Katie & Alex – A Two Day Wedding in Warwickshire
After 13 years of being a wedding photographer, if I could plan a wedding and pick exactly how I wanted the days to look, I think Katie and Alex's wedding would look pretty much exactly like this.
Katie and Alex decided to spread their wedding over two days, and after photographing many weddings like this, it's something I absolutely love.
There is something really special about splitting the wedding up. Day one can be about the close family and the important formal bits, while day two can be all about the party, the friends, the food, the drinks and simply having an amazing time.
And that's exactly what these two did.
Day One – St John’s House Museum
Day one was the legal ceremony, held at St John's House Museum in Warwick, which is one of my favourite places for anyone looking to get married locally.
The building itself is stunning, but the grounds are just as beautiful, making it such a lovely place for a smaller wedding.
This was very much the formal family day.
What I love about doing things this way is that day one doesn't need to be about big numbers or putting on a huge party. It's simply a small, relaxed interlude with your closest family and friends.
Once Katie and Alex had officially tied the knot, everyone headed off to one of my favourite canal side pubs, The Cape of Good Hope. Alex's highlight of both days was probably pouring his own pint of Guinness at his local.
They had tables booked along the riverside, and it was just lovely.
Close friends and family could drink, chat and mingle together while enjoying everything that was going on around them.
Day Two – Church Farm Brewery
Day two was the non legal ceremony and the proper party, held at another favourite venue of mine, Church Farm Brewery.
Katie decided not to have any bridal preparation photography, instead choosing to put more of the coverage towards the evening. She knew there was going to be a pretty big dance floor later, and I think that was a very good decision.
Alex and his groomsmen had arrived earlier to set up the garden games and make sure everything was ready.
Although I'm sure that was the official reason for arriving early, I suspect there may also have been an unofficial reason, a pre ceremony beer and the chance to enjoy what was turning into one of the most beautiful summer days.
Summer was very much alive
Katie soon arrived in a camper van, which was pretty much the perfect vehicle for a festival style wedding.
As she arrived, the guests took their seats on the straw bales, and because this wasn't the legal ceremony, there was something wonderfully relaxed about it.
The guests could actually enjoy a drink during the ceremony.
What a great way to enjoy a wedding ceremony.
Katie and her dad walked down the aisle for the second time in two days, but this time everything felt a lot more relaxed.
Katie arrived with the biggest smile, and with all the legal formalities already taken care of, this was a ceremony everyone could simply enjoy and soak up.
Of course, even at the most relaxed wedding, there are some things that are simply a must.
Confetti is definitely one of them, and Katie and Alex's confetti throw was epic.
After that, it was time to relax, enjoy the weather and, just as importantly, enjoy the beer, after all, they were getting married at a brewery.
The guests were loving the sunshine, and great weather definitely seems to bring out more mingling, more laughter and generally more people hanging around outside.
Looking around the farm, it was pretty obvious that everyone was having the best day.
Pizza, speeches and a few surprises
Although the day was super relaxed and very much about the party, there were still going to be speeches.
Before everyone got their hands on the delicious pizza, it was time to hear from the speakers.
As with most weddings, the best man's speech was probably the one that had been talked about most before the wedding.
And the best man, with a little help, made sure it was definitely a speech nobody was going to forget.
Especially Alex. with the speeches done, it was finally time for food.
Each table had its own captain, and before long pizza was being brought out and everyone was getting stuck in.
Pizza and beer really is a pretty perfect combination for a relaxed summer wedding.
With everyone fed and suitably refreshed, it was back outside to enjoy the glorious weather.
Sunset portraits
I eventually managed to drag Katie and Alex away from their guests for some sunset photos, and I couldn't have timed it better.
The sun was beautiful, and there were a few epic looking clouds in the sky which really helped make the photographs.
This is one of the things I love about weddings like this. There is no pressure to disappear for an hour for photographs. We can just sneak away for a few minutes, grab some amazing photos and then get straight back to the party.
Once we'd finished, we headed back to the guests and simply let the evening continue.
The vibe was brilliant. everyone was having a great time, and this was exactly what a wedding should feel like.
And it's also exactly why I think a two-day wedding really works.
Then the Welsh music started...
As the sun disappeared, people slowly started moving inside.
The dance floor was already getting busy, but nothing could have prepared me for what happened next.
The Welsh music started, I'll be honest, it's something I'd never really experienced at a wedding before.
But wow.
It completely changed the energy in the room.
The Welsh side of the family brought a whole new level of energy to the dance floor, and suddenly everyone was dancing, jumping and having an absolute blast.
It was brilliant to watch.
The dance floor was alive on a whole different level, and I think it was the perfect way to finish what had already been an incredible two days.
And honestly, looking back at Katie and Alex's wedding, I think they've pretty much nailed my ideal wedding.
Two days. Small family celebrations. Great friends. A beautiful summer day. A brewery. Pizza. Beer. Sunset photos. And one hell of a party.
What's not to love?
Congratulations Katie and Alex — it was an absolute pleasure being there for both days.
