Royal banquet vibes as I shoot at this stunning venue for the first time
I often get asked by couples “have you shot there before?” When they’re chatting to me about their venue of choice. It’s a fair question – but let me tell you what I always tell them. I actually find it harder shooting at a venue which I work at all the time. Much harder.
My Approach to New Weddings
This is because, I have countless rules for myself as a wedding photographer which I regularly remind myself of whenever I’m shooting a wedding. One of these many rules is that I’m not allowed to become “formulaic” – in other words, don’t repeat shots if you can help it.
If I regularly work at a venue (which I often do because I’m lucky enough to be on their recommended suppliers list), I try and change things up every time I shoot there, so that I’m not just delivering the same “cookie cutter” wedding edit to every couple at that venue. Laziness and ease is NOT an option for me!
So, shooting somewhere for the first time means I don’t have this problem! I feel free, I feel creative, I’ve done my research before heading there by looking up imagery from the venue on Google and across Socials – so I also feel inspired!
Harlaxton Manor Wedding
I arrived at Harlaxton Manor for Bride Prep having already been to Groom Prep first. I always ensure I get to both the Bride and Groom in the morning seeing as I usually shoot alone. This isn’t ever a problem for me and I easily make it work which is great! Groom Prep in this case had been hilarious and made me realise that this wedding day was going to be FUN. George had assured me that he hated his photograph being taken, so I made it my mission to make him fall in love with being photographed as I try and do with every nervous couple I work with.
Natural, Unposed Photos
I didn’t force them into poses. I didn’t tell him to look at the camera and smile. I didn’t make them do anything awkward actually. I did what I always do; I chatted away to them about everything around them, whilst I snapped away and documented everything as it happened. I asked George about the books on his book shelf. I complimented him on his beard. I congratulated George’s Dad Barry for taking it upon himself to fill up countless hip flasks for all the Groomsmen and noted his flawless technique and execution – spills aside. All essential conversation. This meant that George then felt comfortable enough to start suggesting photo ideas, including wanting a shot of the boys in their suits, but with their rugby shorts on. Perfect.
The moral of the story here is; put a nervous Groom at ease and magic happens. The “shorts shot” is my favourite moment from Groom Prep. Kudos, George, you creative genius.
Arriving at Harlaxton, I was given a tour by the coordinator which was so lovely and welcoming – but I’d done enough research to mean I already felt like I knew my way around the place – so I definitely felt prepared, which is key when shooting a wedding!
The Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony was other-worldly. I mean seriously, WHAT a setting! I was lucky enough not to have to use flash at all and I just shot wide open as usual on 1.2 using a 75-200mm zoom lens. George cried a river when he saw Dani too, so that was an absolute bonus. Cheers George! Everyone loves an emotional Groom!
Following the confetti shot (which involved the Usher getting his hands on an entire bucket of confetti and letting is loose on the guests, making for some brilliant shots!) we headed off to do our couples shots and holy Harlaxton, this venue and its grounds did not let me down.
The Wedding Couple
Dani and George must SURELY have grown tired of me telling them that I was having the best time and that I was in heaven and that blah blah blah – but you know what, I really meant it. There were SO many places for breathtaking moments! That said, this day wasn’t about me and my portfolio, so we still managed to do a really varied couples portraits session in 25 minutes – after which I told the newlyweds to get themselves back to the bar and back to the party. One rule I have for myself is; work efficiently so that my couples aren’t in a two hour photo shoot on their wedding day, whilst their guests lap up all the fun without them.
All I can say is, Harlaxton and I have something special going on. We’ve only had one get together so far, but I think the chemistry was undeniable. I’d definitely love a second date. Counting down until that time comes again.
Until then, I’ll just stick Harlaxton’s photos on my bedroom wall and dream about Dani and George’s wedding instead.
Rachel London Photography
Are you getting married at Harlaxton Manor? I’d love to photograph your wedding! Get in touch over on the contact page to check my availability for your big day.