Jeyhan and James’s stunning Rutland wedding at Normanton Church and Barnsdale Lodge
You may recall James & Jeyhan’s wedding day – you might not have been there, but you can probably remember where you were! It was a fantastically sunny day during the World Cup, France were playing Argentina – maybe you were in the pub?
James and Jeyhan both started their big day at Barnsdale Lodge Hotel. The bridal prep is something I really love. Us wedding photographers are the one supplier that gets to be with you from start to finish on your wedding day. It’s a real privilege to get to capture those morning moments and always a good laugh, no matter how big the nerves are.
When the bride and groom get ready in the same place, I always make sure I take the chance to pop in and see the Groom. I’m so glad I did, I got to capture the moment James opened his presents from Jeyhan – a trip on a luxury catamaran in Geneva. (Ladies – take note!)
Normanton Church on Rutland Water.
I hopped onto the classic London red bus they’d organised to take their guests to Rutland Water. From here, we all jumped on the Rutland Bell ferry across the water to Normanton Church. How many guests get to say the wedding they went to had a bus AND a boat?
I’ve photographed weddings at Normanton Church in Rutland a few times, but I never tire of it. It magically appears to float on the water, making it a truly unique wedding venue. There is actually a really interesting story to this ‘sunken’ church on the lake (even for the none history buffs amongst us) which is well worth a read.
We were greeted by the magical sounds of Harriet Flather – an amazing harpist who filled the church with her calming music. It’s a quirky little church, because of its history and completely opposite to tradition. Jeyhan had to arrive there first and hide at the back of the church, so no one could see her.
The light in the church is always amazing. The surrounding water reflects so much natural light back into through the old windows. It just added to a gorgeous ceremony, where the two of them just couldn’t stop smiling. Jeyhan told me afterwards that was her favourite part of the day – seeing James reaction as she walked towards him was perfect.
London Red Bus
After the ceremony, we jumped back onto the boat and bus headed back to Barnsdale Lodge. The Lodge is an amazing place for a wedding reception and gave us all some welcome relief to the scorching sun outside. When the sun finally started to leave the sky, we embraced the golden hour with a stroll around the grounds of Barnsdale Lodge to capture some relaxed portraits together.
As you’ll see from the photos further down, the dance floor at this wedding was never empty. Old and young came together to really throw some shapes. Mixing Turkish music to The Prince of Motown band who kept this party on the floor for the rest of night.
Are You Getting Married at Normanton Church or Barnsdale Lodge in Rutland?
If you are looking for a Wedding Photographer to photograph your wedding at Barnsdale Lodge I would love to hear from you.
Wedding Suppliers:
Ceremony Venue: Normanton Church
Reception Venue: Barnsdale Lodge Hotel
Make-Up: Make up artist provided by Glow Hairdressers
Hairdresser: Glow Hairdressers
The Dress: Mori Lee from Fancy Frox, Spalding
Bridesmaids dresses: Online store
Grooms Suit: Moss Bros
Florist: Heidi Appleyard Florist
Hire Car: Rutland Cars
Band or DJ: The Princes of Motown band – JK Entertainment
Catering: Barnsdale Lodge Hotel
Wedding Cake: Susan Polhill
Reception Decorator – Lola Rose
Harpist at the ceremony: Harriet Flather
