Abbie and Jamie got married at Merrydale Manor on 27th December 2022. Two days after Christmas. 130 guests for the day, another 50 for the evening, and rain, obviously. None of it slowed anyone down.

The whole place was dressed for Christmas. Garlands wound up the staircases and there were candles everywhere you looked. Neil Redfern second shot the day with me, so between us we had both sides covered. Winter weddings here are a treat for any Merrydale Manor wedding photographer.

Getting ready

Abbie got ready in the Manor House with her mum, Jamie’s mum, her bridesmaids and two flower girls. Her dress waited on the staircase, lace sleeves and all, under a garland and a chandelier.

Everyone was in matching white satin pyjamas, fizz in hand.

Then the dress went on. Careful hands took on the buttons down the back.

Abbie got her first proper look in the mirror, and she could not stop smiling.

Jamie got ready in the Groom’s Room. Then he and his groomsmen headed outside, where the rain had at least left a decent puddle. I will take a reflection wherever I can get one, and that copper hedge behind them is a gift.

The ceremony

Gospel Choir 4 Weddings were singing in the ceremony room before anyone walked down the aisle. They sang again during the signing too.

Then it was Abbie’s turn, and so was the rain. Out she came under a white umbrella.

One of the flower girls led the way in with her basket, while the bridesmaids waited at the door for their cue.

At the front of the aisle, Jamie greeted Abbie with a kiss on the cheek.

The room was something else. Red Floral filled it with white flowers, from the huge canopy over the ceremony table to the arrangements lining the aisle. Candles glowed all the way down. Memory Box Films were on video.

The littlest flower girl took her petal duties very seriously, scattering them round the candles at the front.

Signing the register, Jamie did the writing and Abbie did the laughing.

Confetti, right back down the aisle

Confetti happened inside, straight back down the aisle. In December that is the smart move. The guests went all in.

Then everyone headed off for drinks by Abbie Hanlon, and I kept Abbie and Jamie back in the ceremony room.

Portraits by candlelight

With the guests gone, the candles were still lit and the room was ours. I kept them right where they got married, under all those flowers.

Shooting through the candle flames gave me that warm glow in front of them. If you are looking for a Merrydale Manor wedding photographer who loves a dark, candlelit room, that is me.

Drinks, hugs and a singer

Then it was their turn for a drink. The hugs started straight away.

Abbie ended up with the littlest flower girl in her arms, laughing her head off.

There was a singer on during drinks too.

Then the groups. Abbie and Jamie with the lads, then Abbie with her bridesmaids, all under the floral wall.

Speeches, cake and crowns

Confetti and Crumbs made the cake. Tall, white and covered in sugar flowers, with their A and J monogram, set among candles and pine cones. Word is Love handled the decor.

Speeches came before the food. The napkins came out first, and this lad gave his everything.

Abbie’s dad was up, and whatever he said, it landed.

He got a big hug when he finished.

Then Jamie stood up with the mic.

It was Christmas week, so paper crowns made an appearance at the tables. This young man wore his well.

After dark

Once it was dark, I took Abbie and Jamie to the staircase. That garland. That train.

Luminate brought the starlit dance floor and the lights, with MR and MRS DILWORTH glowing at the side.

Someone even turned up in a disco ball helmet.

First dance and the party

Before the first dance, Abbie danced with her dad, with the biggest grin on her face.

Then Jamie took over for their first dance, with the whole room gathered round the dance floor.

Then the kids joined in, all four of them holding hands in a circle.

Those two were back out later with moves of their own.

Academy Entertainments kept the dance floor full. Some guests danced. Some ended up on the floor.

Then the lads put on a show for Abbie, arms linked and legs kicking, while she cheered them on from the front row.

Abbie and her bridesmaids got their turn next, dancing for Jamie as he sat front and centre in his chair.

And by the end, at least one shirt had come off completely.

Rain, Christmas and 180 people who all came to party. Abbie and Jamie, thank you for having Neil and me there. From the first glass of fizz in those pyjamas to the last shirt off on the dance floor, it was a proper celebration.

With huge thanks to

• Venue: Merrydale Manor
• Flowers: Red Floral
• Cake: Confetti and Crumbs
• Videographer: Memory Box Films
• Choir: Gospel Choir 4 Weddings
• Reception drinks: Abbie Hanlon
• DJ, singer and entertainment: Academy Entertainments
• Dance floor and lights: Luminate
• Decor: Word is Love
• Second photographer: Neil Redfern

Thinking about your own wedding at Merrydale Manor?

Planning your own day and need a Merrydale Manor wedding photographer? I would love to hear about it. Get in touch here and tell me all about your plans. You can also see Laura and Ryan’s Merrydale Manor wedding.

More from Merrydale: my Merrydale Manor wedding photographer page has more real Merrydale weddings, the best photo spots, and what happens when it rains.