HARLAXTON MANOR

It’s January, which typically means my editing pile is long gone, the 2023 external hard drives are packed away and new fresh empty ones are all set up raring to go. Cameras have a slight sprinkling of dust due to a few months off and the photography WhatsApp groups are buzzing with ideas and suggestions of creative shoots to participate in before the wedding season kicks off. Which is exactly what happened mid November when the idea of a shoot at the gorgeous Harlaxton Manor was floated. Typically not the kind of venue I get bookings for (more on that later) but it was back in the place I called home for 9 years and not wanting to completely detach myself from the Grantham connection just yet, I decided to say yes.

When I lived in Grantham I was a secondary school teacher. Many an evening would be spent walking around Harlaxton, cycling near the canal or eating at The Gregory Arms. On one occasion I took a group of 30 students on their Duke of Edinburgh Expedition around the village- getting lost in the crippling heat and desperately trying to find a shop that sold ice lollies. I did family shoots in the bluebell woods next to the college and have fond memories of meeting my parents there in summer for walks. I even had a job interview back in the summer of 2014 for student support officer. I turned it down due to having to live in the gate house - as impressive as that would have been I wasn't allowed to have Rich live with me, given that I’d relocated down there to be with him, it seemed ridiculous to take the job. Anyway, moving on.

Harlaxton Manor was constructed in 1831 by wealthy Nottinghamshire businessman, Gregory Gregory. The Manor’s spectacular architecture combines Gothic, Jacobethan, and Baroque styles, creating an unforgettable and dramatic experience.

The picturesque mile long drive over an ornate bridge up to the Manor adds to the fairytale facade that makes Harlaxton the magical venue it is. If you’re thinking about getting married here then you have excellent taste. For me personally, my heart melted when I walked into that conservatory. Those of you that have followed me for a while know I have an unhealthy obession with glass houses and plants. For the purpose of the shoot, and the fact it was freezing, we only used this space for couple portraits but I’d love to see this space set up for an intimate wedding reception meal. I think it would be incredibly stunning.

I was in my element, floating around taking photos of all the details both inside and outside the venue. Mainly of the plants and then of the gorgeous dresses and accessories from Belle Lueur Bridal, and florals from Hiden floral Design expertly co-ordinated by wedding planner Amelia Thompson

While I was keeping myself out of trouble by flying the drone and trying to find somewhere to get a brew Chelsey Holland and Chloe Eleanor were making our wonderful model couple Alannah and Victor look the part.

Just before noon we started shooting, starting in the Long Gallery photographing the beautiful table scape designed by Stylish Weddings complete with little details (embroidered bows) from Juniper and me. There were 4 photographers and 1 videographer on this shoot, all with completely different styles and approaches to the type of weddings we market to and how we shoot. Charlotte Griffiths, Melissa Mayes, Whitney Lloyd, me and Freya Knowles. The other 4 girls are much more seasoned in the luxury market whereas I’m a relative newbie focusing more on outdoorsy weddings and elopements here in the Lake District. It’s not that I don’t like the “luxury sector” If I’m honest I just don’t like the term luxury because I feel every wedding is a luxury and I adore my fun loving down to earth couples. I just REALLLLLY loved those greenhouse vibes. So don’t worry folks, I won’t be bumping my prices to 10k per day anytime soon. lol

The long gallery is absolutely gorgeous, a huge hall with beautiful natural lighting with views over the vale of Belvoir out towards Belvoir castle itself. The conservatory is by far my favourite space in this venue though. The green of the plants and beige stonework just make me so happy. They are my colours all over. Alannah’s stunning wedding dress by Freda Bennet from Belle Lueur Bridal just complimented Victor’s Tux from Blidworth Menswear - together with that backdrop made my favourite photos from this shoot. The conservatory also has orange trees and tropical plants , some of which were donated by the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. (Probably the closest I’ll get to shooting at Kew Gardens) ahem - bucket list.

As I mentioned earlier, I’d love to see a reception set up in this area, I can imagine a gorgeous green and gold styled banquet table running right down the middle of the greenhouse. Maybe that’s an idea for an intimate wedding set up for next time.

After shooting in the Harlaxton Conservatory we moved outside. By this time though it was getting super cold but the lighting was perfect. The harsh sun had dimmed the shadows and those candyfloss clouds had just started making an appearance. Alannah was an absolute trooper running around the grounds for us. A tip for winter weddings - bring a warm pair of shoes and plenty of lovely layers - not like north face jackets but beautiful cream wool throws or scarves as they look fabulous this time of year and help you to stay outdoors longer to get those shots.

You really are spoilt for choice with this venue. Everywhere you go there’s insane views of the building. A dramatic and unique venue with breath-taking surroundings, Harlaxton Manor provides the perfect setting for you and your guests. With French terraces, an Italian garden, and a Dutch canal, the gardens at Harlaxton Manor are a feast for the senses.

Manicured lawns, blooming flowers and sculpted trees decorate the rolling hills that wrap around the manor, creating a spectacular backdrop.

It was time for Victor and Alannah to head off home but we still had some rooms we hadn’t explored, unworn dresses and champagne to be popped. So we welcomed our second couple who had never modelled before . They were amazing and natural and we really enjoyed shooting them. Starting off outside this time to make the most of the light we explored the front gardens, then ventured down to the front of the manor.

We played with Prosecco bottles, and me being me did the usual “getting absolutely drenched in Prosecco” and then licking it off myself for hours trick. We had a stroll around the garden and then headed indoors into the great Hall.

Those that follow my stories know that I was keen to improve my flash skills. Even though I’ve been photographing weddings for 16 years I always felt I needed some education in flash photography. I used to be quite good at it but since moving to a mirrorless system I’d just let it slide. I set up my flashes and had a play and got to grips with my settings and off camera flash knowledge. I feel excited to get stuck into first dances now and not absolutely dread the unpredictable venue lighting or gross DJ lasers. Lol (Joking before anyone gets their knickers in a twist)

Anyway, that’s my playtime for January over. My first wedding of the year is Tuesday and then a nice steady start to 2024 with some brand new beautiful venues. The next big thing I’m a part of is photography farm in March where I am a speaker and I’m so excited. Between now and then I’ll be working on my presentation and planning my mentor shoots.

If any photographers are reading this and hoping to shoot here at Harlaxton then give Elevate workshops a follow over on the gram. They have one planned for March but may be hosting another in summer so be the first to know because they sell out in seconds.

A big thanks to Charlotte for inviting me along to this shoot. I had a lovely few days in Grantham visiting family and doing what I love most in the world.