I love being a Stanlake Park wedding photographer, for many reasons. I love wine (in moderation!) and I love historical venues. And this wonderful Berkshire estate has both in spades. I’m no stranger to vineyard weddings both in the UK and Europe, and this is one of the best and most appealing to work at.
This particular day I worked with the lovely P and C who booked me on my “Full with David Package” and a few weeks later I delivered just under 1300 edited images to them. I’ve put some of my favourites here. If you would like to see them all, just ask 🙂
I will talk about the different stages of the day, and also later on feature the Live Wedding Artist Joanna Constable Green who was also there on the day.
This was a day by the way that had every kind of weather from rain, storm clouds, wind and finally bright sunshine, usually with just five minutes between each one!
For your wedding day at Stanlake Park Wine Estate, the first part of the timeline is usually based around around the charming courtyard at the side of the vineyard itself. Here if the ceremony is indoors, then it will be in the beautiful grade II listed eighteenth century coach house. Nice!
For wedding prep you get the use of The Bow Loft, another historic and interesting space. P and C made full use of these for their morning getting ready, and then their celebrant led wedding ceremony. While the girls got prepaed the boys were a short walk away, through the fab vineyard to the nineteenth century barn, used for wedding breakfasts and receptions that can hold up to 150 guests. There’s also a small range of overnight accommodation too if needed.
After the ceremony and confetti throw in the courtyard (the rain stopped for a while) then it was into the drinks reception and some friends and family pics. That headed inside after a while (the rain came back), so between showers and watching the wedding artist do her thing, I was able to pop out a couple of times to do some wedding portraits with the two stars of the day 🙂
The vineyard itself is extensive, and a picturesque walled part has entrances to both the courtyard and the Vineyard Barn too. It’s a very pleasant walk between the two. In the barn we had some great socializing and speeches, and a wonderful wedding breakfast. The small red wine produced by Stanlake itself I had the opportunity to try was exceptional, and I know I will be ordering from their shop in the near future!
Speaking of drinking…the couple and some of the most daring guests played a very amusing sporty German drinking game (I think probably picked up at university) which our bride’s team eventually won. For the later first dance I’m delighted to say that P and C arranged an excellent band. I love to see live music at events and these guys definitely added to the uniqueness of the evening. A lovely day all-round.
Here’s live Wedding Painter and celebrity artist Joanna Constable Green starting the couple’s painting from images on her ipad, during the drinks reception. She’s a direct descendant of famous Victorian artist John Constable. Here’s her dedicated website: JOANNA CONSTABLE GREEN – Home
Here’s Joanna’s finished piece below:
And here I am, David, smiley man, your potential Stanlake Park Wedding Photographer (all my own teeth, and easy to maintain hairstyle):
