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Holly & Adam’s Dodford Manor Wedding

Holly & Adam’s Dodford Manor Wedding

If there’s one thing I love about wedding photography, it’s that no two weddings are ever the same. And Holly and Adam’s beautiful Dodford Manor wedding on 2nd November 2023 was a perfect example, because while they were saying “I do,” Storm Ciaran was raging outside!

However, before I tell you more about their fabulous barn wedding, let me share how I met this fantastic couple… 

How I Met Holly & Adam...

The date was 22nd February 2020

It was my first wedding of the year… of the decade. I had my new cameras with me and was incredibly excited to be capturing Charlotte and Stephen’s wedding. A day where I met so many fab people who are still in my life today. Zoe, Charlotte’s little sister, was one of them. She’s now my awesome second shooter, joining me on weddings this year! And, of course, this fab lady and her now-husband, Adam!

Holly was one of Charlotte’s bridesmaids, and from the moment I met her, she was an absolute blast! She loves a good glass of wine (a person after my own heart!), is always laughing and smiling, and is just so lovely all round.

And because Holly is so wonderful, she recommended me to her friends Charlie and Liam, where she was a bridesmaid AGAIN at their wedding at Hothorpe in 2022. You can check out their wedding blog here.

A woman in a blue satin robe holds a bottle of champagne and a cork, smiling as she prepares to celebrate.

So, when Holly and Adam asked me to capture their wedding day I 1000% said yes! I could not wait!

A smiling man in a suit and a woman in a red dress embrace warmly at a social gathering, surrounded by softly blurred guests in the background.

A few snaps from charlotte & stephen's wedding and Charlie & Liam's!

A woman in a purple dress expresses strong emotion while holding a bouquet, surrounded by guests in formal attire during an outdoor wedding ceremony.
A woman in a purple dress and a man in a plaid suit playing Connect Four outdoors, surrounded by greenery, with drinks in hand and joyful expressions.
A joyful couple walks together, surrounded by guests showering them with colorful confetti in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Two women toasting with champagne and wine inside a cozy venue, showcasing wedding festivities.
A smiling couple shares a joyful moment outdoors, surrounded by colorful confetti, as the bride holds a vibrant bouquet.
A stainless steel flask engraved with "ADAM 19-02-94" next to a black box containing silver cufflinks, all on a dark surface with a gift box and ribbon in the background.
Photo by Zoe
A pair of elegant bridal shoes beside a lush wedding bouquet on a soft surface.

A Relaxed Start at Staverton Park Hotel

The morning started at Staverton Park Hotel, where Holly and her wedding party were getting ready, sharing laughs and popping some pre-wedding bubbly! My fantastic second shooter, Zoe Milward Photography, was with Adam and his squad capturing some natural, documentary-style moments.

I adore the morning of a wedding. They’re full of excitement, anticipation, and pure love for the couple. I love capturing all the details, the dress (Ottile’s was handmade by Holly’s incredible sister!), the flowers, and all those thoughtful touches that deserve to be remembered forever.

I just love capturing the moment loved ones see the nearly-wed for the first time. It’s always full of emotion, joy, and sometimes a few happy tears… as you can see from Holly’s sister!

The weather may have been unpredictable, but one thing was certain—nothing was going to dampen Holly and Adam’s big day!

Close-up of a dress hanging on a white hanger with the name "Otilic" elegantly printed on it.
A close-up of a hand holding an antique pocket watch with an open face, revealing the intricate clockwork inside, set against a softly blurred background.
Photo by Zoe
Two women sharing a joyful embrace, smiling widely in a doorway with a black backdrop.
Close-up of intertwined wedding rings resting on vibrant flowers, showcasing a romantic floral bouquet with pink roses and assorted blooms.
A row of customized champagne flutes filled with sparkling wine, accompanied by bottles of Prosecco on a glass table.
Two smiling women in bed holding champagne glasses, enjoying a cozy night in with a vibrant patterned backdrop.
A bride in an elegant off-the-shoulder gown holds a beautiful bouquet while standing in front of sheer curtains.
A joyful bridal party consisting of women in elegant dresses and two young girls, all holding bouquets, posing inside a beautifully decorated room.
A smiling woman in an elegant dress and hat poses for a photo while another woman with a bouquet laughs in the background.
A well-dressed man in a blue checkered suit with a maroon tie and floral boutonniere, standing beside a floral arrangement against a stone wall backdrop.
Two women share a heartfelt hug in a beautifully decorated room, capturing a moment of joy and friendship during a wedding celebration.

Natural moments are my favourite

Two bridesmaids share a heartfelt moment, smiling and enjoying each other's company, with a floral arrangement visible in the foreground.

There were so many beautiful moments from their day

Two groomsmen in blue suits stand at the front of a beautiful wedding venue, while guests are seated in the background, creating an elegant atmosphere.
Guests applauding during a wedding ceremony in a beautifully lit venue.
A young girl in a beautiful dress walks down the aisle at a wedding ceremony, with guests sitting on either side.
A diverse group of attendees seated in a stylish venue, smiling and engaged while listening to a speaker in the foreground.

A Romantic Dodford Manor Wedding Ceremony

The barn ceremony at Dodford Manor was simply magical. As the rain tapped against the windows, Holly walked down the aisle looking absolutely radiant. The warmth inside contrasted beautifully with the storm outside, creating the perfect intimate setting for their vows.

Their ceremony was emotional and heartfelt, and by the time they shared their first kiss as a married couple, Storm Ciaran felt like a distant memory—at least for a moment!

Two groomsmen shaking hands in front of a bride during a wedding ceremony, with guests smiling in the background amidst a rustic stone setting.
A bride and groom smile at each other during their wedding ceremony, surrounded by seated guests in a rustic venue.
A groom placing a wedding ring on the bride's hand during their ceremony, surrounded by guests in the background.
A couple stands hand in hand during their wedding ceremony, surrounded by family and friends in a beautifully decorated venue.
A bride places a ring on her groom's finger during a wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests in a rustic venue.
A couple exchanges wedding vows, smiling at each other surrounded by family and friends in a stone-walled venue.
A joyful couple shares a kiss during their wedding, surrounded by smiling guests in a rustic venue.
Couple joyfully signing their marriage document surrounded by beautiful floral arrangements.
A couple seated at a wedding, sharing a light-hearted conversation while surrounded by smiling guests, capturing the essence of celebration and togetherness.
A candid black and white photograph capturing two women during a lively event, with one joyfully laughing and the other observing with a thoughtful expression.
A happy couple celebrates their wedding with confetti, surrounded by joyful guests in a beautiful venue.

One of my absolute favourite photos from their wedding

Holly and Adam blissful unaware I was there as they shared a moment together after walking back up the aisle as partners for life.

A bride and groom embrace joyfully, surrounded by flower petals, showcasing love and happiness on their special day.
A joyful wedding party celebrating with colorful smoke bombs in Dodford Manor, showcasing laughter and festive attire.

Group Photos with a Twist

With the storm storming outside, there was only one thing for it… group photos indoors! Everyone stayed warm and dry… well, almost. The whole wedding party headed out for some coloured smoke bomb fun, and it was SO worth it for the shots we got!

My friendly reminder here… NEVER let the weather stop you having the wedding you have always dreamed about.

A couple shares a romantic kiss while surrounded by guests holding colourful smoke bombs, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. at Dodford Manor
Two women in formal dresses pose together with floral bouquets in front of a rustic stone wall adorned with fairy lights at dodford manor
A joyful group photo of a bride in a white dress and her family, standing in front of a decorated stone wall with greenery and fairy lights.
A large group of people dressed in formal attire posing together, smiling in front of a stone wall adorned with greenery, capturing a joyful family moment.
A joyful wedding party composed of the bride and bridesmaids, proudly posing with bouquets in a picturesque setting. The groom is playfully lying on the ground in front of them Dodford Manor
A joyful wedding party poses together in a beautifully decorated venue, showcasing a mix of elegant attire and floral arrangements.
A smiling man stands between his parents, who are dressed elegantly, with a decorative backdrop of greenery and fairy lights.
A bride poses with her parents in a charming venue featuring stone walls and soft lighting inside of Dodford manor
A decorative gift box labeled 'White Chocolate + Blueberry Blondies' sits on a neatly arranged table with silverware and a background of greenery and floral arrangements.
A close-up of a floral arrangement featuring elegant place cards with names written in a stylish font.
A stylish table setting featuring bottles of Yellow Tail Shiraz and Malbec, a table number card with childhood photographs, and decorative greenery.
A beautifully arranged dining area featuring wooden beams, tables with white linens, and elegant table settings, ready for a celebration.
A close-up of a framed photo showing a man and a child smiling together by the water, with other blurred frames in the background.
A beautifully decorated wedding cake featuring pastel roses, greenery, and colorful flowers on a rustic wooden base, set against a stone background.
A vintage red post box beside a welcome sign and a wedding puzzle guest book, set against a brick wall.
A wooden cake topper featuring a house with balloons, a couple, and the date 02.11.2023, set against a textured stone background.
A wooden tribute sign commemorating those who cannot be present, featuring elegant text and heartfelt dedication for Adam and Holly dated 02.11.23.

Embracing the Elements for Natural Wedding Photography

After the ceremony, I loved that Holly and Adam fully trusted me and my craziness to brave the elements for some breath-taking Dodford Manor wedding photography. The relentless rain gave us the chance to capture dramatic, windswept portraits that truly told the story of the day. The moody sky against the rustic charm of the barn created a stunning, cinematic feel.

We also made the most of the cosy indoor spaces, documenting real, joyful moments filled with love and laughter. If you’re wondering how to plan for beautiful wedding photos in unpredictable weather, check out my timeline tips!

A couple in wedding attire sharing a playful moment, with the bride making a silly face while the groom smiles, surrounded by greenery and stone walls.
A joyful couple sharing an intimate moment, gazing into each other's eyes, surrounded by nature, with a beautiful bouquet in the bride's hands.
A happy couple embraces under a clear umbrella, sharing a moment of love and laughter amidst a rainy backdrop, with the bride holding a bouquet of flowers.
A joyful couple dances together outdoors, embracing the moment of their wedding with a scenic backdrop of trees and an old wooden fence.
A smiling couple holding hands in front of a rustic wooden backdrop, dressed elegantly for their wedding – Get in Touch with LB Photography for fun and natural wedding photography - connect with fun and friendly wedding photographer
A happy bride and groom, hand in hand, walking down a scenic path surrounded by trees, dressed in formal wedding attire.

A Celebration to Remember

As evening rolled in, guests embraced the stormy vibes and danced the night away inside the warm barn. The energy was electric, proving once again that a little rain can’t stop a great party. Holly and Adam’s first dance was a perfect mix of romance, joy, and celebration.

Cake cutting and speeches included in a relaxed, Stress-Free Wedding Timeline
A couple sharing a sweet kiss during a festive gathering, surrounded by flowers and drinks.
A couple sharing a tender smile during their wedding reception, surrounded by floral arrangements and guests in the background.
A groom wipes away tears while being comforted by loved ones at a wedding reception table, surrounded by floral decorations and guests in the background.
A joyful couple smiles together while cutting their elegantly decorated wedding cake, set against a rustic stone wall.
Group of people joyfully dancing with raised arms in a festive indoor setting featuring wooden beams and colorful lighting.
A man in a red vest embraces the dance floor, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd during a festive event.
A woman in stylish attire enjoys a drink while dancing with a man in formal wear, surrounded by friends in a festive atmosphere.
A lively gathering of women dancing and enjoying drinks at a festive event, with colorful outfits and a DJ in the background.
Group of women dancing and enjoying drinks at a lively event with a DJ in the background.
A man in a stylish gray suit and a decorative headpiece smiles and waves while seated at a table, with party guests chatting in the background.
A joyful groom walks through a cheering crowd of guests at a wedding reception, surrounded by smiling faces and raised hands.
A bride smiles joyfully as she walks towards guests cheering and clapping in a beautifully decorated venue.
A couple holds hands and smiles at each other during their wedding reception, surrounded by smiling guests.
A couple sharing a romantic kiss during their wedding dance, surrounded by an attentive audience in a beautifully decorated venue.
Two women sharing a heartfelt embrace amidst a joyful gathering, surrounded by friends and family in a decorated venue.
Two women embrace joyfully amidst a festive wedding atmosphere, surrounded by friends and family.
A joyful moment captured during a wedding reception, featuring guests dancing and interacting in a festive atmosphere.
Guests sharing warm embraces and laughter during a lively event, creating memorable moments together.

Final Thoughts

Holly and Adam’s day was a beautiful reminder that no matter what the weather throws your way, love and celebration always shine through. Their Dodford Manor wedding was filled with unforgettable moments, emotion, and pure joy—from morning prep to stormy portraits to a packed dance floor.

If you’re planning your own Dodford Manor wedding, I’d love to be there to capture every moment—rain or shine. Get in touch and let’s make some magic together!

Here are their amazing suppliers

Jenkinsons catering

Flowers by Sarah Ann

Serendipity Brides

Mark Tolliss DJ 

Beau Weddings venue dressing

A couple kisses under a white umbrella amid a backdrop of softly falling rain, captured in black and white.
A couple shares a kiss under a white umbrella in the rain, captured in black and white photography, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

My 3 amazing couples

3 stunning couples. 3 beautiful weddings and I am so honoured to have captured so many memories for them.

A group of friends and family posing together at a wedding reception, with the bride in a wedding gown and joyful expressions all around.

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