They do say, 'never work with children or animals.' I'm not entirely sure who 'they' are, but as the designated wedding photographer at Old Rectory House on the 26th May 2023, I can hand on heart say that there are certain children that are a real exception to that saying. So with camera in hand, I made my way to photograph a small, intimate wedding, with a lovely, young family, as they celebrated their wedding day with those that they termed their 'very nearest and dearest.'
However, before we get onto the subject of the exceptions to that rule, that 'they' say, let me introduce you to our beautiful bride and dapper groom, Danielle and Rowan. Danielle, a practice manager, and Rowan, a mental health worker, both impressed upon me just how much their family and those closest to them mean. As well as loving a good old Netflix binge to unwind and relax, they very much enjoy socialising with friends and family. In fact, their engagement encompasses this feeling really nicely, with the setting being, the family home. With Danielle making a yearly joke and nudge to our groom to be at Christmas, with a makeshift 'engagement ring' made from a Christmas cracker, it seemed only fitting for Rowan to use one of said creations, as he popped the question... it only took ten hints I'm told. However, with the question asked and answered in the affirmative, a celebratory brunch was in order, and the family enjoyed a meal together before a trip to Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter to try on a sparkle or two... or three... or fifty... and of course, back to the very first one our beautiful bride to be tried on.
And so, with rings chosen, and plans made, our gorgeous couple decided on a wedding to remember at Old Rectory House, in Worcestershire. They both described the day to me as a 'small wedding', but with all 66x celebrating, it felt like no matter the physical number, the warmth and love would make it a big, grand affair. As mentioned earlier, they carefully selected those they described as their very nearest and dearest, with everyone being incredible special to them, and all playing a part in their love story. Absolutely wonderful, and a privilege to photograph such a joyous occasion with so many lovely people. The weather wasn't bad either... a beautiful sunny day, reflecting the happiness and warmth of the wedding party as a whole.
Now, talking of guests, and I haven't forgotten my initial mention of what 'they' say, there were some family members that really stood out for all the right reasons... and didn't they look smart! Our gorgeous couple, as well as enjoying a bit of TV and fun with friends, were keen to mention first and foremost, their favourite activity, spending weekends with their boys at their football matches. And whilst mum and dad are responsible for taking them here there and everywhere of a weekend, the boys had a very big responsibility on the wedding day... speeches. Aided by their nan and grandad, they wrote and planned out everything they were going to say themselves, with Danielle and Rowan not knowing what was coming, and I think their words say it best...
"... they were amazing, so brave, and we were so proud of them."
Couldn't have put it better myself. Being the man behind the camera, and in charge of capturing those special moments forever, as the wedding photographer, brings it's pressure. However, speeches are a different matter entirely, especially at such a young age and they were magnificent. Bravo!
And finally, the venue itself... what an amazing place to get married. 'They' (again, who?) do say, 'stick with what you know', and in this case, our couple had enjoyed a birthday celebration a few years previous at Old Rectory House, and it shot to the top of their wishlist. With a desire for less formal, more intimate surroundings, with stunning grounds for the photography, this ticked all the boxes our couple looked for, and then some. A bit of a hidden gem in the Worcestershire countryside, with a wealth of history across hundreds of years, situated between the original Roman built Icknield Street along the far boundary of the property and the monastic carp lakes at the rear. A real find, and a favourite of mine. Thank you for all of your help all the team at The Old Rectory!
Congratulations to Danielle and Rowan!
Wedding photography by Jon Thorne at Old Rectory House, Worcestershire.
