As an experienced South Wales wedding photographer, I get to work at the very best wedding venues in the region. And this is certainly the case when I return to capture wedding photography at Pencoed House. Drew and Liam chose an amazing venue for their spring wedding in Cardiff.
Built in the 15th century, Pencoed House is a majestic gothic style house set in 36 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds. It’s a real fairytale wedding venue and its beautiful grounds offer me an endless supply of beautiful backdrops in wedding photos. When I capture wedding photography at Pencoed House, I’m always impressed by the staff who are always so friendly and helpful. Even to Cardiff wedding photographers!
In the morning, I caught up with Drew and her bridal party who were getting ready in Pencoed’s gorgeous bridal suite. The girls were in co-ordinated robes and high spirits and there was a buzz of anticipation and activity with bubbly being poured, bouquets being delivered, the make-up artist and hairstylist doing their magic, and in the middle of it all me, the most unobtrusive Cardiff wedding photographer. There to capture some amazing bridal preparation images.
Drew looked amazing in her dress that had the most beautiful leaf pattern lace detailing on the top half before fanning out into a full A-line skirt that gave her a fairytale silhouette. Her long hair was styled to cascade across her shoulders and she beamed all day. Us South Wales wedding photographers do love a smiley bride! Before heading off to the ceremony, I captured a really special father seeing the bride moment.
Experienced Pencoed House estate photographer
Bridesmaids looked elegant in blush pink dresses in varying styles that really worked well together.
I then headed downstairs, to catch up with Liam and his grooms party who welcoming guests in the Woodland Bar, link marquee and pretty courtyard. Liam and his grooms party looked very smart in petrol blue suits with blush pink ties. I got some great images of guests excitedly arriving as well as off Pencoed House all dressed and ready for the day. It looked amazing!
The wedding ceremony was held in Pencoed House’s Old Hall that has original stone walls, a feature fireplace and a striking vaulted ceiling with strings of fairy lights and subtle uplighting on the walls. The wedding procession started with Drew’s four bridesmaids, then her flower girl, and then Drew who was walked down the aisle by her father.
The wedding ceremony was a joy to capture. It was very sweet and personal and at the end Drew and Liam walked back down the aisle a married couple to massive applause from their delighted guests.
There was a fun confetti moment outside before everybody enjoyed a drinks reception. And a well-timed break in the rain meant that everybody could enjoy it outside in the courtyard and enjoy views of this stunning 36-acre estate.
With guests happily catered for, I quickly whisked Drew and Liam away for a few minutes for a mini photoshoot in the gardens and grounds of Pencoed House and got some really romantic portrait images. We then rejoined Drew and Liam’s guests and I got some great candid images of everybody, mingling and enjoying refreshments. As well some great group images of the wedding party.
Storytelling wedding photography in South Wales
The wedding reception was held back in the Old Hall that had been transformed ready for the wedding breakfast. Round tables had been set with crisp white linen and decorated with flowers and candles. It looked stylish, rustic and cosy.
Guests were seated first so that they could welcome Drew and Liam, and I caught the moment perfectly by positioning myself on Old Hall’s minstrel’s gallery.
Speeches took place before food which is always a good idea, so the speech givers can then relax for the rest of the day. The speeches were really good. Take it from me, as an experienced South Wales wedding photographer, I’ve heard a lot of speeches and can confirm that Liam’s best man (brother’s) speech was one of the most entertaining wedding speeches I’ve ever heard!
There followed a delicious wedding breakfast prepared by one of Pencoed House’s recommended caterers. Followed by the cutting of the most delicious looking two-tiered wedding cake.
As guests then happily milled about enjoying exclusive use of Pencoed House, I quickly whisked Drew and Liam outside for a mini-photoshoot. The weather on the day was showery, so I had the make the most of the dry moments to get outside for portrait images.
Pencoed House’s beautifully manicured lawns, babbling brook and mature trees, giving me endless backdrops for romantic portrait images. And the image of Drew and Liam at sunset with the trees in the background was one of my favourites of the day. Here, take a look!
Creative and Natural Cardiff wedding photography
Now when it came to evening entertainment, Drew and Liam had thought of everything. There was a street magician who was going from table-to-table wowing guests with card tricks and a photobooth with tons of props. (Who doesn’t love a photobooth?)
The evening officially began with a romantic first dance for Drew and Liam. Not that they were alone on the dancefloor for long. They and their guests were really up for a party and it was no time before the dancefloor was full off everybody cutting their very best shapes.
At one point, Liam and Drew were being held up on their friends’ shoulders and I captured the moment perfectly. It made for a fantastic image and was the perfect one to close the story of Drew and Liam’s amazing wedding day. Here, take a look!
I loved capturing Drew and Liam’s wedding at Pencoed House. This gorgeous, fun-loving couple were a joy to photograph. Congratulations guys. I hope my images will allow you to relive your day again and again for many years to come.
If, like Drew and Liam, you’re getting married at Pencoed House and are looking for an experienced Pencoed House wedding photographer to capture your day with beautiful storytelling images, then feel free to get in touch.
I’d love to hear about your wedding plans…