Hannah & Damien's Wedding Photography at Coombe Abbey

Hannah & Damien’s Wedding at Coombe Abbey, Warwickshire

Wedding Photography by Emma Lowe Photography

One of the things I enjoy most about photographing weddings at Coombe Abbey is how the venue can feel completely different depending on the couple and the time of year. For Hannah and Damien, it was all about understated elegance, beautiful surroundings and the personal touches that made their wedding their own.

Their day had some particularly lovely moments to photograph, from Damien reading a letter from Hannah before the ceremony to the beautiful afternoon light around the Abbey’s gardens and lake.

With its historic architecture and extensive grounds, Coombe Abbey was a wonderful setting for their wedding, and I was looking forward to capturing their celebrations.

The Morning of Hannah & Damien’s Wedding

I began my photography coverage with Hannah in Coombe Abbey’s main bridal suite, where she was getting ready with her mum and bridesmaids.

The suite is full of character, with antique furniture, tall windows and a beautiful four-poster bed. I particularly liked the light coming through the windows, which was ideal for photographing Hannah’s dress and the smaller details before everyone got dressed.

Her lace wedding gown and long cathedral veil looked beautiful against the traditional surroundings. I photographed the dress hanging from the carved bed before moving on to the preparations as Hannah’s bridal look came together.

I always like to capture a mixture of details and natural moments during the morning. The finishing touches, conversations and reactions from the bridal party are all part of the story, and I try to photograph them without interrupting what’s happening.

Damien was also preparing nearby, and one of the most memorable photographs from the morning was of him reading a letter Hannah had written for him.

I love including these personal moments in a wedding gallery. They’re often quite private and understated, but they can mean so much to a couple when they look back through their photographs.

Hannah & Damien’s Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony took place in one of Coombe Abbey’s historic rooms, surrounded by the building’s beautiful period features and traditional architecture.

A guitarist played as Hannah entered the ceremony room with her father. I photographed her arrival, the vows she and Damien had written, and the reactions from their family and friends. When they were pronounced married, the room filled with applause.

Exploring Coombe Abbey for Their Wedding Portraits

Once the ceremony had finished, we headed outside for Hannah and Damien’s couple photographs.

We had lovely sunshine, although there was a cool breeze, so I wanted to make the most of the light while keeping the photography relaxed and enjoyable.

We began around the Abbey building, using the beautiful stone arches and historic walls for some more traditional portraits.

I particularly like photographing couples in these areas because the architecture adds interest and depth to the images. The stonework also provides a lovely contrast against a wedding dress, especially when the light is falling in the right direction.

From there, we made our way towards the lake and formal gardens.

The grounds offered a completely different setting, with open views, greenery and softer backgrounds. I enjoyed being able to capture a variety of photographs as we walked, rather than keeping Hannah and Damien in one location.

They were both very comfortable together, which made photographing them a pleasure. I gave a little direction when needed, but also allowed them time to enjoy being together without constantly asking them to pose.

I think this balance is important. Some couples love having photographs taken, while others prefer something more natural, and I always try to work in a way that feels comfortable for them.

We captured some lovely portraits around the lake, along the garden paths and beneath the Abbey’s arches before returning to the celebrations.

A Beautiful Wedding Breakfast in the Cloisters Room

Hannah and Damien held their wedding breakfast in the Cloisters Room at Coombe Abbey.

The room looked lovely, with floral arrangements in soft blush, ivory and sage green. The colours complemented the traditional surroundings without overpowering them, creating a very elegant setting for the afternoon.

I took the opportunity to photograph the room before the guests arrived, capturing the table arrangements, flowers and finishing touches.

These photographs are always worth taking because so much thought goes into the styling of a wedding, and the room often looks quite different once everyone has taken their seats.

During the wedding breakfast, I concentrated on photographing the people and the atmosphere.

The speeches brought plenty of laughter alongside some more emotional moments, and I enjoyed watching the different reactions around the tables.

I like to move my attention between the person speaking and the guests listening. Sometimes it’s a parent’s expression, a shared smile or a burst of laughter that makes the photograph particularly memorable.

For Hannah and Damien, these moments added another lovely dimension to their wedding gallery.

A Few More Photographs in the Evening Sunshine

One of my favourite opportunities during Hannah and Damien’s wedding came later in the afternoon when the sunlight began to soften.

We’d already taken some lovely photographs around Coombe Abbey earlier in the day, but the change in light was too good to miss.

I suggested heading back outside for a few minutes, and we made our way towards the gardens and lake.

The sun was much lower by this point, giving the surroundings a warmer appearance and creating some beautiful light through the trees.

I particularly enjoyed photographing Hannah and Damien in this setting because the images had a softer, more intimate feel than those we’d taken earlier.

We didn’t need to spend long outside. A few minutes in the right light was enough to capture another lovely selection of portraits.

This is something I always keep an eye on when photographing weddings. The light can change considerably throughout the day, and sometimes returning to a familiar location later can produce photographs that look completely different.

It was a lovely opportunity for Hannah and Damien to enjoy a little time together, and I was really pleased with the photographs we captured.

Looking Back at Hannah & Damien’s Wedding

There were several things I particularly enjoyed about photographing Hannah and Damien’s wedding.

The letter Hannah had written to Damien was such a thoughtful part of the morning, and I was pleased to capture his reaction as he read it.

Their ceremony also felt very personal, especially with the vows they had written themselves and the guitarist accompanying Hannah’s entrance.

From a photography perspective, I loved the variety we achieved around Coombe Abbey. The historic arches provided a beautiful setting for more formal portraits, while the gardens and lake were ideal for capturing Hannah and Damien in a more relaxed way.

The evening sunshine was an added bonus and gave us some of my favourite photographs from the day.

What I particularly liked about their wedding was its simplicity and elegance. There was no need for anything overly elaborate; the setting, the people and the moments throughout the day provided everything I needed to tell their story.

Hannah and Damien, thank you for inviting me to photograph your wedding. It was a pleasure to be part of your celebrations, and I wish you both a wonderful future together.

Emma x