Weddings in Northamptonshire
Alex & Mel’s Rustic Vineyard Wedding at New Lodge
What a lovely day it was for Alex and Mel’s beautiful rustic themed wedding at the charming New Lodge Vineyard in Northamptonshire! It was my first time shooting at this gorgeous venue, and from the moment I arrived, I was captivated. Nestled among rolling vines and open skies, the vineyard has a natural romance to it yet full of cozy corners and scenic backdrops that made every moment of the day feel like a storybook unfolding.
The forecast had predicted an overcast day, so I’d dressed accordingly,jumper and all (I quickly regretted this choice!)! But summer had other plans. The sun made a surprise appearance and stuck around all day, turning the whole wedding into a golden, glowing celebration. I quickly realized I’d overdressed, but honestly, with a setting like this, it was hard to complain.
The Calm Before the Celebration
When I arrived, Alex was already at the venue, his energy buzzing with excitement. He was putting the finishing touches on some of the décor with his groomsmen, making sure everything looked just right. What stood out most was how involved he was, checking on details, laughing with his friends, and clearly soaking in the moment. It was lovely to see a groom so hands-on and all being a part of the day.
After catching up with Alex and chatting through the plans for the day, I took some time to photograph the venue before the guests arrived. The rustic styling was just perfect for the vineyard setting, with wooden signs, wildflowers in glass jars, and natural textures everywhere you looked.
And then Mel arrived.
Pulled up in a classic VW camper van, she stepped out with her bridesmaids, and the entire scene seemed to pause. The colours of the bouquets were vibrant and romantic—burnt oranges, warm corals, and emerald greens that blended beautifully with the vineyard tones. But it was Mel’s veil that truly stole the show. Long, elegant, and gently catching the breeze, it framed her beautifully and made for the most ethereal portraits throughout the day.
Ceremony Highlights: Vows Among the Vines
The ceremony took place in an intimate outdoor space surrounded by the vineyard. There was something incredibly peaceful about the setting, birds chirping in the background, a soft rustle from the vines, and the warm summer sun lighting everything just right.
Mel walked down the aisle to acoustic guitar music, beaming with every step. Alex’s face when he saw her was unforgettable, eyes wide, a bit misty, and a smile that didn’t leave his face for the rest of the day.
Their ceremony was short, sweet, and deeply personal. They exchanged heartfelt vows, filled with laughter and just the right amount of happy tears. Alex’s Mum officiated the wedding, which added such a personal touch, it felt more like a celebration with loved ones than a formal event. The couple even took a moment during the ceremony to turn and wave to all their guests, which got a round of smiles and applause.
As they shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the crowd erupted into cheers and claps, it was pure joy, and the kind of moment you don’t forget.
Vineyard Strolls & Golden Hour Portraits
After the ceremony, we headed into the vines for group shots with family and friends. The laughter, the hugs, the clinking of glasses, it all added to the relaxed, happy atmosphere of the day. The vineyard offered plenty of scenic spots for natural, light-filled portraits, and the guests were in such high spirits, which made capturing those genuine moments a breeze.
Once the group shots were done, I took Alex and Mel for a quiet walk through the vineyard. This is always one of my favourite parts of the day, when the couple can just breathe, take it all in, and enjoy a few moments together away from the crowd.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we were treated to the most magical golden hour light. It cast a soft, dreamy glow across the vines and created the perfect backdrop for some truly romantic portraits. Mel’s veil caught the sunlight in the most incredible way, and the two of them just radiated love. Whether they were walking hand in hand, sharing a quiet laugh, or simply looking into each other’s eyes you could feel how much this moment meant to them, and they had lots of fun photos mixed with a stunning group shot with all the bridal party and groomsmen, they let me get really creative, and moving lots of furniture around and some carefully positioned lights we got a stunning shot that they all loved!
Rustic Charm & Meaningful Moments
The reception was held in a marquee nestled near the vines, with fairy lights twinkling and rustic décor tying everything together beautifully. Wooden trestle tables were adorned with greenery and wildflower centerpieces, and the place settings had lovely handwritten name tags that added a personal touch.
Dinner was relaxed and delicious a laid-back sharing-style menu that had everyone passing plates, chatting, and laughing as the sun set behind the vineyard. It felt more like a big family dinner than a formal wedding meal, and that made it all the more special.
Then came the speeches.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after Mel’s dad spoke a heartfelt tribute to his daughter and a warm welcome to Alex as his new son-in-law. Alex’s best man brought the laughs with some great stories, and Alex himself gave a beautifully sincere speech that had everyone smiling.
Later, the music kicked in, and the dance floor quickly filled up. The couple’s first dance was sweet and playful, and from there, the party really began. There was an incredible energy in the marquee guests young and old dancing under fairy lights, singing along to classic tunes, and celebrating late into the evening.
Moments That Mattered
Another standout moment was when the couple stepped out for a few final evening portraits. The sky had turned soft pink, and Alex gently pulled Mel in for a dance in the middle of the vineyard just the two of them, with no one watching. It was unprompted, unscripted, and so perfectly them.
Final Thoughts from the Couple
When I caught up with Alex and Mel after the wedding, they shared how overwhelmed (in the best way) they were by how smoothly everything went and how much love they felt throughout the day.
“We really just wanted the day to feel like us,” Mel said. “Relaxed, warm, full of good food and laughter and being surrounded by all the people we love most.”
Alex added, “Having everyone there, in a place that felt so amazing, was something we’ll never forget. And to have all those moments captured the way you did… it means everything.”
A Day to Remember
Alex and Mel’s wedding at New Lodge Vineyard was one of those days where everything just felt right. From the unexpected sunshine to the vineyard views, heartfelt vows, emotional speeches, and golden hour portraits it was the kind of wedding that reminds you why love stories are worth telling.
It was a true honour to capture it all.
