Wedding Photography at Stanbrook Abbey

With how Covid restrictions were in December, Christmas wedding photography at Stanbrook Abbey was always going to be a challenge. We had already had almost a year of lockdowns and not being able to see the ones we love. For me, and I sure all of the 15 guests allowed to witness Jess & Tom get married, it was quite emotional. I have always said that I love to see emotion at weddings, as it outwardly displays how much the moment means to that person. If I can capture that in a photograph, that is everything to me!
Having been starved of human contact for prolonged periods of time during 2020, it was plain for everyone to see how much it all meant. Everyone was balling their eyes out!! haha! It was so delightful to see! …and to be honest, I was right there with them, tearing up behind my camera. 🤣

Please enjoy this wonderful wedding with such an incredible group of people.  Congratulation Jess & Tom! 

About Jess & Tom… 

1) Please tell me how you first met?
We met online on match.com… I had put on my profile about my British bulldog Henry and Tom sent me a message saying his best friend was called Henry (our best man) too although had better hygiene standards. We got talking from there in November 2017 and we had our first date on 1st December 2017. We met at the German market in Birmingham and moved pretty quickly from there! 

2) When was it you knew they were the one? 
We clicked instantly! Within 3 weeks Tom had met the parents and we were living together within 6 months. I don’t think there was a particular moment but we have been best friends from the start and always make each other laugh. 

3) Could you give us the story of the proposal? 
We had travelled to see Toms parents in Yorkshire over the weekend and I had packed Toms bag so had no idea he had a ring or was planning anything.
On the last evening, we went for a meal and then went to a picturesque site in Yorkshire called the Hole of Horcum. I asked Tom for his coat because I was cold, not realising the ring was in the pocket! He asked me to marry him and it was really surreal but such a lovely moment that was perfect! It was very simple but beautiful and just the two of us.

4) If you don’t mind sharing, can you tell me something quirky, funny or silly about your partner?
Tom is a real Victor Meldrew- he calls me his ray of sunshine and I call him my rain cloud.

5) What is your perfect day together? 
We have been very lucky to have some amazing trips away together. We love being in France or Spain eating local foods and seeing all the sites. We are big foodies and love exploring new places.

6) Apart from the obvious, what are you most looking forward to on your wedding day? 
Unfortunately due to lockdown, we have had a build-up of anxiety and nerves about whether the day will happen at all. We feel overwhelmingly lucky that we got to enjoy our special day and although it wasn’t how we originally planned it, we wouldn’t change a thing! 

7) What was it that inspired you to go for the theme or the decor you chose for your wedding? 
We loved Stanbrook abbey for the history and stunning setting. When we knew they would have the Christmas decorations up it made it feel even more special. We both love a crisp winters day and we didn’t need to add much in terms of decorations the venue was stunning on its own!

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?   
Having married during a pandemic with 15 guests instead of our original 120 planned, don’t worry about any of it! It’s not about the wedding but the marriage and it will be perfect however it turns out! We have some amazing photographs and memories of our perfect day and we are so pleased that it never felt any less special.

9) When searching, what were you were looking for in a wedding venue? 
We wanted something that felt very special. We loved the abbey and the cloisters at Stanbrook. It didn’t feel like a hotel wedding and almost had a religious feel to it. We loved that everyone stayed all in one place and having comfortable accommodation and a gorgeous setting was important as with a winter wedding- we knew we would be indoors for most of it!

10) Could you tell me the process you went through when you were looking for a wedding photographer?
We were looking at recommendations and certainly when we found our venue and saw the amazing pictures Duncan had captured there for other couples, we knew he would do a really good job.
After meeting Duncan and discussing what we wanted to achieve, and even after the pandemic he still managed to produce some of the most beautiful photos I have ever seen. We would recommend him to everyone!

Vendor List

Photography |  Duncan Cox Photography 
Ceremony Location | Stanbrook Abbey
Reception Location | Stanbrook Abbey
Florist | Floral Roundabout, Worcester 
Wedding Planner | Jodie at Stanbrook Abbey
Dress Designer | Ronald Joyce
Wedding Dress Retailer | The Dressing Rooms, Halesowen 

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