Pre-Wedding Shoot at Alrewas Hayes Estrianna and Liam

I really enjoy pre-wedding shoots!  Here are the images for Liam and Estrianna at their reception venue, the wonderful Alrewas Hayes.  We had a great time meeting up and walking the location in preparation for their wedding day in the summer.  This modern, romantic venue in the country will contribute well to a memorable experience for them both.  Afterall there is so much to like here. 

On the day of the shoot in April, it was a little overcast but we excitedly made our way into the walled courtyard and from there, the private garden. Surveying the different areas looking for places to shoot, we found a path lined with trees and a hedge.  This was good for a series of images with them both in conversation, walking towards the camera. 

We then ventured around to the front of the grade two listed manor house, and took some of the iconic images, regularly shot for Alrewas Hayes.  The private gardens continued to the left of the home and we captured some natural images, among the tall plants.  Liam’s response to my face cupping suggestion looked suspiciously like he was strangling Estrianna!  This made us all laugh and led to some similarly, candid shots. 

It began to rain as we then moved around to the lake and fountain. Our fun outside was cut short, but by then we had seen enough to know we were going to be in for a treat come the wedding.

Pre-wedding shoots – How I use them

So why am I a fan of pre-wedding shoots?  Well, I think they are great to give a couple real insight into how I shoot the wedding day.  Instead of micromanaging things, I use a few posing cues and discuss with the couple, how their interactions can be best captured on camera.  Then on the actual wedding day, my re-using the terms from the pre-wedding shoot, enables couples to recognise the instructions and have the previous captured images in mind.  This gives focus and purpose to actions and can really ease any big day nerves.    

Additionally. a pre-wedding shoot is an opportunity for me, to see the couples personalities.  Humour is often the best way to get people to open up and relax, so what do they find funny? What are they nervous or uncomfortable about? Do they have a favourite side to photograph? Armed with this information, I can focus on contributing to their wedding day being easy and enjoyable, at least from a photography perspective! 

By the end of the pre-wedding shoot, we are all hopefully, that little bit more assured about how the day will unfold and my style as a photographer.  Plus, we know each other a whole lot better! We certainly had some laughs on this shoot!

Pre-wedding shoots at Alrewas Hayes

The country house venue is surrounded by some beautiful parkland on the border of Burton and Lichfield.  It used to be a residence for Queen Anne and it’s white pillared front door is an instant attraction against the red brick and sash windows.  The Lakeside Marquee will be used for the wedding breakfast and this too seemed exceptional.  It has fairy-light mood lighting and lakeside/fountain views.  Having seen the grounds, I look forward to using some of the many paths that lead out to the surrounding countryside on the wedding day.  However, this may be weather dependant.

The team at Alrewas Hayes are really friendly and were very kind in allowing us into the private gardens which is not always allowed.  In conclusion, we are really looking forward to the wedding day which is getting close now. 

Enjoy the few images below!

Pre-wedding shoots with me

A pre-wedding shoot is offered in a few of my wedding collections as detailed on my wedding photography page.  These can also be purchased as a stand alone shoot.  A pdf of current investment prices can be sent to you if you use  my contact me page.