Relive the Magic: Dorney Court Wedding Photographer
Relive the Magic: Dorney Court Wedding Photographer
Sometimes I can tell from the very first conversation with a couple that their wedding is going to be awesome - that was definitely the case with Priya and Ben. I joined them as their Dorney Court wedding photographer on an autumnal October day, and by then, we felt like old friends.
Weddings at Dorney Court
Dorney Court is a beautiful country house venue in Windsor, just 30 miles west of London. The Grade I listed Tudor manor house and renovated Coach House Barn provide versatile space for weddings of any style or size. Outside, the buildings are linked by courtyards and lush gardens, which are the ideal location for Dorney Court wedding photography. The historic architecture of the manor house is perfectly complemented by a huge variety of colours and textures in the surrounding gardens and woodland throughout every season.
Preparing for the day ahead
I started the day with Priya, getting ready calmly with her bridal party and enjoying a few glasses of fizz as hair and makeup artist Nisha J added the finishing touches. As Priya walked along the hallway towards her proud dad, you could see this was going to be an emotional one! They had a few quiet moments together before getting into the car and heading to the wedding at Dorney Court.
Meanwhile, Ross (my legendary second photographer for the day) was with Ben and the boys. They were getting ready at the venue, wrestling with their buttonholes, ironing their ties (without taking them off… a real talent!), and having a quick toast in the courtyard ahead of welcoming guests to the Coach House Barn. It was at this point that the rain made an appearance, although no one seemed the slightest bit bothered - the umbrellas went up and the smiles stayed on.
First look to first kiss
The registrars went to chat with Priya as she waited in the car outside, which meant she avoided the showers on her walk to the barn and got a few minutes to relax before following her bridesmaids down the aisle, accompanied by her parents. Ben was waiting patiently, and the look on his face when he saw Priya was absolutely priceless!
A photo on everyone’s must-have list is the first kiss, and if it’s possible (sometimes I need to sweet-talk a celebrant, or make the vicar my new bestie), I always try to capture this facing towards the guests, as it means when you look back on that moment you can see everyone cheering and celebrating in the background.
Dorney Court wedding photographer - Confetti and capturing the crowd
Their friends and family gathered outside Dorney Court, ready to cover the newlyweds in confetti – I love Ben’s expression in this image, totally over the moon as the petals rain down on them. After a bit of confetti vs hair admin, everyone grabbed an Aperol and enjoyed a chilled-out drinks reception in the courtyard with loads of hugs, laughter, and catching up. This is the part of the day where I go into stealth mode, moving around the crowd unnoticed to capture all those real, relaxed, emotional moments. I also keep my eyes open for the smaller details, and the orange ties, flowers, and drinks were too well coordinated to ignore! I actually won a ‘Story Award’ from This is Reportage for a set of images I submitted from this wedding – telling the story is what it’s all about for me, so winning an award for that was MINT!
Mauritian dancing in the marquee
Just a short walk across the grounds from the main house, there was a little surprise waiting for everyone in the marquee. As they walked there, I went from ninja mode to sprint mode and dashed to the other side of the fountain to capture the reflection of the guests in the water. The autumnal trees framing the scene overhead get the award for supporting actor in this one! Dancers performed in the marquee to celebrate Priya’s Mauritian heritage, the vibrant swirling skirts and lively music created a real buzz - the guests absolutely loved it. My wife and I spent our honeymoon in Mauritius, and we visited again with the kids, so the dancing brought back some pretty special memories for me too.
Dorney Court wedding photography – Garden portraits
While guests were taking their seats for the wedding breakfast, I took Priya and Ben for a walk in the gardens for some relaxed portraits. We made the most of the golden afternoon light, exploring the grounds and capturing the magical backdrop to their Dorney Court wedding photography. I encourage couples to walk and talk during their portraits; it’s a welcome bit of quiet time for the two of you to breathe and relax together ahead of the evening celebrations.
Food and fireworks
Speeches were filled with hilarious stories and heartfelt wishes for Priya and Ben’s married life, toasted with suitable volumes of wine as everyone enjoyed Dorney Court’s delicious menu. Next, a first for me, cutting their cake outdoors surrounded by guests with sparklers – it’s a great way to make the most of the darker evenings in autumn and winter too!
A T-Rexcellent evening
Back inside, drinks were flowing freely, and the dance floor was packed as everyone joined them after their first dance. I like to get right to the heart of the action in the evening, so Priya and Ben knew I would be busting a few moves to make sure I could capture the best bits of the party. Things became especially epic when three inflatable dinosaurs joined us – a little plan Ben and his groomsmen had been working on back at the cottage. Light-up batons were handed out, people crowded around, and they raved the night away, Jurassic style!
Planning your wedding at Dorney Court?
If you’re getting married at Dorney Court, I’d love to join you. From the quiet moments of reflection and unfiltered emotion to the dancefloor chaos (and dinosaurs, apparently!) – I’ll be there to document it all. Check out my portfolio for more inspiration, or get in touch for a chat about your plans.