Tony and Kim – 5th June 2016
Tony and Kim had their wedding at Minstrel Court, a historic Tudor manor in Royston. Situated on the border of Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, this amazing listed wedding venue boasts six acres of beautiful gardens complete with an outdoor ceremony space looking over a private lake. I loved being a Minstrel Court wedding photographer and hope to come back and visit this amazing venue again soon!
Bridal Preparations
It was a beautifully sunny day in June and I met Kim at her home where she was getting ready with her bridesmaids. Everyone was very chilled out and relaxed whilst Hair by Phillip did an amazing job to get everyone ready with plenty of time to spare. Kim wore a stunning fifties style dress with a pair of pink lace heels alongside a pretty beaded clutch. The dusky pink rose bouquet, made by the very talented Hello Flower, complimented the outfit perfectly.
The Ceremony
The couple had their ceremony in the Meadow Pavilion, right next to the lake. Their three sons all played a part in the ceremony and looked adorable in their matching navy suits. Due to the great weather we were able to do all the pictures outside and the grounds provided an excellent backdrop. I love the pictures we got on the bridge over the lake, the reflection was perfect!
Tony and Kim decorated the marquee themselves and it looked amazing…a proper Pinterest wedding! The wedding breakfast was a delicious afternoon tea and every table had their own unique set of beautiful ornate crockery from Vintage China Hire, which was placed on top of matching floral runners. The tables were adorned with gyposphila and pink roses in mason jars and the burlap chair ties fitted in perfectly with the rustic style.
Marquee Wedding Reception
The bride and groom both delivered emotional speeches that were warm and touching. As the grown ups preceded to enjoy cocktail hour, the kids made the most of the massive bouncy castle situated behind the marquee – a great way to keep children entertained at a wedding!
As a beautiful day turned into a stunning evening, the groomsmen set up big “LOVE” letters next to the dance floor ready for the couple to start their first dance. The resident DJ, Bob Burling, set up some spotlights and a fog machine which gave the images a really cinematic feel.
Thanks so much for letting me capture your beautiful day, I loved every minute of it!
Minstrel Court Wedding Photos
Listed Tudor Manor in Royston
This rural retreat is used for events, weddings and concerts throughout the year. With great transport links to London and Cambridge and beautiful views of the Wimpole Meadows, this venue is perfect for any special occasion.
Getting Married at Minstrel Court
Minstrel Court have recently built a bridal dressing room so there’s a place for you and your bridesmaids to get ready on the morning of your big day. They’ve included built in light panels around the mirrors to create a soft, diffused light which is very flattering and perfect for documenting all the excitement before the ceremony. I often recommend having your hair and makeup done at the venue where possible to avoid the stress of travelling.
When it comes to tying the knot, Minstrel Court have a few different options depending on your requirements. The Lake Pavilion is an outdoor ceremony space for up to 145 people with fantastic views of the landscape. The roof and fold down glass windows keep your guests protected from the bad weather so it can be used all year round. The Meadow Chapel is a great alternative for those looking to get married indoors. The glazed facade and stained glass windows in the roof fill the room with natural light, keeping this space feeling bright and airy. The Sky Bar and Long Gallery are also available for more intimate ceremonies.
The wedding breakfast can either be held in the marquee which seats 145 people or the three storey regency barn which has a capacity of 135. When it comes to food, Minstrel Court are very flexible so you can pick anything from a three course meal to afternoon tea to suit the style of your wedding.
If you’re looking for on-site accommodation, the bridal summerhouse is available and there’s plenty of parking available for guests. Minstrel Court have also started offering fireworks packages which can be viewed from the terrace overlooking the lake.
Documenting Weddings at Minstrel Court
Here are a few of my favourite spots for photographing couples at this amazing venue:
- CHINESE BRIDGE – Leading up to the Meadow Pavilion, this bridge is a great spot for a portrait of the couple whilst incorporating the beautiful landscape. In the summer, the lily pads are out creating a picturesque backdrop that looks like it could be straight out of a Monet painting.
- MEADOW PAVILION – This is where the ceremony is usually held but I also recommend going out in the evening and using off camera flash to get some creative nighttime portraits.
- GROUNDS – The hedge to the left of the barn provides a nice neutral backdrop for group portraits and the position of the sun in the afternoon gives a nice rim light that separates the subjects from the background. In the spring, you can make the most of the blossom and daffodils to create colourful portraits.
If you’re looking for a Minstrel Court wedding photographer, I’d love to hear from you!