When thinking of winter weddings I would normally think of fur coats, deep red bridesmaid dresses and a cold chill that makes me want to whisper ‘Winter is coming’ in my best Jon Snow accent. However, Katie and Matt planned their Holmewood Hall winter wedding with a nod to their traveling background, and went with slightly warmer undertones . There were hints of tropical climates with emerald greens and golds. A selection of floral arrangements that wouldn’t look out of place on a Malaysian coastline were Supplied by the fabulous Georgia Joy florist in Stamford.
Katie and Matt’s wedding was on the 29th of December, 4 days after food fest, more commonly known as Christmas. I was relieved to get back to work and have a reason to stop wearing festive themed Pyjamas and devouring cheese and crackers for breakfast. It made those weird days between Christmas and New Year actually make sense. I knew what day it was.
No snow was forecast, much to our disappointment, but it did mean we could get some wedding photos in the grounds of Holmewood Hall, without the risk of frostbite. Even the guests were happy to stand outside for some group shots. Not an easy task in 6 inches of snow and the threat of hyperthermia. So not all bad that the snow stayed away. Plus, Holmewood Hall had roaring fires and Christmas trees which more than made up for the lack of the white stuff.
The Ceremony
The global pandemic has played havoc with weddings for what feels like forever, but throughout the summer things were improving. Venues, suppliers and guests, were back to being mask free. Then the pesky Omicron variant reared it’s ugly head and threats of restrictions started circling faster than the virus itself. By the time we were putting gifts under the tree it felt like everyone had caught it, or knew someone with it. Unfortunately, Katie and Matt had guests that had no option than to stay at home.
As sad and disappointing as it was, it wasn’t going to ruin the plans. Some evening guests were able to come earlier filling the otherwise empty seats. For those not able to make it in person, a live stream was set up. Having videographer (Josh from J Hyde Weddings) in attendance, meant we had all bases covered. The ceremony was beautiful and the love Katie and Matt have for each other was clear for all to see. Shining out of them like little sunbeams. I smiled a lot.
The new Mr and Mrs Storey walked out hand in hand ready for a celebration. No variant was going to stop that now.
We took some time out for some bride and groom photos. A walk through the grounds and a stop at the lake, and we were ready to call family and friends out for a big group shot. I say we, I may have been inside, in the warm, ushering guests out, while Josh was forming a group…that’s what friends and videographers are for right?
Holmewood Hall Winter Wedding Reception
Once the wedding breakfast was cleared and everyone was feeling suitably full, the bubbles were poured ready for the speeches. That’s my cue to get back into the dining room, just in time for the speeches. The father of the bride was first up, no visible nerves but that’s probably down to being a headmaster. Guests were on their best behaviour, as was I. The best man took his role seriously. His speech contained equal amounts of grilling and heart felt stories. I have witnessed some shocking speeches in the past so this was mild. Mind you if I was giving a speech in a room full of teachers and headmasters I would keep it clean too.
Party time
The bridesmaids had prepared me for the exact moment they were going to release the confetti cannon for Katie and Matt. We even had a little run through of the first dance song just so we knew how long I had to run up the stairs. Up I ran. I collided with a charming lady on the staircase, who was then covered in whatever she was drinking and squeezed into my perfect spot. No time for apologies, but I did find the lady afterwards and thankfully she found the funny side of it. Confetti rained down and that’s where the party started.
Katie and Matt continued to dance the night away long after I left, (yes Katie, I’ve seen footage online). Not sure how but someone did end up in the lake. Whether that was for a swim, or just a stumble I don’t know. But seeing as this was a winter wedding in December, I doubt it was for a swim!
Some great suppliers on the day
Flowers are by Georgia Joy in Stamford https://www.georgiajoy.co.uk/gallery
Welcome sign and wedding stationary were supplied by Grace Jackson designs. https://www.gracejacksondesign.co.uk/
Videography was by J Hyde Weddings, you can see more from Josh at https://www.jhydeweddings.com/
Planning a wedding? You can read my top 10 questions to ask your wedding photographer here https://www.sarahcarterphotography.co.uk/questions-for-your-wedding-photographer/