Dodford Manor
Mr & Mrs Belben
- Dodford Manor, Northamptonshire
Dodford Manor – a Grade II listed restored barn
Arriving at the family home to capture the all-important preparations, you could immediately get a sense of the excitement and happiness running through the family and friends. With make-up safely in the hands of award-winning Fit Face Makeup it was clear that Sophie and Ben were ensuring that every part of the day would be special.
The first look is always a special moment. Dad was brought in, his eyes tightly shut, to build the suspense and to prevent peeping! Dad’s immediately emotional response to seeing his daughter in a wedding dress is such a special moment. With tears in his eyes, he was beaming with love and pride as he went in for the all-important cuddle! Sophie looked stunning in her dress from Northamptonshire’s Dress Me Pretty
You can’t be any more classic than arriving at your wedding in a ribboned vintage car. So, as the bride and her father made their way up the long and winding driveway, passing through historic pastureland, in a classic Silver Wraith Rolls Royce, it so perfectly set the scene for an exceptional day.
The Mortain Barn was the perfect spot for the ceremony. The warmth of the stone contrasted beautifully with the simple but sophisticated lighting around the space. Allowing the room to glow and bathe the guests in a beautifully warm light before the bride’s arrival.
The ceremony was a relaxed and joyful occasion that saw smiles all round as the couple exchanged their vows and headed off to mingle with their guests.
A glorious day of emotions and happiness, culminating in the celebration of Sophie and Ben the newly married couple!
It was time to get some of those crucial formal shots. It was an easy decision to harness the stunning warmth of the internal honey stoned walls in the barn. The family and friends in front of such a characteristic natural element offered an ideal back drop.
I was able to steal the couple away so that we could take some picture-perfect shots in the courtyards outside. The green of the grass, the purple of the immaculately manicured lavender and the glorious honey stone gave an idyllic backdrop to some exquisite photos. Although the skies looked ominous and grey, they provided a perfect opportunity for some glorious outdoor shots. The lush green fields surrounded the couple and with the leaden skies behind, they were picked out, standing together, and gazing into each other’s eyes.
The wedding breakfast was held in the Oak barn and the barn looked sensational with extra features and additions by Beau Weddings. Tables named after famous British aeroplanes, bunting abound and glorious flowers by Jack Haddon truly blended with the vast windows looking out over the green pastures of Northamptonshire to create a cosy and magical feeling.
The cake cutting saw the delicious cake from Warwickshire’s White Hyacinth Cakes complimented by a host of cupcakes and the exciting addition of a sweet shop! This proved very popular with guests as they were able to sneak a few traditional old school sweets as and when they fancied. With a scoop and paper bags, you could have a real vintage treat with a bag full of flying saucers, cola bottles or bonbons! Everyone has their favourite, but the sweetie stall was a hit with everyone!
With a myriad of purples, yellow and white lights bouncing around the glitter ball, the first dance with Husband and Wife followed by a father daughter dance, was a special moment for those watching and those taking part.
As the evening approached, the entertainment started. As people sat and chat in comfy sofas and grand armchairs, a duo of singers kept the wedding party entertained. Guests sipped their drinks and mingled as the music kept the feeling of celebration alive. As the DJ started, lights danced across the hall, the barn beans were entwined in fairy lights and the sweetie stall got ever more visits it was clear that the day had been a triumph.
A glorious day of emotions and happiness, culminating in the celebration of Sophie and Ben the newly married couple! What a great day!
Tommy James Photography
