Calke Abbey Wedding Photography // Jane and Lee
Calke Abbey Wedding Photography
Every so often I get to work at a new venue that absolutely blows my socks off and in June this happened when I shot Jane and Lee’s Calke Abbey wedding photography. But more on this amazing venue in a bit. I’ve known Jane for a few years as she is one my sister in law’s best friends and I can say Jane is one of the most genuine and fun people you could wish to meet, so I was honoured when she asked me to photograph her wedding to Lee. Like many of my wedding couples now, Jane and Lee met on the internet and after hanging out with Lee on the pre-shoot it was clear to see they were a great match as Lee was just as much fun as Jane (and very comfortable in front of the camera!)
The National Trust
Jane’s preparation was at her home in Nottingham with her family and bridesmaids before we drove over to Calke Abbey near Derby. Calke Abbey is now owned by The National Trust and they’ve recently allowed weddings to take place at The Riding School, a huge barn set in the grounds of Calke Abbey. The whole venue is stunning, with the exposed brickwork of the Riding School alongside the rustic barn set alongside huge open fields and the spectacular Calke Abbey all available as photographic backdrops. You’re not short of options for amazing photos.
Married In The Barn
Jane and Lee were married in the Barn and words can’t really do justice to how stunning it looked. Luckily the photos are below so I’ll let the images do the talking but it was a fantastic service full of laughter and happiness. After the service we took the short walk down to Calke Abbey for the group shot and a handful of formals and as the sun made an appearance I grabbed the opportunity to get some lovely couple photos in the buttercups opposite Calke Abbey.
The Riding School
We returned to the Riding School for the speeches, including a truly brilliant speech/song from Jane’s bridesmaid Claudia, before shooting some more Calke Abbey wedding photography in and around the Riding School. With so many photographic opportunities I had to rein myself in as I could easily have spent hours in the grounds photographing Jane and Lee, partly due to the amazing venue and partly because Jane and Lee were so good in front of the camera. It’s an absolute pleasure to get a couple who are so natural but we kept it to 20 minutes before it was time for the first dance and the start of the party (which, I was reliably informed, was absolutely bouncing).
So here’s Jane and Lee’s Calke Abbey wedding photography. Music by Little Children, photos by me…
Credits:
Venue: The Riding School at Calke Abbey
Hair: Mary Rundle (West Bridgford, Nottingham)
Make up: Claire-Elizabeth
Dress & Shoes: Charlotte Thompson Bridal
Catering: Black Peppermint Food Co
Venue Lights: Fabric Theatre
Love letters: Distinct Events
Calke Abbey Wedding Photography, Derby DE73 7LE. 01332 863822
