Elmore Court in Gloucestershire is a relatively new wedding venue, one I’d not photographed a wedding at before either. I’d been looking forward to Tom & Zoe’s day therefore as it would be a chance to have a look around this new venue to see what it offers. Thankfully the day was dry, albeit a little windy and overcast, but as soon as I stepped inside Elmore Court I was greeted with fine hospitality and the warm cosy feeling of a well appointed country mansion. Looking around inside I concluded getting some great wedding photos here wasn’t going to be difficult, the building has fantastic high ceilings, loads of character, and furnishings that complement the spacious rooms.
This was the first time too of meeting with Zoe & Tom, and I must say Zoe was equally as warm and welcoming as the venue itself. After a quick look around I was introduced to the other friends and family staying in the rooms, and set about my usual task of documenting the mornings preparations. It quickly became clear that whilst Zoe and her bridesmaid were having a pampering in the form of hair & make-up, Zoe’s dad Mike was the self appointed waiter providing drinks & snacks to fuel the morning activities. Not only did his duties include walking Zoe down the isle and his speech, it also extended to ‘steaming the veil’ in order to remove creases too. If any other fathers of the bride are reading, this is the full service! Clearly they were a close family and this was evident throughout the day.
The wedding ceremony itself was at the nearby church of St John the Evangelist in Slimbridge, so as we neared crunch time I zipped off to catch up with the proceedings there and await Zoe’s arrival. After a few scene setting photos Zoe arrived and was blown along the church pathway into the main doors, whereby a quick wardrobe readjustment took place and she was then walking down the aisle.
After the ceremony it was swiftly back to Elmore Court to capitalise on the last light of the day, and welcome guests with mulled wine. Following on form the drinks reception guests were led through to the ‘Gillyflower’ which is a sustainably built from estate materials using traditional methods yet designed in a contemporary fashion. (yes this is taken from their website). It really is a spectacular room as you’ll see from the photos. On a summers day you can spill out onto the lawns with far reaching views across Gloucestershire. It a room designed for dancing and partying the night away too. My time was up however once the speeches were completed, so I bid my farewells and left ready to return and get down to some christmas wrapping!
If you’re thinking of having a winter wedding or would like to see more Elmore Court wedding photos then read on and check out the rest of Tom & Zoe’s day.
The main house at Elmore Court. Behind this hidden away is the fantastic Gillyflower which you’ll see later in the blog.
Sometime there is a picture perfect spot to hang a wedding dress for a photo.
Mike cracks open the champagne…..well away from the wedding dress too!
“Ohh don’t mind if we do”.
Apparently this is how you steam a wedding veil to remove creases. (Note: the bath was filled with hot water too)
There are some lovely finishing touches and furnishings around the rooms at Elmore Court.
Are all the women in these paintings flirting a little? I’m sure the antelope has no interest in her boobs?
“yep, looks good at the back, but you need this train tidied up a little”
That moment! You’re in a wedding dress, it’s your wedding day……you know what’s coming next right?
Mum’s made up……
The wedding flowers look lovely…..
…and you’re dad has silently snuck into the room and watching on proudly!
Uh oh!
“Must not spoil the make-up” :-)
Doh!
Okay, we’ve calmed the nerves, everyone’s fine, laugh it off and no more looking at each other.
A tad windy but at least there wasn’t far to go.
It’s far easier being the groom. Tom taking it in his stride.
I always love this moment during a wedding.
Unless you’re married, you’ll only guess what the feeling is like, but it’s one of those rights of passage that we inevitably have in life.
Father & daughter. As a dad myself I know this feeling too. Wonderful.
“It’s okay, I’ve got this. Well, maybe I could do with a third hand, but really it’s fine…..probably only have this job once in a lifetime”.
Officially the best EVER signing and ‘jiggle’ I’ve witnessed during a wedding ceremony.
Yep, confetti does have a tendency to go in your mouth
The Gillyflower at Elmore Court is a spectacular room.
Having space inside for group photos during winter weddings really helps the day run soothly and keeps the guests warm (and thus happy!).
A photo of the Gillyflower from behind Elmore Court. It’s quite a contemporary addition to the traditional mansion house itself.
“Only a few words, before Tom gets a turn!” :-)
Good night Elmore Court, see you next time.
I hope you’ve enjoyed looking at these photos. If you’ve been searching for Elmore Court wedding photos and are considering having your wedding here please contact me for a chat. I’d love to hear from you.