In a year where I, David, have captured just under sixty weddings, my busiest ever year, I’ve have absolutely loved being a Wotton House wedding photographer too. I did just the one wedding there in twelve months of great variety, but what a lovely day it was with a really fantastic couple Katya and Matty. More of that later…
The other great side of doing a wedding at Wotton House is the really brilliant staff, from those that are there fulltime, to suppliers that come in for particular events i.e. toastmasters, videographers and of course photographers like me… 😉
Here’s a quick little bit of history of Wotton House, basically because I find that interesting, and I really like knowing the back story of the venues I work in. There has been a dwelling on the site since the 12th century, but the fabulous building we see today originates from 1704 and was built by Richard Grenville. For history nerds like myself you can read all about it on Wikipedia here: Wotton House – Wikipedia
From the moment I met Katya and Matty on Zoom I knew we were going to have a great day at Wotton, and we certainly did! Relaxed, fun loving, open minded and creative is just a few of the words I would use to describe this lovely couple.
On the day I arrived early, as I usually do, to look around and scout where the best light was for various parts of their photographic story. It doesn’t matter how often you shoot at a venue, it changes for what is possible depending on weather and direction of the light.
Katya was getting ready in a lovely wood paneled space, while Matty got prepared with the boys in the bridal suite. This is a great time for shots but also to get a feel for the personalities and mood of the groomsmen and bridesmaids too. Katya had a bespoke handmade wedding dress by Worme (link here: Full Collection — WORME) and it was great that both the designers of the piece were there to assist as well. Super job too by Amanda White makeup during that prep @amandawhitemakeup
The ceremony took place in The Old Library, a stunning vaulted space that really adds to the specialness of a Wotton House Wedding ceremony. After a heartfelt and humorous exchange of rings and vows the bride and groom left the room with their recessional to indoor confetti and applause.
I was happy for them that the weather was rather glorious for the drinks reception in the Italian Gardens, and I took this time to do some quick couple portraits. Usually I try and average a time for this of about twenty minutes, with the couples agreement of course, because that gives them a chance to socialize themselves and also schedule and group shots they may have chosen. When I say quick, I mean working fast myself using all my fifteen plus years wedding photography experience and technique to get great shots and keep my couples relaxed, energized and happy. I never ask anyone to smile or do anything weird! We just naturally have a good time and that is always reflected in the end product. We didn’t visit the Grotto part of Wotton because the couple wanted to socialize during the reception too. Quite right!
A special mention here for Tim Lewis the Toastmaster who works regularly at Wotton House weddings, he’s a cut above the average and I can see why he is a busy man 🙂 @isleofwight_toastmaster
Wedding breakfast, hilarious and heartfelt speeches and cutting of the cake all followed in what turned into an unforgettable evening.
Highlight for me was the couple’s first dance to John Travolta and Olivia Newton John’s song “Your the one that I want” from the iconic film ‘Grease.’ Great routine and moves from Katya and Matty really got the party stated in epic form. I also managed to pull the couple away for five minutes for a couple of night shots outside and also Katya back into the Old Library where I used some creative triggered flash to get a few atmospheric shots, which once again took no longer than five minutes of so.
Once again a super day for all as a Wotton House Wedding Photographer!