Everyone who knows me know that I love Autumn. So when Charlotte and James asked me to be their photographer for their late Autumn wedding at Manor By The Lake in Cheltenham how could I resist!
I first met Charlotte when she came to an open evening at Cheltenham’s go to bridal boutique Wedding Days of Cheltenham. She arrived for the evening with her Grandmother and we instantly hit it off. Especially when we discovered we had a shared love of all things fairy tale and Disney!
James and Charlotte met through Tinder both wanting a relationship that was going to be long term. They both have shared interests including a love of the theatre and musicals. Proving that fairy tales really do come true.
Here is their Wedding Story in their own words (with some additions from me!) for you to read and see… Enjoy…!
#TeamNKP arrived at Manor by the Lake on an overcast but thankfully dry autumn day for James’ and Charlotte’s big day. I love how the climber on the front of the manor house has turned a stunning red and gold.
James and his best man and ushers were getting ready in the relaxed Rock Bar. The ushers and the best man all received these elegant fob watches as gifts. Beautiful heirloom presents for them to treasure.
“Before the ceremony I had a mixture of emotions that had stemmed from being apprehensive and full of excitement.” James
“James wore a grey morning suit by Ted Baker, along with a white waistcoat and cravat. James stood out from the groomsmen by wearing different colours to match the me. The groomsmen had colours that matched the bridesmaids.”
“The groomsmen wore the same grey morning suit by Ted Baker as the James. Accessorised with a Burgundy cravat and a grey waistcoat to match the bridesmaids.”
The Maximillian Ceremony Room looked stunning. Accents of deep red set off the ornate surroundings perfectly.
“The bridesmaids wore long chiffon dresses in a deep red. My sister who was my maid of honour wore the same style but in a light grey colour.”
“My wedding dress was designed by Phil Collins Bridal and was called ‘Sienna’. From a young age, I had also drawn my perfect idea of a wedding dress, with a sweetheart neckline, and a princess style ball gown. With minimal detail and this dress was everything and more with what I wanted. I kept the accessories to a minimum, as I didn’t want to take away form the dress. However I did pair it with red shoes to incorporate the colour theme.”
“When matching the dress with the bouquet Lynda had recommend a tear drop shape bouquets with red roses and fuchsia’s. Within my bouquet Lynda had also incorporated my something old which was my Great Granddad’s signet ring.”
James and Charlotte got engaged after dating for 18 months. They married within another 18 months of being engaged! I asked Charlotte how James proposed…
“James had proposed to me when we were living in Cheltenham in our first flat together during the last bank holiday in May in 2017. My favourite Disney song (From Tangled) was playing and he got down on one knee. Even though I had known James had brought the ring, the whole proposal was a complete surprise.”
“Manor by the Lake was our chosen venue, as James and I were drawn to the building itself and it’s history. The venue had everything we were looking for, with more than enough space for our guests to move around and characteristics meaning that there was something for everyone. We also had recommendations for this particular venue due to the helpfulness of the staff in planning your wedding day journey.”
“I had a sense of calmness along with being a little overwhelmed as there was a lot to take in as the day had progressed. As a whole, we had completely enjoyed the day and wouldn’t have changed anything.” Charlotte
“I met Nikki at an event that was held at Wedding days in Cheltenham. Nikki had shown us a small portfolio of her previous weddings that she had captured. I loved the finish and attention to detail within her images. She had then later explained how she knew the venue (Manor by the Lake) really well, which meant she knew the prime spots for photographs. All of our photographs were perfect! However as well as all of the professionalism and meetings, Nikki has become a friend. Throughout the whole process she was there for us, ensuring that we were happy throughout the whole day!” Charlotte
Charlotte and James used Westend musicals as their table names. Each table had a beautifully framed print of the different musicals to guide their guests to their tables. This incorporated their love for musicals.
Their wedding cake was made up of two tiers. The bottom tier was a traditional sponge. The top tier was a caramel sponge. Both decorated with their colour theme and flowers to compliment Charlotte’s bouquet.
This was great fun! Unbeknown to most of the guests; Charlotte and her Grandfather had planned a dance to a childhood memory! It was brilliant as they tore up the dance floor astride hobby horses! All in perfect time to the William Tell Overture!
We also found time to step back out into the cold November night for some nighttime photographs. I love taking these as they really are one offs. You can never replicate the same light twice and they are always so magical.
Of course being bonfire night weekend we had to go back out to the garden as the firework displays could be heard across Cheltenham, in particular in the Reddings just behind Manor by the Lake.
The Honeymoon
“James and I went to Barbados for our honeymoon and stayed for ten days at the Royal Fairmount Pavilion Hotel. We didn’t have things planned as such and stayed mostly within the hotel. However we did take some tours that were organised by the travel rep on arrival. We took this time to relax and enjoy our new chapter at the start of being a married couple.”
If you are planning your wedding at Manor by the Lake please do get in touch – I’d love to help!
Check out some more Autumn Wedding Ideas and if your wedding is a little later in the year; some Winter Wedding Ideas
Some more Manor by the Lake Weddings to swoon over by season: Spring / Summer / Winter
For more Manor by the Lake weddings check out the Weddings Page
And also see what #TeamNKP got up to in 2018…
James’ and Charlotte’s Dream Team:
Photographer: www.nikkikirkphotography.com
Charlotte’s Wedding Dress: Wedding days of Cheltenham
Bride’s accessories: Shoes: LK Bennett
Groom’s suit (store): Moss Bros
Wedding cake: The Well Walk Tea Room in Cheltenham
Flowers: Family friend Lynda Knight
Venue: Manor by the Lake