A GOTHIC HIDDEN GEM IN CHELTENHAM
Manor By The Lake in Cheltenham is a fairy-tale Gothic hidden gem. Tucked away on the outskirts of town, the venue makes you feel as though you are deep in the heart of the countryside. With endless photographic locations both inside and out, it provided a spectacular backdrop for Emma and Steve’s April wedding.
The day was incredibly chilled, filled with giggles and smiles. Despite the typical British weather—pleasant sunshine followed by cold downpours—the couple stayed relaxed, allowing us to make the most of the grounds between showers and grab some creative shots indoors when needed. CAPTURING THE UNEXPECTED
One of the best things about Manor By The Lake is the layout, which allowed me to capture both sets of preparations as the couple got ready at opposite ends of the house. I spent the morning sprinting between the two to ensure every bit of excitement was documented.
The day even threw us a small curveball when the excitement led to a bit of a nosebleed for Emma—luckily, plenty of handkerchiefs were on hand to save the dress! These unexpected moments are priceless and part of what makes every wedding story unique. I captured everything up to the speeches and a "fake cake" cut before leaving them to enjoy their evening celebrations.
Weekday Wedding Tips: For a weekday wedding, many couples choose coverage that ends after the speeches. This is a simple solution to keep costs down while still ensuring all the key emotional moments and portraits are professionally captured.