A Spring Wedding Full of Fun At Stanlake Park Wine Estate in Berkshire
Stanlake Park Wine Estate, has 130 acres of land dedicated to wine and weddings in Berkshire. The vineyards, for the wine and of course, couple photos and the beautifully restored elegant historic buildings, for each memorable part of your wedding day. There really is so many ways to make your wedding day unique to you.
Charlie and Craig, chose a late May wedding in The Coach House with a stunning flower arch created by Sonning flowers. Like most UK weddings, you can plan everything to the smallest of details but the one thing you can not control, or worry about, is the weather. Luckily for these two the sun was out in all its glory.
Heading up to see how Charlie and the girls were getting on in The Loft in the morning, I couldn’t help but fall in love with this venue, the buildings are stunning, the landscape is breathtaking and all buildings have the prettiest natural light. I found Charlie bathing in the morning sun from the skylight in The loft, where she was deep in to having her pamper session with a mimosa in hand. Her excitement and smiles already radiating the room.
Next up it was off to capture the boys arrival. As the boys Minibus was making its way down the tree lined driveway, I couldn’t help but laugh, the sound of them all singing all the way down the driveway. They were clearly all in great spirits. As the boys all bundled out of the minibus, with beer bottles in hands I just knew this was going to be a cracker of a day. A special moment was shared between Craig and his sister as Craig opened his thoughtful, tear inducing present from Charlie. A beautiful locket of his mother to wear in his jacket, after many tears and a massive group hug with the boys, it was back to larking about again.
Soon the guest all made their way through the walled garden to The Coach House, ready for the marriage ceremony. Whilst everyone was gathering downstairs, Charlie was getting in to the most beautiful dress and making all the final touches ready for a first look with her dad and brother. After some big proud smiles and even bigger hugs, it was time.
In the coach house, Craig was a mix of nerves and excitement. The harpist keeping the room calm. But as Charlie and her dad appeared in the doorway, he crumbled. The most perfect reaction to seeing his beautiful bride for the first time. There is one photo in particular, that I will love forever as it really encapsulates Craigs thoughts in that moment. I wonder if you can guess which one. The ceremony continued as a celebration with laughter and tears from everyone. The first kiss was followed by a celebratory arms in the air, much like they had both won the World Cup. The newly weds excitedly exited the ceremony to super loud cheers and applause, their smiles beaming. Outside, in front of the clocktower, a confetti tunnel began to form. It wasn’t long before the couple were dancing down the tunnel with a shower of confetti towards their champagne reception in the sun drenched Courtyard.
Making the most of the scenic stroll to the Vineyard Barn for the wedding breakfast, we held back whilst guests took their seats for two minutes of couple photos in the walled garden. The sun was so bright we made the executive decision to hold off with our full session until after the speeches. Because A it was too warm and B nobody likes squinting and the panda eyes the suns shadows will cast was not our desired effect. The speeches were a blend of tear jerkers and belly laughs with a few shocked faces along the way. Boundaries were pushed by the best man which I believe was in retaliation from Craigs speech at his wedding the previous year! There is nothing quite like friendly, competitive shock factor, especially when you are a bystander. But I really should stress, before anyone panics, they weren't day ruining shocks, they were just stories of their youth.
As the evening was drawing in and the sun was starting its decline, the cocktail hour in the Vineyard began. This was one of my favourite moments in the whole of 2024 and possibly my entire 16 year career. The light was insanely beautiful, the cocktails were flowing and the exceptionally talented Kelly Barnes was on her guitar. The singalong was in full voice. It was infectious! Dancing broke out in no time.
Before the cake cutting and the “official” dancing would begin, we nipped back to the walled garden for some evening couple portraits. That was more like it. Lots of lovely soft light, food and a few cocktails in them, these two were just the cutest, (I’m allowed to say that) So affectionate and giggly, without being cheesy. The dream combination. Couple photos for me, are the MOST beautiful when the couple are engaging with each other, walking and talking or just catching up on stories from the day. These two absolutely nailed it.
By the time we arrived back at the Vineyard Barn everyone was ready for the party to kick on even more. DJ Ziko did not disappoint. His blend of mixing and playing the drums was unique and kept everyone dancing their socks off.
Charlie and Craig, I genuinely cannot thank you enough for trusting me, on my first visit to Stanlake, to photograph your wedding. It really was something special. If I had a Time Machine I’d 100% nip back. Or you could just have another party and I’ll come and photograph it for you! haha.