Upper House Barlaston Wedding Photography

As I am writing this blog I feel so happy to see such gorgeous clear blue skies outside of my office window. Sunshine makes me so happy! As does this absolute stunner of a summer wedding at the beautiful Upper House Barlaston, Staffordshire. Alex and Dave’s wedding day was the first time I have shot at this stunner of a venue and I can’t put into words how much I love it! Set in 10 acres of stunning woodland and landscaped gardens the venue boasts far reaching views over the Staffordshire Countryside. Best of all, you can marry outside and that is exactly what Alex and Dave chose to do – despite the threat of an incoming shower. More of that later… 😉

Arriving at Alex and Dave’s beautiful home just down the road from the venue I was greeted by such calmness and a good cuppa tea. There’s no better way for me to start my day than with a cuppa! There are many rumours that I get giddy on fresh air when in fact it’s often a lot of caffeine!

Alex, like many of my brides really knocked my morning out of the park with her organisation. Her dress, shoes, jewellery, flowers all ready in a bedroom for me to photograph. If my memory serves me right, I am pretty sure I did a celebratory dance when I walked into the bedroom. Not only was everything ready but it was drop dead GORGEOUS!

LOOK AT THOSE DIAMONDS!!!! SWOON!!!

Outdoor Weddings at The Upper House Barlaston

After waiting for a ridiculously long time for this day (i’m pretty sure that after two kids and many years Alex doubted it was ever going to happen) Dave played it cool in the run up to the ceremony. He spent the wedding morning taking his gorgeous son Mason to football training and generally playing it cool. He and his groomsmen looked sensational in their traditional grey suits.

But as so often happens, the confident and determined ‘I won’t cry’ flies right out of the window. Who here can blame Dave when he gets to witness not only his beautiful bride but perfect little girl walk down the aisle towards him.

It wasn’t only Dave who was overwhelmed by the sight of the radiant Alex walking down the aisle at The Upper House Barlaston. Cheeky chappy Mason, teddy in hand, decided to accompany his mum down the aisle too (whilst poking his tongue out at the guests!) Cue some more tears here as Alex reaches Dave to discover him a little emotional at the top of the aisle!

Fear not – the tears dried up and beaming smiles shone out until….they said their vows. At that point – those pesky eyes leaked again and were contagious. Everyone else joined in too!

I just adore capturing the moments after the reigster has been signed. The last legal requirement is complete and you are officially husband and wife. I think it’s safe to say Dave’s pretty chuffed with himself. Being honest though, I think any man would be thrilled to call Alex his wife.

Now, right at the start of the blog there was mention of an incoming shower. I bet some of you were wondering if it came in half way through the ceremony and soaked all the guests? Fortunately, it stayed away just until it was time to walk/run back down the aisle. Thankfully the beautiful light-filled orangery was ready to rock and roll and no guests hair, outfits or makeup were ruined by the downpour.

I always meet each and every one of my couples in the lead up to the big day to help create the timeline and a ensure we have a clear list of family photos. Having this clear organisation in the lead up to the day ensures that the family formals are finished quickly and we can get on with capturing more natural moments like this!

The Upper House Barlaston Wedding Reception Details

Alex and Dave’s Wedding Breakfast space looked stunning. The coral and peach colour theme continued in the beautiful and simple cake along with the classic mirror and floral table centres. Tealight candles brought an extra romantic feel to the space and the lavender uplighters in the room adding drama.

Bridal Portraits at The Upper House Barlaston

Wherever possible, during the long summer months we try and shoot the majority of bridal portraits after the wedding breakfast. Taking advantage of the beautiful evening light and grooms who are more relaxed now that the dreaded speeches are out of the way make for gorgeous natural portraits.

Stoke on Trent Photobooth

Alex and Dave decided to add on the very popular photobooth to their wedding photography package to entertain their guests throughout the evening. I think it’s safe to say that everyone certainly enjoyed themselves with the props! Some very inventive use of wigs were recorded!

Creative Wedding Photography

To anyone who follows my work and blog, I’m sure you all know that after dark is my playtime. I tend to get a little excited at the prospect of getting out my flashes and creating something unique. Just before taking this image it had been raining really hard. The ground was soaked and for some brides the thought of venturing outside in the dark and wet in their very expensive shoes and dresses would be a scene from hell. Thankfully my brides are flippin fabulous, hitch up their dresses and get on with it. I am so happy that is what Alex and Dave chose to do. The inside of the venue is also rather beautiful and offered us some gorgeous options but Alex was determined she was going to get her outdoor night time wow shot and I hope she thinks it was worth it. The side of the building was actually in darkness to look at. There was no lighting or colour and I asked Alex and Dave to have a good smooch on top of the steps. For them stood in the dark they had no idea what it is I was doing or creating. Using pink and blue lighting gels on two flash guns I was able to light the entire building. A third light held by my assistant Luke lit the couple. I hope you like it!

Are you or someone you know getting married at the Upper House Barlaston? If so, get in touch to discuss your wedding photography plans. I have so many more ideas for this stunning venue and I can’t wait to go back!

The Upper House Barlaston Wedding Photographer