Bridget and Ben’s Story

Every wedding is personal to me in one way or another, and I love getting to know my couples before the day, but Bridget and Ben’s wedding felt especially special! Years ago, I used to babysit Bridget and her brothers, so when she got in touch to ask me to photograph their wedding, it felt like such a privilege to be part of it. Seeing someone you’ve known since they were little marry the person they love is a pretty special experience, and it took all my professionalism not to break into tears at many moments during the day!

Bridget and Ben chose Berwick House, just outside Shrewsbury, partly because it’s close to their families and partly because it’s such a brilliant setting for bringing everyone together. They weren’t looking for anything overly formal. They wanted a venue that would comfortably accommodate all of their guests, work well for every generation of the family and cope with whatever the unpredictable British spring decided to throw at them.

Why Berwick House works as a spring wedding venue

Berwick House offers spaces for the whole of your day. From getting ready in the morning, to the ceremony, to the party at the end of the day, there is a space for it all without having to turn rooms around or vacate an area for a period of time. Bridget and Ben’s wedding flowed so naturally. From getting ready in the morning (the bridal suite is one of the most light-filled and airy rooms I’ve ever photographed morning preparations in) through to the ceremony in the chapel along the driveway, to the drinks reception in the main hall, and wedding breakfast in the purpose built room, everything happened in its own space, not far from each other, which meant everyone could simply relax and take the day at their own pace without being rushed from one place to another.

The chapel sits just along the driveway from the main house, so although it feels separate from the main house, it’s only a short walk away. While it isn’t a consecrated chapel, it still has all the character and atmosphere of a traditional ceremony space, with the added bonus of giving couples a little more freedom to personalise their ceremony and be married by a registrar.

As a wedding photographer, one of the things I appreciate most about Berwick House is the variety of locations it offers for couple portraits. The gardens are full of little corners to use. The terrace overlooking the Shropshire countryside is one of my favourite spots for couple photographs. The views are beautiful, and because it’s only a minute or two from the house, you never feel like you’re disappearing for ages.

I also really like how the venue caters for different guests throughout the day. Some people naturally gravitate towards the terrace to enjoy the views, while others are just as happy curling up with a drink in the cosy library. It’s those little options that make a venue feel welcoming for everyone, whatever the weather. April certainly threw plenty of different seasons at us, but with so many indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from, it didn’t matter for Bridget and Ben.

How the day unfolded

I arrived to photograph Bridget and Ben getting ready in the morning – in next door rooms, so it was easy for me to pop between them! The bedrooms are all decorated in a very light and airy style, and they are huge! So lots of space for all the wedding party and hair and make up to set up in.

Guests began to arrive at the chapel, and the rain held off just enough for Bridge to make her way there too. The ceremony, led by a registrar, was very emotional, ending with a lovely piece from Bridget’s dad that made it feel even more personal. Afterwards, back at the house , the main hallway and terrace quickly filled with laughter and conversation as guests caught up over drinks. Bridget and Ben spent so much of the afternoon chatting with family and friends, and one of the things I loved photographing most was the connection between everyone. Whether it was old friends catching up, family members sharing stories or Bridget and Ben making time for every guest, there were so many genuine moments unfolding all around them.

As the afternoon turned into evening, Bridget welcomed everyone into dinner with a heartfelt speech from the staircase before the wedding breakfast brought plenty of laughter, helped along by some brilliant entrances and speeches. By the time the band – who were also family friends – took over later in the evening, the dance floor was packed and the cosy library became the perfect place for guests to catch up over pizza around the fireplace.

Bridget and Ben created exactly the kind of wedding they had hoped for – where the people they love could relax, spend time together and simply enjoy celebrating with them.

My favourite photos from a Berwick House Wedding

One of my favourite photographs from the whole day came just after the ceremony. As soon as Bridget and Ben were announced as husband and wife, they instinctively threw their hands into the air towards all of their family and friends in celebration. It lasted only a second, but it captured everything about getting married – pure joy and the excitement of finally being wed!

The April weather certainly kept us entertained too! The register had to be signed outside the chapel, which made for some great windswept moments, and later another gust of wind sent Bridget’s veil almost straight up into the air during the group photographs. Rather than worrying about it, everyone burst out laughing and it will become a story to tell and a memory to hold on to.

Three tips from a Berwick House wedding photographer

1. Build a little flexibility into your timeline

The British weather likes to keep us guessing! A bit of breathing room in your schedule means you can easily adapt if a shower passes through and still make the most of the beautiful outdoor spaces.

2. Don’t disappear for hours for your photographs

One of the best things about Berwick House is that everything is so close together. We can create a lovely selection of relaxed portraits in around 15–20 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy your guests.

3. Make the most of every space

The terrace is brilliant for drinks and taking in the views across the Shropshire countryside, while the cosy library is perfect for guests who’d rather find a quiet corner and relax. Having those different spaces gives the whole day a really lovely flow.

Bridget and Ben’s Berwick House wedding gallery

Here’s a selection of my favourite photographs from Bridget and Ben’s wedding at Berwick House. I hope they give you a little glimpse into what made their day so special.

Planning your own Berwick House wedding?

If you’re planning your own wedding at Berwick House and you’re looking for relaxed, natural photography that captures the real moments as they happen, I’d love to hear all about your plans.

Whether you’re getting married in spring, summer, autumn or winter, Berwick House is a wonderful place to celebrate with the people who matter most.

If that sounds like the kind of wedding you’re planning, do get in touch – I’d love to chat.