Not all weddings follow convention. Daniel & Noelia’s day (well the planning anyhow) was no exception. They first came to me as Noelia had fallen in love with my photography, yet they didn’t really have a wedding venue planned, so to say they were booking me ahead of the key events could be considered an understatement. Non the less, I totally understood where they were coming from and got a very good understanding of their day and why I would fit well as their photographer. Several factors had contributed to their wedding planning being a little more ‘last minute’ than others, and I for one was quite happy to be part of what sounded like a really enjoyable day.
Having agreed a wedding date, booked the church (St. Matthew’s in Cheltenham) it was left to find a local wedding venue in Gloucestershire that met Noelia’s exacting demands. These mainly included ‘countryside views’. So having considered several options, they finally picked the beautiful Ellenborough Park, nestled on the foothills of Cleeve Hill, just outside Prestbury on the outskirts of Cheltenham.
With Noelia’s nationality Argentinean, many traditions from her home were brought through to the wedding day. Namely a very late ceremony (5pm….the latest possible in the UK), no specific structure to the day (i.e. wedding speeches etc), an outdoor event, relaxed BBQ food and a party to end on. Whlist this may fit the weather in Argentina, nothing short of a mini heat wave here in the UK was going to give it quite the same feel. Well, step up the mini heat wave – 30 degrees and balmy evenings reminiscent of being on holiday. It couldn’t have been any Better.
Here you have just a few Ellenborough park wedding photos from Daniel & Noelia’s wedding in July 2013.
The wedding car was ready and waiting outside Ellenborough Park when I turned up. The main point of concern shared by the driver was if it was going to work properly, as according to him “old cars don’t like very hot weather”. This somewhat surprised me, as I’m used to them not liking cold weather, but hot weather too?
The flower girl (Katie) was in charge of the rings and rather fancy ring cushion.
Noelia was ready in plenty of time to allow for a few photos before she set off to St. Matthew’s church.
St Matthew’s Church in Cheltenham isn’t the most photogenic place you’ll come across. Situated on the corner of a fairly busy one way system through the town, it’s not one to step out into the road to photograph and hang around for too long!
Noelia’s parents were in Argentina for the wedding, so she was given away by her “UK mum”!
However, a video link was beamed over for the occasion which was great for the couple during the wedding ceremony.
Apparently there were no objections to the wedding taking place – thumbs up for that.
After quick drinks in the church, we headed outside for a swift couple of portraits on the Library steps opposite St Matthew’s Church.
“no, you won’t get me wearing that hat unless you chase me first”
Ellenborough Park has some wonderful spaces inside for wedding photography, but equally the gardens provide plenty of space and variety too. Sunset however was delightful so we headed outside for some photos in the adjacent field, to give Noelia’s photos a ‘typically British feel’.
As evening fell and birds began to roost, we headed inside for some dancing…..
….firstly preceded with a few words from Noelia, who wasn’t keen to let go of the mic once she’d taken centre stage!
Dancing took an unusual turn, more of a ‘Can-Can-esque’ routine around the dance floor :-)
With sunset giving the last colours of light it was time for a quick portrait to finish the day. And what better way to use the beautiful architecture of Ellenborough Park set against the evening sky for a wonderful wedding photograph.
If you have been looking for Ellenborough Park wedding photos and are considering having your wedding here…. please contact Matt Davis Photography for a chat.