renaissance wedding at St Giles House
Like a painting you walk into - St Giles House as a wedding venue
A little winter beauty coming at you today… Destination wedding, but done differently - in England. Let’s start with Josie and Fergus’s wonderful choice of a wedding venue: St Giles House, nestled in the gorgeous countryside of Dorset, stands as a testament to timeless elegance and historical significance. This magnificent stately home traces its origins back to the 17th century when it was built for the noble Ashley-Cooper family. I wanted to shoot there for a long time, so I obviously jumped with joy when Josie and Fergus told me their wedding was going to be there!
It’s a gem of architecture, but also a home to some stunning works of art that offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of British heritage. Josie and Fergus thought a lot about their dream wedding and really wanted it to like stepping into an old painting. When they found St Giles House, they knew they found their perfect wedding venue. It’s a perfect backdrop for couples seeking to exchange vows amidst the allure of a Renaissance-inspired wedding. With its captivating architecture, lush gardens, and timeless feel, this historic house offers a magical setting where love stories unfold against a backdrop of centuries-old charm. The word romantic doesn’t even cover it!
a destination wedding in England
Josie and Fergus live in London, but really wanted a destination wedding venue that you don’t have to fly to. You can gather all your family and friends together for the weekend, but no one has to use a passport. The grounds are gorgeous at St Giles House, but so is the actual house and its interiors, meaning that you don’t have to worry too much about the weather! Win-win, really.
The atmosphere was wonderful - full of love and laughter. The couple chose a celebrant to have an even more meaningful ceremony. There was not a dry eye during the ceremony and the speeches afterwards.
Following the ceremony, guests indulged in an amazing feast of vegan delicacies, crafted with care to tantalize the senses. But the magic didn't stop there. As twilight descended, the festivities took on a new rhythm as guests descended into the house's secret nightclub nestled within the house’s basement. Amidst flickering candlelight and the pulsating beat of music, Josie and Fergus, joined by their loved ones, danced the night away, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
I absolutely loved being part of their wedding, it was a fest for my eyes and my editorial approach was just perfect for the settings and what the couple envisioned.
candlelit winter wedding
There’s an air of intimacy at a winter wedding; they tend to be smaller numbers, candle lit, less daylight (but when the sun hits, it’s a photographer’s dream every time!), a little more relaxed and from the outside, they seem to carry less pressure to that of a big summer wedding, but that doesn’t mean for a second they don’t deliver an incredible day or experience. IT was one of the warmest, cosiest, happiest weddings that I’ve ever been to.
It was an honour to be a part of, thanks for having me along guys!
DOCUMENTARY meets EDITORIAL
a.k.a. why to have me as your wedding photographer :-) I tend to approach the day in a documentary way - I don’t choreograph it, I capture it. But then, my trained eye turns everything into a visual feast, making each and every frame the best possible one. Have a look at my portfolio and to learn more about me and how I work, go to my about page
You can send me a quick enquiry to check if I’m available for your date here and let’s chat! :-)
“Marta, we love you so much! They are an absolute dream! It was the best day ever and you’ve really captured everything we felt”
Josie and Fergus
