Aswarby Rectory Wedding
When Emily & Ryan booked me to shoot their wedding at Aswarby Rectory I did a not-so silent air punch. This was a venue that I had been hoping to book for quite some time. I had admired its beautiful light and calm decor through social media and blog posts, and now finally I was going to shoot there. An Aswarby Rectory wedding. It felt good.
The place was more beautiful than I had imagined – thanks in many ways, I suspect, to the creative eye of Emily and the superb suppliers she brought in. A list of supplier can be found at the end of the post. She played in the hands of Aswarby by keeping a neutral colour scheme, interesting textures and divine details such as scent made the day so much more special.
The wedding breakfast room.
The wedding breakfast room at Aswarby Rectory is just stunning. The Georgian windows look out from all aspects and the trees outside prevent hotspots of light. These features result in a room that is light and airy without feel stuffy in any way. The rooms were set up beautifully with foliage and white flowers, and white candles. Classically simple and elegant. A dramatic flower installation was installed all the way up one side of a window, elevating the room from lovely wedding, to awesome wedding.
Bridal Prep
The music was playing, the champagne corks were popping and the faces were smiling. This group of ladies had a classy thing going on. The bridal prep room was open of my favourite parts of this Aswarby Rectory Wedding because of the way the light bounce around the room. I even stalked the owner of the property to find out which paint was on the walls (Slaked Lime, Little Greene in case you’re wondering). I might now have to paint my whole house in the same.
What she wore:
This Aswarby bride was modern, cool and sophisticated. Nobody could wait to see what she would look like in her dress, with the headband, shoes and veil combo. Keep scrolling for links to her amazing suppliers.
The Staircase at Aswarby
The Staircase at Aswarby Rectory is a focal point and looks so stunning adorned with flowers. The scent from the flowers filled the space and the wedding coordinator said that this installation was her favourite yet. I’m not surprised – it was mindblowingly beautiful. What a way to celebrate your wedding day!
Aswarby Rectory Wedding Ceremony Room
The room where you say your nuptials at Aswarby is, again, another calming room. The floor has this cool design feature and the chandeliers are bold. But it is otherwise a blank canvas, with a fireplace at the end. Guests sit on dark wood benches and Emily had lit a candle which filled the room with the most amazing scent. She had also brought in an acoustic musician to gently sing and entertain everyone whilst they waited. This particular wedding ceremony felt undeniably special: the readings – I had NEVER heard before. This is how to do a reading…. don’t google wedding reading! Find something intrinsically connected to you! There was also a wonderful ceremonial warming of the rings. You’ll see in the photos where family members were asked to hold the rings before they were used, in order to warm them. A detail that cost nothing, but meant so much.
The wedding reception at Aswarby Rectory
Following the ceremony everyone lined up out the front doors for the confetti walk through, and then went to the back lawn for drinks. Ryan and Emily popped a bottle of Champagne and started the champagne tower.The Champagne was further elevated with the most beautiful edible flowers. The musician set up outside and continued to strum, the vegan canapés were passed out and we got through the group shots and some of the portraits.
The wedding breakfast room is one of my favourite places to take a bride and groom portrait. I knew Emily had put a lot of effort into making this space perfect, so wanted to immortalise that moment for her. They were so delighted when they walked in – I’m so glad I was with them to capture their expressions and joy. And, of course, earlier in the day the candles had not been lit.
Aswarby Rectory Pool
Now – as far as I know. Or at least, as far as I have seen, nobody else has used the swimming pool area for wedding portraits at Aswarby Rectory. I mean – what have you all been waiting for? For me – the turquoise pool was just so Gatsby-esque, I had to ask the question. I am so grateful to Imogen for agreeing to let us in the gate. We were very well behaved so hoping I get let back in again.
As the sun started to dip, the incredible vegan meal drew to a close and the speeches began…
…and finished just in time for a stunning golden hour shoot.
After dinner everyone congregated in the lawn area, cocktails were served and evening guests arrived.
As the light dipped Emily and Ryan cut the cake and did their first dance to a live band.
And then Emily disappeared for a bit…
Aswarby Wedding dress reveal
The veil was gone, the hair swished to the side and a new dress made its entrance to a very surprised groom. I can’t say that he didn’t look utterly delighted with Emily’s new cocktail dress. Short and with a HUGE bow on the back, Emily’s legs were free to dance the night away.
Supplier love
Venue: Aswarby Rectory @aswarbyrectory
Flowers: Coco in the Country, @cocointhecountry
Hair = Anika Hitchins
Makeup = Amy George (lead) Orla Browne (second)
Bridesmaid and bridal jewellery = epanoui = @epanouilifestyle
Maids to Measure, @maidstomeasure
Ryan’s = Michael & Giso, @michaelgiso / @michaelgisoweddings; Ryan’s shoes = Russell & Bromley, @russellandbromley; Groomsmen and dads’ = Moss Bros suits, @mossbros, Reiss ties, @reiss
Cake by Caroline Debonnaire, @cakebycarolinedebonnaire
Music: Thomas Wilman Acoustic (daytime), @thomasjwilmanacoustic; Rock ‘n Soulers (nightime), @rocknsoulers; Eleanor Joanna (live illustrator), @el.ustrates
Caterers = Hall & Co = @hallandcoeventdesign
Crockery = CMA Event Hire = @cmahire
Rings = Alexis Russell = @alexisrusselljewelry
Stationery = ERA Calligraphy = @eracalligraphy
Candles = Ester and Erik (table) = @esteranderik; epanoui (scent) = @epanouilifestyle
The dress – Halfpenny London – @halfpennylondon
The shoes – Loeffler Randall – @loefflerrandall
Jewellery – épanoui (ofc)
Hairband – The Bobby Pin – @bobbypinuk
Veil – Emma Bridals
Second dress – Freda Bennet – @fredabennet
and second shooting from the very wonderful Aga Hosking @agahosking
