Jess & Harry’s Warwick Castle Wedding
Jess and Harry are just the type of couple I love photographing, relaxed, laid back and just genuinely lovely people. Although I think I have their families to thank for some of the organisation, as a little bit of nagging they eventually pushed the couple into organising the much needed things that had to happen on a wedding day, one of those being me.
Jess and Harry’s wedding was already going to be special, but it was going to be a little extra special. On our final Zoom call, they announced that Jess was pregnant, which meant that come the wedding day, everything felt that little bit more exciting.
Warwick Castle Wedding Photographer
Warwick Castle is a pretty stunning place to get married. It comes with a serious wow factor, and after Harry had proposed to Jess there, there was really only ever going to be one place they were going to get married.
The day started nice and relaxed, with both families mingling together. It was almost like shared bridal and groom prep, which was lovely because everyone got the chance to spend time together rather than being split off into separate rooms all morning.
Jess's mum in particular was super emotional, and it was really lovely to see the connection she had with her daughter. I could tell the ceremony might involve the odd tear.
Jess, on the other hand, just had the biggest smile on her face, probably helped by Harry's off the cuff humour.
Although the day started together, eventually Jess and her bridesmaids headed off to the Tower Suite to make the final finishing touches, while Harry and his groomsmen moved in to finish getting ready.
I can't imagine anyone really wants to see a room full of lads in their boxer shorts, so I think I'll leave that part of the story there.
The bridal reveal at Warwick Castle Library
With the preparations complete, it was time for one of my favourite parts of the day — the bridal reveal.
This was going to happen in the Library, which is probably my favourite room in the whole castle. There is just something so elegant about it, and when Jess walked in wearing her stunning dress, the surroundings were absolutely perfect.
It really did look like a princess had arrived.
I honestly couldn't think of a better place to do a reveal to her dad.
As Jess's dad entered, you could instantly see the shock on his face. The little girl he had watched grow up was suddenly standing in front of him in a stunning wedding dress, inside a castle.
After a lovely hug, and plenty of laughter, it was time for him to walk his daughter down the aisle.
While the final touches were being completed, I spent a little more time with the boys, who were now safely at the top of the aisle waiting.
There was still some laughter around the room, but Harry's fun loving nature had definitely calmed down by this point.
He was firmly in getting married mode.
The ceremony at Warwick Castle
The ceremony was lovely, and it's always a great time to see so much genuine love around a couple.
One of my favourite photographs from the ceremony was actually of Harry's mum and dad holding hands at exactly the same moment as his brother and his wife were holding hands.
There was definitely love all around.
Peacock Gardens
Next up was the Peacock Gardens, I always love the walk through the castle towards the drinks reception. There's something pretty cool about walking around the castle grounds on your wedding day, and the Peacock Gardens are obviously stunning.
The views the guests get to enjoy are just incredible, and luckily the sun was shining, so everyone could sit outside, enjoy a drink and mingle.
There was also some live music, which definitely kept mum and their families entertained, while a jester kept the kids, and quite a few big kids disguised as adults entertained with his tricks.
As the sun started to disappear, it was time to head back into the castle.
And I know I said the Library was my favourite room, but the Great Hall lit by candlelight has to be one of the biggest wow factors of any wedding venue you will ever visit.
Pushing open those doors and seeing everyone walk in is always such a special moment. You never see anyone enter the Great Hall without immediately reaching for their phone to take a picture.
Medieval entertainment at Warwick Castle
Before the food was served, it was time for some entertainment.
The fighting knights are a must at Warwick Castle. I've seen them so many times now and I still enjoy it, and you could see all the guests were thoroughly entertained by the show, even if a few were looking slightly nervous when the swords started flying.
The wedding day speeches
The speeches were up next, and after hearing the banter throughout the morning, I had a feeling they were going to be good.
Harry and his brother definitely didn't disappoint, there was plenty of humour, but also lots of love, which is exactly what makes a great wedding speech.
With all the formalities finally out of the way, it was time for the evening fun to begin.
Well... almost.
There were still two final formalities to get through, the cake cut and the first dance.
Cake cutting & dancing at the castle
Harry was clearly having a little too much fun before the cake cut, as he swung the giant sword around, luckily just missing Jess!
After an epic sword assisted cake cutting, it was time to dance.
And Harry, for a groom, definitely had some impressive moves, they were equally matched by the guests, who quickly joined him on the dance floor.
And that was pretty much the perfect way to finish a brilliant Warwick Castle wedding lots of laughter, plenty of love, a giant sword, a few questionable dance moves and two people who were clearly surrounded by a lot of people who love them.
Congratulations Jess & Harry — and of course, congratulations on the little one who was already part of the day before they'd even arrived!
