My first time photographing a wedding Hodsock Priory and it was ace!
On arriving at Hodsock Priory, you can’t help being blown away as you enter via, a grade 1 listed Tudor gatehouse – the last remaining one in Nottinghamshire. It’s like visiting a castle! The entrance reminds me of Doddington Hall in Lincolnshire, which is another epic wedding venue.
Hodscok Priory is a country house that transports you into another world as you enter through the grand Tudor gatehouse. Situated on the Nottinghamshire / South Yorkshire border, It offers a picturesque and romantic setting with historic charm, infamous snowdrop gardens and enchanting and versatile wedding spaces. There were loads of photography opportunities with 800 acres of gardens, parkland and woodland. It’s easy to see why Sophie and Roberto couple chose this stunning venue for their celebrations.
Hodsock Priory Wedding – Bride Prep
My day began in the family home, surrounded by her closest family, Sophie’s relaxed morning was the perfect way to start the wedding day, and as her vintage car pulled up everyone was ready to celebrate in style.
My favourite photo from the morning was a shot of Sophie ready to go the the church with a photo of her as a little girl in the background. It was a completely upstaged moment. I spotted the photo of Sophie earlier in the day and the idea to incorporate it into a photo if the opportunity arose. As a documentary wedding photographer, so I don’t pose or direct anyone. Photo below 🙂
Sophie and Roberto’s ceremony at St James church in South Anston was very heartwarming as they were married on the anniversary of Sophie’s parents, and in the same church; what a special way to honour a family love story close to this couple’s heart!
Both chose simple and elegant attire for their nuptials. Sophie wore a classic halterneck satin gown with tulle overlay and a simple cascading veil. Peeking out from under her dress was the perfect pair of vintage style blue velvet shoes. These tied in perfectly with Roberto’s blue tones of his suit. With a classic navy suit, crisp white shirt and powder blue cravat that he paired with luxury tan leather shoes to complete the look.
I always try to capture the humour of a wedding.
Award-Winning Wedding Photography at Hodsock Priory
After the ceremony, Sophie and Roberto danced down the aisle (this is a rarity)! One of the photos that I captured during this moment won another wedding photograph award with the Wedding Photojournalist Association! Then it was off to the stunning Hodsock Priory. I bet you will look this joyful on your wedding day too.
Wedding Reception at Hodsock Priory
With busy lives as doctors it was finally time for my couple to relax and enjoy the celebrations. Honouring Roberto’s Italian roots, the décor was a mix of luxurious elements paired with rustic details and had personal touches to the couple. The classic round table settings were adorned with dramatic and frothy florals. A mixture of roses, gypsophila and hydrangeas they towered high to match the grandness of the reception suite at Hodsock Priory. After being serenaded by a harpist whilst they ate there was a perfect speech where Roberto’s twin brother gave an address as best man. It was also during the reception
During the wedding breakfast, guests began chanting something, and not being able to speak a word of Italian myself, I knew something was coming but I didn’t know what. So I positioned myself quickly at the top table. They were chanting for a kiss as it turned out!
No one wants photos of guests shovelling food in their mouths. However, while food is being served is no time to put the camera down. I’m always on the lookout for the quieter moments that are off the radar to most people. In the photo below, I’ve captured guests sharing photos of the Grooms parents wedding around the table. It’s just one example of the little details that I like to tune into during a wedding – capturing moments that the couple certainly missed is a big part of my style.
From a wedding photography standpoint, the large windows and the high ceilings in Hodsock’s wedding breakfast area made it a very flattering environment to shoot in owing to the large amount of natural light that filled the room.
After speeches, I whisked the loved-up couple off to grab some more intimate shots and give them some downtime together as newlyweds before hitting the dance flor.
More Hodsock Priory Wedding Photos
Here are a few more photographs from Sophie and Roberto’s wedding day at Hodsock Priory, enjoy! If you want a documentary photographer for your Hodsock Priory wedding and you love what you’ve seen here, please get in touch I’d love to hear from you. Contact me HERE
Planning a Wedding Hodsock Priory?
If you were planning on getting married at Hodsock Priory, they have dressing rooms fit for bridal prep. So, if you don’t have a family home nearby to get ready, like Sophie and Roberto, that part of your day can all be taken care of.
Wedding Ceremony at Hodsock Priory
If you are not having a church wedding ceremony, Hodsock offers several fantastic ceremony rooms You can choose from the oak-panelled historic hall or the more contemporary Buchanan Hall offering a luxurious chandelier-lit neutral backdrop. Smaller intimate ceremonies can be held in the traditional library or light and airy Anteroom.
You can even get married outdoors under the Georgian gazebo in the central garden, the rose garden, the bluebell wood, or even under the historic gatehouse.
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If you loved Sophie and Roberto’s day at Hodsock Priory and want a Derbyshire wedding photographer who’s more about the people than the posing for your special celebration, get in touch and let’s chat!