Hawkstone Hall Summer Wedding
A Stunning, Fun and at time Outrageous Wedding by Hawkstone Hall Wedding Photographers Stuart James
I knew this one was going to be pretty special. For more reasons than one!
Great venue ✔️ Beautiful couple ✔️A party crowd ✔️
Oh yes, all was lined up for this being pretty special indeed!!
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Laura and Jay and many of their friends and relatives for a few years now from photographing Hayley + Karl’s Weston Park wedding, Charl + Caddy’s All Saints Church + Sandon Hall wedding and Leah + Vaughan’s Heath House wedding! I remember speaking to Laura even before they booked the wedding, talking about venues and ideas, and I think they booked me as soon as they’d left Hawkstone Hall – who can blame them? It’s stunning!!
My coverage for Laura + Jay’s wedding was set from the morning preparations with the team of bridesmaids – one of whom providing hair styling – and the fabulous Callie-Jo looking after makeup right through to the end of what was set to be a messy and fun night!
Driving through horrific weather on the way to the Shrewsbury wedding venue, it was with a little trepidation I headed into the day, but lady luck was on our side, as you’ll see later on in the blog.
Creative Natural Photographs of the Bridal Morning at Hawkstone Hall
Laura chose the perfect dress for her wedding to Jay from Muse Bridal – it looks stunning hanging, but wow, when it was on, it really was divine!
Of course, there could only be one option for the shoes, with Manolo Blahnik Bridal Collection stealing the show – I adored the blue detailing!!
Creative Natural Photography by Hawkstone Hall Wedding Photographer Stuart James
As the bridal party finished getting ready, and Kita started to apply the finishing touches to Laura’s hair, our groom and the guests started to arrive for the ceremony.
There are always so many emotions to capture at this time – nerves, excitement, anticipation – it all comes together to build a brilliant story.
Wedding Ceremony at Hawkstone Hall
With the finishing touches coming together, the next moment was one of my favourites – the arrival of the Father of the Bride to collect his beautiful daughter. And what a reaction – love it, Baz!!
With the boys suited and booted to perfection, interviews with the registrars completed, it was off to the chapel for the ceremony and to greet the awaiting guests.
From the journey down the grand staircase, the excitement really started to build, along with a few emotions for our groom.
I love how Jay got a little teary while Laura was laughing, reminded me so much of Bek and me on our wedding day – yes, I was a blubbering mess!!
I love the range of emotions and reactions between the couple during the ceremony – these two are so comfortable and in love with each other.
Just stunning to witness and capture.
Hawkstone Hall Wedding Photographs
Signed sealed and delivered, and confetti thrown suitably into the faces of our bride and groom, it was time for the congratulations, drinks reception and family photos on the lawns.
To say I was relieved the weather had stayed onside was a huge understatement!
Bride and Groom Portraits around the grounds at Hawkstone Hall
The gardens at Hawkstone Hall are vast and STUNNING! There is so much to explore and enjoy.
With overcast skies, we had a great canvas to capture beautiful photos of Laura and Jay, and don’t worry; those Manolo Blahnik shoes were protected – Laura had pre-planned some ‘normal shoes’ for the shoot!
Wedding Breakfast at Hawkstone Hall
From the photos around the grounds, it was soon time to head into the stunning reception room for the wedding breakfast. The styling of the room by Two Hearts was absolutely stunning!
Always a brilliant moment to capture as the Bride and Groom enter the room, and of course, the speeches are always a highlight. Baz kicked things off as the Father of the Bride to a brilliant reception from the crowd, for the emotional strings to be pulled by Laura’s mom Hillary reading a beautiful poem – just fabulous.
From the parents, it was over to our man of the moment, our Groom Jay, for a brilliant speech ahead of the comedy duo of Moz and Taur.
This being the third incarnation of the duo with Jay + Taur being Moz’s best men all those years ago, and Jay + Moz returning the favour for Taur, it has to be said the boys could have had a lot of fun at Jay’s expense. They were kind, however, but still shared some brilliant stories and a few hilarious photos!
Oh, and starting the speech in Polish – a nod to Jay’s heritage – went down a storm even if no one in the room could understand them, lol!
Evening Reception at Hawkstone Hall
With the formalities out of the way, it was time for everyone to kick back and get the party started!
Mild summer weather had remained into the evening allowing the guests to relax and enjoy the lawns at Hawkstone Hall, which the kids certainly made the most of…even the bigger ones!
From the cutting of the cake, it was time for the first dance ahead of House of Chords, getting the party truly underway!
Crazy Fun and Lively Night Photographs by Hawkstone Hall Wedding Photographers
Now I’m not saying things got a little excited as the boys from Word of Mouth Events kicked into their DJ set, but the classic Ibiza tunes brought out something brilliant in the crowd.
I love capturing a party that totally goes wild!!
Now some scenes happen in front of you as a wedding photographer you will never forget – and Jay grabbing Laura’s mom Hillary on the dancefloor is one of those moments!! Add in Laura’s hilarious expression, and it’s a photo that will last the test of time! Love it!!
Hawkstone Hall Wedding Photographers
Alas, all good parties come to an end, but of course, we have to finish them in the most special way we know how…a little bit of nighttime magic:
Laura and Jay, I had the best time capturing your wedding – it was a wedding I’d been looking forward to from the moment we first spoke about it, and after knowing you both all these years, it felt incredibly special to document your memories.
Thank you for inviting me to be part of your day – I loved it!!
