Lovely winter wedding photography at Manor by the Lake in Cheltenham

OK, so the weather was not amazing for my first visit to Manor by the Lake in Cheltenham, but it was November, so I guess you don’t really expect anything more. However, I was mightily impressed with EVERYTHING else… This is a seriously cool venue!  I would love to see it in full bloom in the summer. I am guessing it is super gorgeous because, in late Autumn, it was incredible! 

Please enjoy their wedding below and congrats to Sam & Will. 

Their Love Story

1) Please tell me how you first met?
We met at Ceroc dancing lessons nearly five years ago, she had a bad back and I had a deep hunger. She offered food and I was helpless to resist.

2) When was it you knew they were the one? 
Sam: I knew he was the one, as he makes me laugh every day. Also easy to please, food lol
Will: The more time and days I spent with sam the more I came to realise that I couldn’t picture starting every day without her there next to me.

3) Could you give us the story of the proposal? 
Will: After a wonderful meal out together I subtly suggested a nice walk along the riverside before driving home, she none the wiser agreed tho was not inclined to exercise often. We walked past the cathedral to go through the gardens only to find the gate was locked! My cunning plan thwarted we drove home I swore never to plan anything ever again… it was many weeks of carrying the ring everywhere before THE moment arrived. 

Sam: I had a Monday off work. So drove to Ledbury to have lunch with Will, we went to a lovely coffee shop and had scones with jam and cream. After lunch, we went for a wander as Will still had a little longer on his break. We walked through cobbled streets and found a church with a lovely view, so we sat on a bench and admired it for a few moments. When Will asked if I enjoyed spending time with him. Which my response was that he had to go back to work soon. lol. He asked if I would do it forever. When I looked down he had the ring on his knee. I can’t remember saying Yes I just cried with soo many happy tears.

4) If you don’t mind sharing, can you tell me something quirky, funny or silly about your partner? 
Sam: Will is a big kid. He makes me laugh doing the funniest faces and voices.
Will: Sam is made bizarrely and intensely happy when she can blow the days fluff out of my belly button when we go to bed. Its become quite the ritual and she is ever so sad when the button is empty.

5) What is your perfect day together?
Spending time together where ever we are, just as long as it’s together we are happy.

6) Apart from the obvious, what are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
Sam: Dancing.
Will: Family and friends all together having fun.

7) What was it that inspired you to go for the theme or the decor you chose for your wedding?
Will: Sams orders
Sam: less is more. I’m not a fussy type of person. So simple and elegant.

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 brides reading this blog?
It’s just as special to the groom and if it wasn’t for them asking you wouldn’t be planning it. So ask what they want and their views, then do what’s best. lol   Pay attention to the details, a little creativity goes a long way.

9) When searching, what were you were looking for in a wedding venue? 
On the first visit, Sam was heard to say “isn’t it grand”. Repeatedly. It clearly had an impact that suited the day we were hoping to have with our nearest and dearest.

10) Could you tell me the process you went through when you were looking for a wedding photographer? 
We met Duncan at a Stanbrook Abbey wedding fayre. After a few minutes chatting we knew we would be able to get along and have a laugh with this gent whilst producing the memories and photographs that suited the wedding and unique personalities that are us.

Vendor List

Photography | Duncan Cox Photography

Ceremony Location | Manor by the Lake Cheltenham

Reception Location | Manor by the Lake Cheltenham

Florist | Charlotte Chapman

Wedding Planner | Me Samantha Rose

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