In the last few weeks life really has been turned upside down with cornoavirus / COVID-19 wreaking havoc across the world. I want to take you back a few weeks to the end of February, which now seems a whole lifetime away! Life was certainly more normal back then even though we were at the height of the second big storm of the winter, Storm Dennis. I’d made the short hop from Birmingham to Bobbington in the South Staffordshire Countryside for Esme and Daniel’s wonderful wedding at the brilliant Blakelands Country House.
It was my first visit to Blakelands Country House, a venue which has a long and illustrious history dating back to the 1500’s. Blakelands sits among delightful walled gardens, paddocks, orchards and lakes giving lots of great photography opportunities. The current owners of Blakelands, the Morgan family, bought the estate back in 1981 and have been hosting weddings there for nearly 30 years so it’s an incredibly well run ship.
As Storm Dennis was doing its best to blow people off their feet outside I made my way into the relative calm of The Bridal Loft, Blakelands very own self contained bridal preparation area, to meet with Esme and her bridesmaids. It was a hive of activity with Leena Leigh on makeup whilst Hair by Mrs B was busy with coiffuring duties. Meanwhile Daniel and his groomsmen were readying themselves over in the main house before heading to the bar in the Lodge to meet with the guests prior to the ceremony.
The ceremony took place in the Blakelands Country House Maltings Barn and was a lovely affair held in front of their family and closest friends. With the legal formalities completed everyone then made their way outside into the winter sunshine and, thanks to Storm Dennis, blustering winds. Throwing confetti in gale force winds certainly made for a fairly unique experience. The guests then made their way into the main house to seek some shelter from the storm and to enjoy the drinks reception whist Esme, Daniel and I quickly braved the winds outside for some portraits.
With the drinks quaffed and canapes munched the wedding party made their way back into the Maltings Barn for the wedding breakfast. This was followed by some very heartfelt speeches before the barn was prepared for the evening reception. The party then continued into the evening before the bride and groom made a spectacular sparkler exit.
Before I sign off I would like to say a massive thank you to Esme, Daniel and their families for having me along to photograph their special day, it was a real pleasure to have been part of such a wonderful wedding. It was also great to tie up with Matt and Rach from Here’s a Little Story wedding videography, who’s wedding I shot last year at Blackwell Grange. Here’s a few pictures from Esme and Daniel’s big day . . .
Blakelands Country House Wedding Photographer
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