Hannah and Gary - Donnington Park Farmhouse Wedding. by Ben Winnington

I feel as though I could post every single photo from this wedding! I loved it so much!

Hannah and Gary tied the knot in what I am lead to believe is the original barn wedding venue. The gorgeous Donnington Park Farmhouse in Leicester.

After such a wonderfully relaxed hair and makeup session (with the absolutely lovely Rachael Carrie MUA); Hannah, now in her Enzoani dress, and her bridesmaids started to make their way to the venue at Donnington Park. Hannah was driven by her Dad in his sports car; however, unbeknown to her, he had arranged a surprise campervan to meet us half way and take her there in style! It was such a lovely surprise and her shocked face said it all!

After the ceremony, the guests were treated to some unexpected November wedding sunshine which meant that confetti and drinks could be enjoyed outside in the large courtyard. The wedding breakfast was held in what was the original pig sty and still had a very charming and rustic feel to it!

We were so lucky to catch the last of the day’s light in between dinner courses for some really stunning couple portraits, and after speeches, the real fun started!

A two man band (Stu and Neil) called “Angels with dirty faces” played in the bar area of the barn, meaning that people could get a drink and straight into the dancing! The energy was amazing, as everyone (young and old) were singing and dancing! The party moved back into the main hall, where the couple had their first dance to ‘Ho Hey’ by ‘The Lumineers’ and a dj continued the tunes late into the evening.

I felt really emotional at the end of Hannah and Gary’s wedding because I genuinely had been made to feel like one of the family! We have kept in touch and I really hope we remain friends because these guys are truly awesome!

This was a winter wedding with a sunny surprise; and I’m so excited to be back at Donnington Park Farmhouse later on this year!


Darcie & Mick - Bordesley Park Wedding by Ben Winnington

There’s some things you should know about Darcie.

She is ALWAYS bubbly and smiley.

She will be at your first meeting in her pj’s (my kind of girl)

She’s baby crazy

And she absolutely adores ‘her Mick’!

Darcie and Micks wedding day was every bit the fun lively day that I had envisaged it would be after meeting them (in pj’s). Darcie’s princess wedding dreams became a reality at the gorgeous Bordesley Park, complete with the princess hair and gown.

There was every emotion in the book present at bridal prep as we had laughs and happiness, a tired toddler, a proud mother and six gushing bridesmaids. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when Darcie did her ‘dress reveal’. It was a very special, perfect moment.

After a minor hiccough with the car enroute to the church; the couple said their vows in the stunning St Brigids church and moved onto Bordesley Park.

The couple laughed with friends at the speeches from the Father of the Bride, the Groom and the two best men.

We would like to thank the couple for having us with you to celebrate and also thank the staff at Bordesley for being so helpful and welcoming! We’d also like to give a shout out to Rob from FuzFilms, who was a pleasure to work alongside! We love a good local Birmingham wedding!

Laura & Tom - Lichfield Autumn Wedding by Ben Winnington

My Darling Laura and Tom.

Myself and Laura had never met, but after our first phone call I said to Ben, “I want to be her best friend!” Laura has that natural friendly personality that gives her the ability to make anyone feel welcome and loved instantly! I was so excited to be a part of their day.

The morning started at Laura’s Moms house, which I soon learnt played a very important role in the day. It was Laura’s dream as a child to have her wedding in her back garden. So that’s more or less what she did! TeePee style!

The couple said ‘I do’ in their local quaint church and walked their guests back through the quiet village lanes to the `Matile’ house where the splendid Teepee stood in all it’s glory. The guests enjoyed live music which continued late into the night, tapas style food and some notably hilarious speeches from the bride herself, the groom, best man and father of the bride.

What struck me the most about Laura and Tom’s big day, was how family orientated it was. The couple made everything centre around home and even the vicar was a family friend. We had the best time and would like to thank Laura and Tom for making us feel like part of your wedding party! You guys are amazing.

Rosie & Kieran - West Lexham Wedding by Ben Winnington

Summer, glorious, beaming summer; where did you go? Take me back to this summer wedding at West Lexham in Norwich. We had a total blast at this weekend-long, festival wedding with this wonderful couple. Out in deepest Norfolk, these guys prepared a three day party in the never ending open spaces of West Lexham, a venue that was a step outside of the ordinary for both of us. We got to meet baby Oliver, and the amazing supporting cast that helped to allow these two to enjoy the most wonderful of weddings. Thanks for having us, guys!

We love a festival wedding!

Claire & Jay - Manor House Hotel Wedding by Ben Winnington

More Cotswold wedding venues please!

I’ve known Claire for a little while as she runs a Children’s group which we attended with our daughter, and so I already knew all about her easy going nature and love of making other people joyful. However; Claire and Jay surprised everyone with their fun filled day, packed to the brim with hilarious tongue in cheek details, endless games and activities (for both kids and adults), and colourful decor (including tons of Lego). The thought and details that had gone into their day were astonishing, and the work which all of their suppliers had put in to create such a vibrant and energetic atmosphere shouldn’t go unmentioned.

Claire and Jay have both got families from previous relationships and it was evident that the focus of their day wasn’t purely the love they had for each other, but the overwhelming love and commitment that they both have towards all of the children and the two families becoming united. Every decision they had made for the wedding; they clearly had the children in mind, and that made for such a heartwarming and joy filled day!

The couple wed in the grounds of the stunning and traditionally English ‘Manor house Hotel’ in the heart of the Cotswolds. They had an outdoor wedding ceremony, where they had prepared personalised pledges to each other; which really showed their characters perfectly, and gave us such an insight into their relationship together. We also heard readings from Claire’s sister and Jays good friend, and their brother in Law sang during the ceremony, which again all added to the very personal touches which they included in their big day.

After lawn games, confetti, Lego workshops (yes, more Lego!) afternoon tea and lots of bubbles, the couple got the party started by treating their guests to yet another surprise…!

For months before the wedding, the couple had been to dance lessons to ‘wow’ their guests with a medley of all amazing songs which again, they executed with good humour and tons of love for each other. Kudos to both of them for putting on such a brave and creative first dance performance. We’ve never wanted to stay and dance with the guests as much as we did with Claire and Jay; as all of the children were having such a ball, and we got treated to an impromptu breakdance/flossing routine from Claire’s son, along with a Dance lesson from Jay’s Daughter.

Guys; your wedding was perfect and we couldn’t stop smiling the whole day. Your family is so wonderful and we wish you all every happiness together. I’m sure we will stay in touch.

Charlotte & James - Hyde House Wedding by Ben Winnington

Charlotte and James’ wedding was the hight of glamour, with no detail spared. They said their ‘I do’s’ in the gorgeous Hyde House; a favourite of ours, and despite the typical British weather, these guys definitely made the most of every second of their big day.

Charlotte and her girls got ready together in the gorgeous bridal suite at Hyde Barn, accompanied by several family dogs (ADORABLE). The couple then braved the rain to walk over to the new addition to Hyde house, the gorgeous ceremony room “the Grange”. The ceremony was full of tears, wobbly bottom lips, and laughter and they walked back down the isle with their furry pooches not far behind them as Mr and Mrs Tinker.

After some hilarious speeches by Charlotte’s Dad, James and his best friend and Best Man, the couple were blessed with some sunshine (hurray) and we were able to celebrate with confetti under the gorgeous arch in Hyde house gardens.

The couple were full of surprises in the evening as they danced together to a live DJ/Bongo drum set and then treated their guests with songs from the amazing live performers “Frankie’s Guys” who were honestly the most entertaining evening act we’ve ever experienced! Every single guest was up and dancing; just what we like to see.

We wanted to thank the Tinkers for having us along to your incredible day and hopefully we will see you in the future (with those gorgeous dogs!).

Jo & Joe - Quorn Grange Hotel Wedding by Ben Winnington

Jo and Joe, or Jo/E as they are more affectionately and collectively known, got married on a glorious Saturday in early August; which as all us Brits know; was an absolute scorcher!

We’ve known Jo/E for a while now through mutual friends and so turning up at their wedding just felt like we were guests with a decent camera. Hanging out with Jo and the girls in the morning just felt like getting ready with old friends and the atmosphere was so bubbly and excitable!

The reception took place at the quaint ‘Quorn Grange Hotel’ in Leicester; with its extensive and beautiful english gardens and stunning lawns to play games and drink pimms, this was the perfect place for the couple to host their picnic themed lunch. Possibly the cutest idea to date for a wedding meal, this traditional picnic complete with sharing picnic hampers, sandwiches, cakes and the humble scotch egg! We loved it!

After a hilarious speech/rap from the best man, some personalised bear gifts for family and us sneaking onto a gorgeous corn field (sorry farmer), the couple finished the day dancing together to “kiss me”.

We had such a fun day and its difficult to feel like it’s a day working when we’re spending it with such great friends! Jo/E we love you and we loved your wedding day.

Jess & Luke - Redhouse Barn Wedding by Ben Winnington

​Jessica and Luke married on one of the most sweltering, glorious days of July 2018.

The young sweethearts said ‘I do’ in the idyllic Red House Barn, and it was so touching to watch as Luke met his bride half way down the isle before they walked together to start the rest of their lives as Mr and Mrs Baker.

The couple made the most of the scorching sun with lawn games with their guests and dancing outside as they partied the night away.

It was such a fun, chilled out day, and we were so happy to be a part of it. Jess and Luke: you were so lovely and welcoming to work with and we wish you every happiness together.

Caroline & Michael - Stone Barn Wedding by Ben Winnington

Oh Stone Barn, we love you! 

Having spoken to Caroline several times on the phone before the big day, when we eventually met mid makeup session with 'Abbie Faux', I felt like I'd known her for years. We spoke about her pregnancy (believe it or not she is 20 weeks gone here. I would never have guessed!) and joked about the weather; men, and all the quirky surprises she had got lined up for the day. Caroline was relaxed and her whole bridal party had that 'chilled out' holiday vibe about them as they lounged in their robes drinking fresh coffee, being pampered by their hair stylist (Simon Smith) and eating delicious breakfasts from the Daylesford farm shop. 

We briefly caught up with Michael and the boys a few miles down the road at the Porch House hotel and joined them mid 'Tie tying school' session which made for some amusing confused faces! The boys all had a quick pint together to toast the start of what was about to be an incredible, and emotional day! 

As Caroline walked towards Michael in her stunning "Katya Katya" lace gown, linking her Fathers arm and beaming at her soon to be Husband; Michael controlled his emotions and his tears at the sight of his Bride on his best man; his fathers shoulder. This was such a wonderful moment and set the tone for the rest of the ceremony, which was full of laughs, tears and cuddles!

The couple opted for a meaty BBQ style feast to enjoy with their guests and for desert a table adorned with a huge amount of cake which was provided by various guests. The cakes were entered into their very own 'Bake off' contest; judged by Caroline, her sister and her brother in law. 

The evening ended with a bang (almost quite literally) as guests enjoyed live music and some maybe not so successful, but extremely memorable sparklers, along with obligatory 'flossing' from the younger guests. 

Thank you Mr & Mrs Wiseman for having us be part of your amazing day. We enjoyed every second. We wish you every happiness in your new journey together!

Venue: Stone Barn
Dress: Katya Katya London
MUA: Abbie Faux MUA
Hair Stylist: Simon Smith
Shoes: Ralph Lauren 
 

Russell & Victoria - Dewsall Court Wedding by Ben Winnington

A warm spring morning, Victoria and her bridal party were getting ready in the gorgeous Dewsall Court, which is where the wedding would take place later that day.

The wedding was full of stunning personal touches including the brides dress which she designed herself! Dewsall court barn looked beautiful filled with hanging roses and a huge ornate frame covered with greenery and flowers as a welcome sign. 

The service was intimate and emotional, with the best man (the grooms son) giving a beautiful and well rehearsed reading; and tears from family and friends as they watched the nervous couple say their vows. 

The couple later danced the night away to the sounds of their very entertaining band who reenacted several famous Tarantino scenes accompanied by his music. 

We had such an amazing day and would like to thank Russell, Victoria and their families for being so accommodating and having us along to their amazing day.