The Priest House Hotel Wedding
Documentary Wedding Photography in Castle Donington, Derby
The Priest House Hotel in Castle Donnington is a lovely wedding venue with several spaces to choose from, including a spectacular outdoor area where you and your guests can enjoy the beautiful views on the river and the old wheels. It also allows for beautiful romantic wedding photos with a stunning backdrop, especially when it’s time for your golden hour bridal portraits.
Emma and Simon wanted a relaxed countryside wedding, where they could enjoy their wedding with family and friends without having to worry about unpredictable English weather. So, the Priest House Hotel was the perfect venue for them, and it felt like a holiday rather than just a fully packed day. They were also keen on a photographer who could take relaxed, natural wedding photos where they don’t have to pose for a long time so they could actually enjoy their day. When they got in touch to ask for my availability, I was over the moon – firstly because I knew Simon but also because their brief was spot on! As a Derbyshire wedding photographer who is all about candid moments and relaxed, authentic photography, I knew this Priest House Hotel Wedding would be a special one.
They made the background to their first table, so I wanted to capture it and used it for the dress photo. Their families had made one cake so they had two. It’s so special when what you have at your wedding comes from people who love you. I love the bespoke cake sign too! They used the photos of their pre-wedding shoot to decorate the venue too. It was lovely seeing them.
They could use several rooms exclusively as well as the outdoor area and enjoy the beautiful views on the river and the old wheels. Simon is an inventor and I liked seeing him by the rusty cogs, symbols of engineering and mechanics. Emma is a vet and is at home in nature so it was a great setting for both of them, it’s a shame they couldn’t bring their cats!
I’ve known Simon a few years but it’s always a discovery to hear about someone you know socially and find out what makes them special. All the beautiful things people say about someone at their wedding usually melts my heart. I’m always awed and honoured to meet such beautiful people, people who believe in what they do, make a change in the world and live their life with heart and soul as well as mind. Emma I got to know a little bit and was wowed by at the speeches. Again, I had the honour to see her in all the beautiful things people said about her, especially her feminism, which meant that mother and father gave a speech, as well as groom and bride. I can say it’s the first time I see that and it was heartwarming.
During a wedding there are always more photos I can imagine and the key thing is to communicate so the couple doesn’t feel they could have had more, nor that they were hijacked. They were both very clear that although the sunset on the river was great, the main thing was to spend time with their guests. What’s important is that they get what is important to them. My job is to record their day, not to control it!
To see their wedding album on YouTube, click here.
If you’re planning to get married at the Priest House Hotel, I’d love to document your day. Get in touch to discuss your wedding and how we can create beautiful photos that reflect you.
Wedding vendors:
Dress: Bradgate Brides– Manon “Birch”
Bridesmaids: Matchimony
Veil: Blossom and Bluebirds
Shoes: Charlotte Mills
Earrings: Liberty in Love
Hair: Mon Amie Hair
Cake: Victoria’s cake company