Recently I had the privilege of capturing the wedding of Gemma & James at Woolhanger Manor. I had never been to the venue before, but was bowled over by the views, and sheer scale of the Music Room. A magnificent room with its high ceilings and fireplaces made a wonderful setting for the ceremony.
There is no getting around it, it rained, heavily, all day. This did not dampen the mood of the day at all. Capturing the fun and frolics of the preparations with both the bride and groom, and witnessing the army of Bridesmaids and Groomsmen getting ready, in the separate cottages on site.
It was nice to have a quiet moment with Gemma before the ceremony, reflecting on times past with James, and both of us hoping the rain would blow over.
After the emotion filled ceremony, myself and the new Mr & Mrs Smith sought shelter from the crowds in the Red Room, a quiet space, where Gemma & James could spend some time together, while I captured some relaxed pictures of them.
What followed was a yummy Afternoon Tea supplied by Happycakes St Giles – a gorgeous 3 tier cake by Ladies Cakes.
The ceremony room decorated by Gemma and Dream Makers, with music from Sorelli Strings.
Keeping everyone watered with their fantastic wooden bar Fly Bar , Great music from the same company DJ Fly Base
Both sides of the families made me feel extremely welcome, and provided endless laughs throughout the day. An impromptu Karaoke session during a family picture was my personal favourite.
After a long day carrying the camera what could be better than Fish and Chips from Whiddon Valley Fryery- Whiddon Wagon
Bride
Hair – Talented Dannie Fuller
Makeup – Gemma did her own
Dress – by Frilly Frocks
Flowers – by To love and to cherish
A little more about the venue
Woolhanger Manor itself is located in the middle of the countryside on Exmoor, private would be an understatement, you have to drive over a mile along a half dirt, half tarmac track to even get to a B road which will then take you to the main route between Lynton, Barnstaple and Illfracome, and onwards to Woolacombe and Braunton. Weddings at Woolhanger Manor are therefore exclusive and very private in nature, two huge on site cottages allow for bride and groom accommodation and some immediate family.
Weddings at Woolhanger Manor, in North Devon, can either take place fully on site in one of there three refurnished rooms, the grandest of which would be the Music Room, or alternatively Woolhanger can be used exclusively for the reception venue, as was the case on my last visit to Woolhanger Manor, as well as taking full use of the cottages in the morning for bridal preparations and evening accommodation.
Dan Houghton Photography 