Merrydale Manor - Rachel & Tom

I've looked forward to this wedding. A return to Merrydale Manor after a few years since my last visit... and this time, it was for the wedding of some familiar faces - this was Rachel & Tom's special day. I've known Tom for many years and have been fortunate enough to do some product photography for his family business, but this time it was for he and Rachel's beautiful wedding celebration. The weather wasn't great for us, but in a stunning venue such as Merrydale Manor, we had loads of opportunities for stunning photo's.

My mornings coverage began with Wedding Preparation, capturing Anna Baxter (make-up) at work with Samantha Gannon (hair). I took this opportunity to capture all of the detail - from the wedding dress to the hair and make-up, and everything else in view. There was lots of opportunities to capture emotion and interaction between Rachel and the Bridal party. It was also a celebration for their son Charlie... who was totally involved all day, and was a great assistant for me throughout :-)

Tom, Charlie and the gents were getting ready at "The Cave" - a separate location where the gents could change, enjoy a few beers and some games of pool in preparation for the ceremony ahead. With the gents ready I had an opportunity for some group shots indoors, before the heavens opened.

How beautiful is the "Ceremony Hall" at Merrydale Manor???

From here, I headed over to the main house where Rachel was getting into her dress with the assistance of her sister. Dad arrived soon after for an intimate family dress reveal, before another beautiful dress reveal to the rest of the bridal party on the main stairway. Charlie also got in the action - it was a beautiful moment!

Whilst the bridal party were shuttled to the ceremony hall, I took the opportunity for photographs with Rachel at the main house, who looked stunning in her dress, by Natalie Ann Brides. Incidentally, flowers were beautifully created by Myke Caulton Floral Couture. The ceremony could now commence.

The Drinks reception was underway and I took one for the team and stood in the rain whilst Rachel & Tom stood for group photo's under the shelter - it was so worth it for the natural light.

For group shots with the bridesmaids and for a couples shoot the rest of us headed back to the Ceremony Hall.

Meanwhile, the room was ready for the Wedding Breakfast and looked unreal!

The Toastmaster at Merrydale Manor announced the newlyweds into the room. Whilst guests were being served food I took the time to photograph the bridal bouquet and the wedding rings before taking a break and enjoy the fine cuisine myself. Then, there was an incident.....

Guests ran to the attention of the fallen waiter, showing great concern.... only for the waiter to reveal the surprise entertainment!

It was a great celebration with some beautiful (& hilarious) speeches, which followed the singing waiters. Once the speeches had ended, Rachel, Tom and I tried to take advantage of a gap in the rain for something creative.

However, the rain soon returned, so there was one thing for it - continue the celebrations. The evening reception had begun, starting with the tradition of the first dance. What a day it's been!

I’d like to wish Rachel & Tom a lifetime of happiness. Congratulations to you both and thanks so much for booking Nathan Roberts Photography to capture your special day. I had a lovely day celebrating and capturing your day with wonderful family and friends.

Rachel & Tom's Suppliers:

Video - Elizabeth Josh Films

Make up - Anna Baxter

Hair (Bridal) - Samantha Gannon Bridal Hair

Hair (Groom) - Haircraft, Denbigh

Flowers - Myke Caulton Floral Couture

Dress - Natalie Ann Brides, Liverpool

Suits - Attire

Pianist - Liz Hendry Pianist

Singing Waiters - Undercover Artists

Cakes - For Heavens Cakes

Brownies - Indulge Brownies