Hestercombe Gardens Wedding Photographer

“I cannot recommend Simon highly enough. The beautiful moments he captured of our day are photos we’re treasure forever. Despite myself being quite shy and awkward on camera, he made us both so relaxed and allowed us to be ourselves rather than forcing awkward poses etc. I would recommend him to anyone!”

Hestercombe Gardens Summer Wedding

Every time Hestercombe crops up in my wedding diary I get a little bit excited! (here’s a previous wedding I photographed: Nyla and Paul’s Hestercombe Wedding). You see here is a wedding venue that makes you feel connected with nature and part of the great outdoors. Charlotte and Jonny chose it for the stunning lake and waterfall, which offers an epic backdrop.

I started the day with the boys who were getting themselves in order at The Castle Hotel in Taunton. Jonny took the guys up to the penthouse for an usher briefing and to check out the awesome view! I then headed over to see the bridal preparations at Grace Barn where the atmosphere was calm and relaxed. Makeup and hair was expertly done by Bombshell and the bridesmaids (and bridesman!) looked incredible in their individual, but complementary outfits. Charlotte stole the show though with her divine Grace Loves Lace wedding dress, handmade in Australia.

It was soon time to head over for the main event, the wedding ceremony in the light-filled Orangery at Hestercombe. This is a wonderful setting for a marriage and seeing the expressions on the soon-to-be-married couple as they stood next to each other, put a smile on everyone’s face! On a warm summer’s day like this, the drinks reception can be held on the lawns outside the Orangery. There were garden games for guests to play and the space hoppers caused the inevitable wipeout with two over-confident chaps!

Unposed, Natural Couple Photography

As I hope you see from the slideshow and photos, my approach when it comes to the couple shoot is one that creates natural and genuine moments. I don’t pose couples or tell them to stand in a certain way. This way of doing things only creates a false impression, it is aiming for a certain ‘look’. Instead, my goal is to make the entire session an experience that generates real feelings. I give couples space to be themselves, to enjoy some time away from the action for a while and focus on each other. By giving prompts, games, things to do and talk about, a spark is made and real moments happen organically. I am looking to capture the real relationship between people and I want them to look back and remember the feelings they had.

Wedding celebrations at Hestercombe

Onto the wedding breakfast at the gorgeous Bampfylde Hall and a vegan meal courtesy of the chefs at Hestercombe. There was also a wedding cake by Earthcake Ltd, looking as good as it tasted! I loved capturing the speeches and Jonny was in his element here, I think the teacher in him was definitely coming to the fore! It was then time for some drinks on the lawns after the meal and I took the couple for a gentle stroll through the formal gardens and some lovely moments in the beautiful golden hour light.

We returned to find there had been an unexpected power cut! (it later emerged that a tractor had cut through a nearby power line!) but the team soon had a generator top and running and the music was back, phew! It was truly a wonderful day and I wish Charlotte and Jonny all the best for the future.

Here’s some more background on the day from Charlotte and Jonny themselves:

1. TELL US MORE ABOUT YOU

Charlotte - I’m a Content Producer in the advertising industry. I’m also a rather passionate vegan, and campaigning for equal rights is important in life to me. I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family. Jonny - I’m a PE teacher at secondary school level. Family and friends are important to me. I enjoy running marathons and coaching sports teams.

2. THE PROPOSAL: WHAT’S THE STORY?

On holiday in Majorca, on a beach in the middle of nowhere! It was a beautiful surprise.

3. WHAT MADE HESTERCOMBE GARDENS THE PERFECT VENUE CHOICE FOR YOU?

We saw photos online of the beautiful gardens and buildings, but what made it stand out from other venues for us was the lake and waterfall.

4. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SIMON BIFFEN TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR WEDDING?

We actually saw photos of Simon’s work on the Hestercombe website, and it was mainly his photos that made us want to book Hestercome. I (Charlotte) have a degree in Photography so I knew the style I was after for the wedding and Simon fitted it perfectly!

5. WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE DID YOU WANT FOR YOUR GUESTS?

A relaxed fun wedding. We didn’t want it to be overly formal or controlled, and it wasn’t!

6. WHAT WERE THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM YOUR DAY?

Jonny’s Dad’s reading during the ceremony was unforgettable. And having a beer with Simon!

7. ANY TIPS FOR FUTURE COUPLES PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?

It’s easy to say now that it’s all over, but don’t take everything too seriously and remember that the key to a happy day is to enjoy yourself. Also - make sure you book Simon as the photographer!

8. WEDDING SUPPLIERS:

Venue: Hestercombe House and Gardens | Dress: Grace Loves Lace | Flowers: Tilda Rose | Make-up and Hair: Bombshell | Grooms Suit: Next | Cake: Earthcake Ltd | Entertainment: Keith Hards