Weddings in Warwickshire
Richard & Debbie at Ashton Lodge Country House
There’s something truly magical about a Christmas wedding, and it’s my favorite time of year too! Richard and Debbie’s special day at Ashton Lodge Country House was filled with beautiful Christmas decor. And with it being in December it was certainly a little chilly outside, yes but it was dry skies in December, which was great for the prospect of photos outside. That’s practically a Christmas miracle in itself!
Ashton Lodge Country House
Ashton Lodge is one of my personal favourite wedding venues to shoot at. It’s full of character and charm, with plenty of cosy corners and scenic backdrops that come alive beautifully in winter light. The venue looked especially lovely dressed for the season with twinkling fairy lights, winter foliage, and a touch of festive sparkle in every room.
Before the Ceremony
When I arrived, Richard and Debbie were full of excitement and just a few of those perfectly normal wedding day nerves!. After catching up with the wonderful team at Ashton and running through the day’s schedule, I made my way to the bridal suite “dressing room” where Debbie was getting ready with her mum and bridesmaids. She wanted minimal coverage during the prep of getting ready, more like a few quiet moments rather than the full story, which was perfect for the intimate, Christmassy feel of the day.
The Ceremony
The ceremony itself was simple and heartfelt, filled with love and just the right amount of Christmas cheer. As soon as they said “I do,” we stepped outside into the crisp December air for a quick burst of confetti, red and white, of course! It wasn’t long before everyone dashed back inside to warm up with mulled wine and festive tunes while we captured the group photos in the ceremony room.
Time for formal photos
Later, I took Debbie and Richard on a little wander around the grounds. Wrapped in love and a few extra layers!, they were absolute naturals in front of the camera. From candle-lit windows to ivy-covered walls and a few frosted leaves underfoot, it was a dream winter setting to capture their first portraits as newlyweds.
Conclusion
Capturing the traditional cake cut, the cake table hosted 2 naughty elf on a shelf characters, then Debbie and Richard went straight into a really upbeat first dance, quickly so many guests flooded the dance floor it was great to capture the big smiles of everyone enjoying the evening and the DJ’s music.
A truly magical day for a wonderful couple—and such a joy to be part of their festive love story.
Weddings in Warwickshire
Why I Love Christmas Weddings – A Photographer’s Perspective
There’s just something about a Christmas wedding that feels extra magical. Maybe it’s the twinkling lights, the warm, rich colours, or the cosy, intimate atmosphere that winter brings, but photographing weddings in December has become one of the highlights of my year.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen celebrations in every season, but there’s something uniquely special about tying the knot at Christmas. The whole day feels wrapped in joy and fairy lights!. Venues often come pre-decorated with festive greenery and sparkle, which makes for stunning backdrops without any extra fuss.
The Light, the Mood, the Atmosphere
Winter light is a dream when it behaves offering a soft, low, and golden light if you catch it right. Yes, we have fewer daylight hours to play with, but with good planning, it creates opportunities for those beautifully moody, romantic shots that just don’t happen at midday in the summer months.
And then there’s the atmosphere. Christmas weddings often have a unique charm with more candlelight than disco balls, more mulled wine than mojitos well sometimes. Guests are in a festive mood, families are gathered, and the entire day feels like one big celebration of love and togetherness.
Festive Details Make a Difference
I love how couples lean into the season with their styling, frequently having velvet bridesmaid dresses, pine and berry bouquets, hot chocolate stations, Christmas crackers on the tables ready for the wedding breakfast. Even the weather having frost on the ground, visible breath in the air just adds a touch of winter romance that’s hard to beat.
Of course, winter weddings come with their own considerations, earlier ceremonies do make the most of the light, indoor backup plans for group photos, and a good coat or wrap for the couple during outdoor portraits. But with the right timing and a bit of festive spirit, it all comes together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
For me, Christmas weddings aren’t just about beautiful photos they’re about capturing that deep, warm sense of connection that the season brings. If you’re planning a December wedding, embrace the glow, the sparkle, and the little moments that make winter so wonderful.
And if you need someone to capture all of that magic—I’ll bring the camera and probably a pair of thermal socks.
