From the bride’s stunning lace-cut bodice and front split wedding gown, to the elegant waterside setting of The Dairy Waddesdon , the August wedding of Laura & Warren on one of the hottest days of the year, was as sunny and sophisticated as they come.

The Dairy Waddesdon wedding venue

I’ve shot many weddings at The Dairy Waddesdon as I am also one of their recommended wedding photographers. It’s a truly outstanding, ‘take your breath away’ venue. Couples have exclusive use of the whole place for the day and it’s a dream for a wedding photographer. For over 100 years The Dairy Waddesdon was the country retreat of the Rothschild family. It has a unique setting by the willow tree lined lake full of huge carp cruising around at the surface. It makes the perfect backdrop for some seriously romantic photographs – I just love it there. In my opinion it is one of the best waterside wedding venues in Buckinghamshire. Getting married on one of the brick pontoons in the lake with views of water and softly swaying willow trees is like nothing else I photograph. As a wedding photographer and is very, very special. I have photographed outdoor and indoor ceremonies here on the brightest of sunny days to gorgeous autumn afternoons with the season’s golden colours, through to the wettest and windiest weddings you could imagine. All have been different and all lovely in their own way.

The wedding outfits

Laura wore a beautiful lace-cut gown with sheer lace floral detailed bodice and plunging back with sexy slit skirt. The matching lace detailing underneath was the perfect mix of modern and timeless. A cathedral-length veil finished the glamorous look and made for some amazing photos, especially when it caught in the wind in our walk around the edges of the lakeside. The four bridesmaids wore matching gowns in a stunning soft grey colour in line with the monochrome colour theme for the wedding. The spray bouquets of white gypsophila complemented the bride’s ivory rose and summer daisy bouquet. Warren, the groom, went all-out in a super smart wedding tux as did his two best men and seven groomsmen. I’ve never seen the guys spend so long getting their hair and outfits perfect. There was a heady smell of expensive cologne in the boys’ room and so much good-hearted micky taking out of each other, it was hilarious to be in the room with them.

The wedding photos

Rather than head over to the grandiose backdrop of Waddesdon Manor, which many couples choose to do, Laura & Warren preferred to have their couple shots down by the lake and during their walk through the secret gardens. Hidden in the landscape at the Dairy, are a series of small lakes interconnected by Pulham rockwork, waterfalls, cascades and narrow winding pathways. It’s a lovely setting for some intimate couple portraits and I managed to capture some beautiful and romantic moments with the couple before heading into the wedding breakfast. I deliberately used the backlight to effect ,shooting in front of the fountains in the lake to emphasise the sunny conditions.

The little wedding details

There were so many cool details at this wedding, which provided plenty of fun photo opportunities. It was an unforgettable wedding. Instead of a traditional wedding cake the couple opted for a cheesecake made up of several artisan cheeses and a love-heart waxed truckle cheddar cheese to top it all off. The flowers cascading from the huge flower urns in the Winter Garden were nothing short of stunning. Such a lovely couple, with the best weather it’s possible to have, in the perfect setting. This was one wedding to remember.

Kind Words from the couple afterwards

‘David is fantastic photographer. We are in love with all of the amazing pictures he captured on our wedding day. We could not recommend David highly enough – booking him was definitely one of the best decision we made.
From start to finish he has been professional and helpful – from the lead up to our wedding day to the aftercare when designing and picking the photographs for our beautiful photo album.
Thank you David!’

The Dairy Waddesdon Wedding Photos