It was wonderful to be offered the opportunity to try my hand at a new wedding venue (to me) in Shropshire. I would like to photograph a lot more in Shropshire as it is an extremely picturesque county right next Worcestershire, so not far at all for my Wedding Photography. Hadley Park House fantastic venue for a great party. I loved how relaxed it was and the layout really complimented my reportage wedding photography style. People gathered in nice groups instead of being to spread out and the light was great, especially in the conservatory.
It was lovely to be invited to witness the wedding of Natalie and Gary. They were such an amazing couple and I wish them all the happiness in the future!
1) Please tell me how you first met?
Natalie: It was 25th June 2011 and I was at my friend’s birthday party which was 90’s fancy dress. I was wearing double denim because I went as someone from b*witched. We ended up at the deaf institute in Manchester and around midnight I went to get some water from the bar. When I was there, I saw this guy ordering 6 shots of tequila and when I ordered water he said ‘you’re not getting water are you?’ And then we started chatting. He explained the shots weren’t all for him (thankfully!) and I went and met some of his friends. We met up a few nights later for a drink and the rest was history 🙂

2) When was it you knew they were the one?
Gary: I knew very early on that she was special because I never got sick of spending time with her (and still don’t!). Even though it was a busy time in my life we managed to keep the relationship going really easily. Not long after we started dating, I went to Australia for three months and it didn’t affect our relationship. The next year we moved in together and it felt very natural.
Natalie: Gary is the funniest and most kind-hearted person I know. He makes me smile and laugh every day even when work is stressful– I couldn’t imagine my life without him.



3) Could you give us the story of the proposal?
Gary proposed during a private ‘Tickle a Tapir’ experience at Blackpool Zoo. Jakar the Tapir, though seemingly non-plussed about the proposal (despite the zookeeper’s insistence that he should show at little more enthusiasm), held up his end of the bargain by not spraying the happy couple or eating the ring. 


4) If you don’t mind sharing, can you tell me something quirky, funny or silly about your partner?
N/A







5) What is your perfect day together?
Gary: Nat and I like to travel, so it would probably be going for a walk around a new city looking at churches and museums, then going for a meal and drinks in the evening. 

6) Apart from the obvious, what are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
Natalie: Our 3-tier Wedding Cake: Red Velvet, followed by Lemon and Poppy Seed and a final layer of Red Velvet. I have been waiting a long time for this cake…
Gary: I am looking forward to having a few beers and relaxing with friends and family. And the cake. 



7) What was it that inspired you to go for the theme or the decor you chose for your wedding?
Natalie: Two years ago, Gary and I took a trip to Japan. We visited Tokyo and Kyoto and it was an amazing experience! Our theme includes paper cranes and cherry blossom trees which are a little reminder of our trip and love for all things Japanese. You may also find a random Pokemon character or two if you look closely! 

8) Please tell me one thing you wish you had known at the beginning of your wedding planning process, that you could pass on to future bride’s reading this blog?
Natalie: If your Groom is as invested in the planning process as mine has been, make sure to work as a team and use a shared to-do list. We used an app to remind us of what we had completed and what we still needed to finish off!
Gary: Get your family to help as much as possible – its nice because everyone feels involved, but also cuts down the amount of stuff you need to do yourself!







9) When searching, what were you were looking for in a wedding venue?
Natalie: We wanted somewhere with a historic feel. Hadley Park House is a Georgian House and so it definitely met our criteria for that. Our wedding is quite small with 60 day guests and around 80 evening guests, so we wanted somewhere that was big enough to accommodate everyone but also had an intimate feel. The staff here have been amazing and made us feel so welcome on each visit. It is so important to know that you are in good hands and with Mark and Kirsty helping us with the planning we knew it was the right place for us.




10) Could you tell me the process you went through when you were looking for a wedding photographer?
Gary: We were looking for somebody who could capture the details of the day in a unique way as well as create romantic portrait pictures that will last a lifetime. We were recommended Duncan by another photographer and after looking at online portfolio we knew he would be perfect for the job.


Vendor ListPhotography | Duncan Cox Photography
Ceremony Location | St Gregory the Great, Morville, Shropshire
Reception Location | Hadley Park House, Telford, Shropshire
Florist | Inspired by Chelsea, Bridgnorth
Dress Designer | Maggie Sottero
Wedding Dress Retailer | The Bridal Lounge, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire
Other Details/Vendors | The Cake Room, Bridgnorth
[…] was my first try at Davenport House wedding photography and I was mightily impressed with this Shropshire wedding venue. It is relatively new to the wedding industry but it ran like a well-oiled machine. If you couple […]
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