Charlotte & Mark

Bourton Hall
Rugby

I love it when I get to go to a new venue, so I was delighted to be heading to Bourton Hall for the first time. And wow…it’s one of those places where you arrive, look around, and instantly think “Yep, today’s going to be good.” The rooms are stunning, the gardens are immaculate, and the staff are just so lovely! And the day only got better when I realised I’d be working with some of my faves, Rob from Red Beard Film Company on video and my MUA queen Chloe Elenor. I also got to work with Nichola Bunn for the first time, and she’s someone I would 100% recommend. I arrived to find Charlotte and her maid of honour casually strolling down the Bourton Hall driveway… carrying her actual wedding dress. Her gown was an absolute beauty and I couldn’t wait to see her in it. The theme for the day was all about the pinks and the flowers by Palm and Peony were beyond gorgeous.

The ceremony was emotional, as you’d expect, but we also had a moment of pure comedy gold. Mark had told the registrar the wrong name for his best man/ring bearer, and it set the whole room off. Nothing like a bit of unexpected laughter to break the tension and make everyone feel even more relaxed. Once the confetti had been thrown and hugs exchanged, the celebrations spilled out into the gardens. Now, Mondays don’t usually involve sipping cocktails in a beautiful setting with views for miles, but this one did. Add James Burwell on sax and a canapé or two and it was wedding reception bliss.

This year has definitely been the year of the wedding quiz, and I’m loving it. So many of my couples I’ve had lately has included one, and it’s such a great way to round off dinner or fill that little gap before the first dance. It’s always competitive, it always gets a bit silly, and it always leaves me grinning behind the camera.

As the evening light got softer, we headed out for some couple portraits. You could tell Charlotte and Mark had done an engagement shoot before the big day (shout out to Alfie the dog… you were SO missed!), they were so comfortable with each other and with the camera, and just enjoyed the moment. No awkwardness, just relaxed, happy, loved-up energy. They even found my jokes extra funny… or maybe that was Dan the videographer’s doing, you decide.

Bourton Hall has this gorgeous tradition for the first dance. The couple take to the floor while their guests line the grand staircase above, sprinkling confetti down onto them as they dance. It’s pure magic and looks incredible in photos! Massive respect to whoever sweeps it all up afterwards, you deserve a medal!

Before I packed up, Charlotte pulled off the ultimate wedding day twist, a quick outfit change. Out came the sweetest little mini dress, a pair of comfy slippers, and a brand new ‘Mrs Hughes’ veil. She was ready to throw some serious shapes on the dancefloor, and Mark was very much a fan of her second look!

Personal Highlight:

Here’s the thing — not all venues are kind, welcoming and warm (maybe we’ll spill the beans in a tell-all book one day). So when you rock up somewhere new and the staff are absolute angels, it’s a game changer. At Bourton Hall they are the dream team. Friendly, helpful, and made sure we were so well fed I was practically rolling into the evening couple shots. Oh, and they casually got me the actual recipe from the chef for the incredible sauce with my main. That’s hospitality on another level! Thanks, Charlotte and Mark, for bringing them and that Thai curry sauce into my world!