and Matt chose the super special Pennard House and estate for their festive, Christmas wedding. The Georgian manor venue sits in the rural Somerset countryside south of Shepton Mallet and a little further away, the vibrant city of Bristol. Flying in from their home in Dubai with all their closet family and friends, they took full use of the exclusive country house wedding venue in the quiet Somerset countryside. The house itself has a welcoming and atmospheric feel. Open fireplaces and candles with rich textures feature throughout. The house feels steeped in history with a homely energy.
They cleverly created a wintry, festive theme to their wedding with subtle patterns and textures in their decor and in the very cute plaid matching pyjamas Emma and her ladies wore in the morning during their getting ready in the grand bridal suite. The most luxurious of rooms with period features, high ceilings and a free standing bath. Emma had an emotional reveal of her finished look with her Dad. The Bride wore an elegant, Bardot style silk gown with sweetheart neckline. She carried a small posy of white roses and a delicate lace train sat neatly on top of her chignon hairstyle. Later, a faux fur stole was added for some warmth and texture - as well as a pair of pink Hunter wellies which no countryside wedding should be without.
Emma and Matt chose to take their vows in All Saints Church, East Pennard which sits at the edge of the grounds. The Bride and her Bridesmaids, who were dressed in a luxurious deep Navy blue, took the short walk down the path where the Groom, Groomsmen and congregation waited patiently for their arrival. There was a warmth in the space while everyone sang hymns to the organ music and listened to the couple intently while they joined their lives together in a personal and intimate ceremony. The church was large enough to hold all their 100+ guests and had a fabulous gallery which was the perfect spot for capturing photographs of the ceremony without disturbing any of the proceedings. After the ceremony, guests lined the pathway at the front of the church for the important confetti shot. Capturing the day with me was über talented Videographer Sam Sparks. Emma and Matt chose a white paper disc confetti which created a snow style effect as they walked between their guests, glowing with happiness in the winter light. It’s my favourite style of confetti and is guaranteed to create the most incredible and epic confetti photographs.
Guests greeted the happy couple at the front of Pennard House on the gravel driveway where mulled wine was served. The perfect warming, festive reception drink. After initial meet and greets, everyone made their way to the close by Coach House, an 18th century renovated stone stable building, spanning two floors. On the top floor, the tables were laid and decorated with crips white linens and and sparkling glassware. The ground floor entrance had a very impressive, traditionally decorated Christmas tree with a Christmas Pudding style cake. The bar, also on the ground floor, is conveniently located with the dance floor - a big advantage to having a packed dance floor through the night. Emma and Matt had arranged for a live illustrator artist to create real time portraits of their guests. Cat (@liveillustrator on Insta) has a truly incredible talent and it was impossible not to be impressed by her amazing art.
Fortunately it was warm enough for everyone to enjoy the outside space. While guests were mingling, Sam and I were capturing candid photographs of the guests which is a big priority for me. I love being able to send my couple documented moments they didn’t get to see at the time. Sam’s style of shooting is complimentary of my photography. Giving our couples a natural, documentary film and gallery with a perfect blend of curated moments and guided portraiture. We shot a selection of group photos before guests were called to be seated. This gave us an opportunity to walk the grounds with Emma and Matt and capture some romantic, elegant portraits out of the watchful view of everyone else. Emma had some photo inspiration from another of my couples and we recreated some ‘under the veil’ photos. Personal and intimate, I am honoured to be trusted into a couples’ personal space and create these memories for them.
Back at the Coach House, guests had no idea that one of the waiting staff was ready to take a dramatic and fake tumble, before bursting into song as part of a singing waiter duo. The crowd sang, stamped their feet and clapped to every tune. The energy and the noise was incredible. A hundred voices all chiming together to the classics before their feast was served. After the meal, everyone supported the speakers who made sincere and funny speeches, thanking everyone wholeheartedly and meaningfully. On the ground floor the music was starting. Before opening up the dance floor, the fabulous Pennard House events team arranged the guests outside for a sparkler photograph. Like at the church, guests lined the gravel entrance to the Coach House and Emma and Matt strolled joyfully between them, illuminated by the warm glow of the flames. Everyone was in the Christmas wedding party mood and packed out the dance floor while the couple swayed to their song. It wasn't long until we hugged each other goodbye. A truly magical wedding day in the most beautiful of Somerset countryside settings. Thank you both for asking me to be your wedding photographer. It was an honour.
