The Fonthill Estate is somewhat of a local legend, a beauty spot where most of us Wiltshire locals have enjoyed many a pub lunch and leisurely walks around the picturesque lake. I’m lucky enough that this beautiful location is just fifteen minutes from home for me. When I heard about this lovely couple’s wedding plans to have their wedding reception in a woodland clearing overlooking the lake in a private area of The Fonthill Estate’s woodland which usually unaccessible to the public I knew the backdrop would be good. And I was not disappointed.

It was a jaw dropping backdrop for the guests looking down from the woodland clearing to the lake, and venturing down to the lakeside for photographs after dinner was just awesome. If you’re looking for a DIY venue space, or the perfect backdrop for a marquee, Quarry Wood in the Fonthill Estate is just incredible. There’s evening space in the woodland for your guests to camp overnight too!

The Perfect Wedding Prep Space

This couple had chosen quite possibly the best bridal prep location I’ve EVER shot at. One side of the beautiful converted Cart Barn is entirely glass windows. This made for the most dreamy light filled imagery perfect for photos of the make up and details. The interiors are also beautiful to boot which gave me lots of choice for styling the detail shots. Choosing the right (light!) space for bridal prep (or any part of the day) makes such a massive difference to the final photographs.

I had so many laughs with Georgia and Jonny, and felt like I was hanging out with old friends as we took some photos at the iconic Fonthill Arch after their ceremony (in the church where Georgia’s parents and grandparents were wed). And then back at the marquee the fun continued as they’d laid out a coconut shy, limbo and loads of other fun games for their guests, all over looking the most amazing view of the lake.

An Epic Evening Reception Party

In the evening as the sun began to drop we took a little mooch down to the lake side and I’m so thrilled with the resulting images. And then Georgia and Jonny had the most bonkers and brilliant cake cutting I think I’ve ever witnessed in my twelve years shooting weddings! They cut the cake with a very special gold plated saw, passed down from Jonny’s Dad to him as he’s a carpenter. Georgia sawed the top tier of cake in half and then proceeded to shove it in Jonny’s face. They then both took hand fulls of cake and fed it to each other before stepping onto the dance floor where the party went off as soon as the excellent band – Vivo – started.

Everyone was warm and welcoming to me all day, nothing was too much trouble, Georgia and Jonny trusted me and went with me when I asked if they’d be up for a few more photos here and there and I think the results speak for themselves. I left pinching myself that this is what I get to call work as it truly felt like I’d spent the day with friends. Thank you so much for choosing me you absolute beauts.

These photos are ‘previews’, the sneak peek images I share with my couples in the first days after the wedding while they’re waiting for the full set. When Georgia saw them she said…

“You were just incredible and SO many people came up to me saying how amazing you were. These previews are just beyond anything we could have imagined, you’ve captured the day and us perfectly and we’re so chuffed. Thank you, thank you, thank you”

If you’re having a Fonthill Estate wedding I’d love to hear about your plans. Drop me a line to chat here.

WEDDING DREAM TEAM

Dress & Bridesmaids Dresses: Ghost // Shoes Jimmy Choo // Flower girl dresses: Next // Make up: Michaela Selene // Hair by Danni @ Seven Ivy Hairdressing // Bouquets: Pampelmousse Dorset

Bridal Prep Venue: The Cart Barn // Venue: Quarry Wood, Fonthill Estate // Marquee: DP Marquees // Calligraphy: Copperleaf Calligraphy // Band: Vivo Band