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Beautiful Deer Park Hall Wedding Photography near Pershore in Worcestershire
23rd August 2018
It was another lovely day for wedding photography at Deer Park Hall in Worcestershire. Although, after prolonged periods of hot weather seemed to come to an end shortly before Jean & Henry’s wedding, I thought they were very calm and pragmatic about it and concentrated on having an amazing time. There was a wonderful party atmosphere and the Ceilidh was great fun too! Enjoy the photos and congratulations to Jean & Henry!
Their Love Story
1) Please tell me how you first met?
It was an internet date, lunchtime coffee in Richmond Park, Pembroke House, sitting at a table overlooking the great expanse of the park. Thursday 4th August 2016. He arrived on his ElliptiGO bike (google it)! We are both keen runners and cyclists. The date started at 12 noon and finished at 11:30 p.m. after many more conversations, drinks, a meal and laughs!
2) When was it you knew they were the one?
Jean – I had some feeling after our second date (only a few days after the first!), I flew out to Salzburg to go cycling and in the time away, we’d texted a lot, I felt I’d known him a lot longer and later, it was simply the fact he made me happier than anyone I’d known and I started to think life would be quite wonderful with him in it, always.
Henry – We had had a wonderful year of socialising, holidays and activities, and I felt very happy and at ease in Jean’s company. Also her support during a difficult time for me personally. So we went away in May to New York and Colorado and I thought then, this really is the woman for me.
3) Could you give us the story of the proposal?
Henry – Well, our 1 year anniversary was coming up, and I thought this would be a good time to propose, as we were going back to the place we met for a ‘date’. It was a lovely day – sunny and warm, and I went for it! She was a bit overwhelmed I think!
Jean – I had no idea. It was just meant to visiting a special place. The weather that day was somewhat worse than the previous year, we were forced to have lunch inside but after, he insisted we walked outside, near ‘our table’ and after a short walk, announced ‘I’m going to do it.’ Suddenly dropping to one knee, it all made sense. I was very surprised but in no doubt about my answer. It was an emotional afternoon.
4) If you don’t mind sharing, can you tell me something quirky, funny or silly about your partner?
Henry – She gets excited about coffee and chilli sauce (not together)
Jean – He has a weird interest in motorway service stations; if we are going on a trip, we must stop at least twice for coffee and explore.
5) What is your perfect day together?
Exploring anywhere in the UK and beyond. We are adventurers and we love the paths less travelled on foot (particularly running) and cycling.
6) Apart from the obvious, what are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
Henry – Having a joyful day with our close family and friends to celebrate and then being able to call Jean Mrs Dodwell.
Jean – Having everyone who is special to me (including friends I’ve met through Henry) and the ongoing warmth from his family share this special occasion. On a rather minor but equally lovely point, seeing Henry is some smart attire is always rather special too!
7) What was it that inspired you to go for the theme or the decor you chose for your wedding?
Jean – The countryside the venue is set in reminded me of where I live (near Windsor), surrounded by deer and countryside. For Henry, it reminds him of his roots (he is a Worcestershire boy). The rustic theme was essential with some London twists (I was born in London and Henry lived in London before we met), running/cycling clues and my favourite colour scheme for flowers, yellow.
8) Please tell me one thing you wish you had known at the beginning of your wedding planning process, that you could pass on to future bride’s reading this blog?
Here’s a few (it’s hard to pick one but they are all connected) The task seemed mammoth at the beginning. Plan early and spread the tasks out over at least 11-12 months. It is amazing how you get to the final month of the wedding and it all falls into place! Be strict with yourself; set a budget but allow a little for unexpected costs and don’t sweat the small stuff. No one notices tiny details, it really doesn’t matter.
9) When searching, what were you were looking for in a wedding venue?
Jean – Henry grew up in the area and over a few visits, I fell in love with it too. The deer reminded me of Great Windsor Park where I run with my club and I’m lucky enough to live nearby. We both live there now. We thought the place was stunning but not overly indulgent. It was authentic for us.
10) Could you tell me the process you went through when you were looking for a wedding photographer?
My Maid of Honour gave me advice about wedding photography and we both loved the reportage style. Deer Park Hall have a list of recommended photographers and we researched the recommendations. We were impressed with the reportage style in Duncan Cox’s photography which seemed to be exactly what we were looking for. The uploaded wedding photographs on the website were fantastic for ideas and as our wedding is just a few weeks away, it creates excitement for our own day. We see this as such an important stage in our lives, photography can only go some way in capturing them, but it can continually ignite memories and therein lies the magic of image and memory.
Vendor List
Photography | Duncan Cox Photography
Ceremony Location | Deer Park Hall
Reception Location | Deer Park Hall
Florist | Catherine Young
Wedding DJ | DJ Chris Mack Associate
Dress Designer | Willowby by Watters
Ceilidh Band – Cut the Mustard
Wedding Cake – The Little Pink Wedding Shop
Chair Covers – Vintage Venue Styling