Gorgeous winter wedding photography at The Elms Hotel in Worcestershire

This was a wonderful, chilled, but very warm and friendly, Elms Hotel wedding. We were deep in the Worcestershire countryside at Abberley near Worcester and it was a joy to photograph there. Thank you to Lizzie & James to me for inviting me to, what was, an amazing day to witness. Congratulations!

Their Love Story

1) Please tell me how you first met?
On Saturday 18th September 1999, I was walking into the carpark of (now) Birmingham City’s Halls of Residence with my Mum to scope out my soon to be new home for a year when a white Ford Fiesta packed to the brim drove past. With huge spot lights and a sound system that looked more expensive than the car, I said to my Mum “I bet that kid’s from Essex” (he was).
On reaching my flat I discovered the white Fiesta parked outside. We inspected my room (which I didn’t like) and decided to ask the driver of the white Fiesta if he would mind swapping rooms. Both with our Mums, James and I bumped into each other in the corridor of the flat. Both wearing baseball caps, 18 years old and embarrassed; we struggled to meet each others eye. I did however go home and call my friend to say I was living with THE most handsome man I’d ever seen.

2) When was it you knew they were the one?
Following on from the above, we agreed to swap rooms and the following day I arrived with a heavily- laden car. James gallantly jumped out to help me unload the car (at the that point my Mum was sold). I later walked into the kitchen to find James with his feet on the table and asked if under his baseball cap he had a skinhead. As he pulled off his baseball cap, a think mass of long, dark hair flopped over his face. My knees went from beneath me and I sat down with an almighty thud. In that second I knew that there could be no-one else for me. He made me weak at the knees – literally!
On Monday 20th September 1999 James leant over and planted a kiss smack bang on my lips. We have been so happily together ever since.

3) Could you give us the story of the proposal?
After 16 years together, James and I had of course discussed marriage but I was never really quite sure if it would happen. After a romantic walk around the grounds of our favourite local beauty spot Hanbury Hall (with me waxing lyrical about the romantic and beauty of all it all), we sat next to the lake eating Magnum ice-creams (James white chocolate, me almond). James pulled out a little navy box and said “I’m not very good at these kind of things but I think it’s about time”. I shouted “OH MY GOD, what are you asking me?!” to which he responded “Will you marry me?”.
I am not sure I gave an answer as such, but simply sat there in stunned silence with tear-filled eyes. I walked back to the car without taking my eyes off my left hand feeling like the happiest, luckiest girl in the world.

4) If you don’t mind sharing, can you tell me something quirky, funny or silly about your partner?
I touch my nose way too much. James, as far as I can tell, is without fault – but that could be because I am blinded by love!

5) What is your perfect day together?
Without doubt, breakfast in bed followed by a long walk and maybe a coffee with friends. We’d spend the afternoon pottering around the house and then have a cuppa with my Mum and Dad. We’d spend the evening eating something homemade whilst watching a film. It would then be a hot bath before bed!

6) Apart from the obvious, what are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
In 16 years we’ve only had both sides of the family altogether once. They’re scattered all over the country. Second to getting married, for us, the wedding day is about having those we love the most together and in one room for an entire day. It’s what we are most excited about!

7) There are so many different wedding styles you can choose from. What is your favourite wedding trend at the moment?
Yikes. I think a wedding day should be whatever you want it to be and that is so different for everyone. I didn’t buy tonnes of magazines and so I’m not quite sure of trends. Ultimately I like a soft, romantic feel that’s not too perfect. Probably a trend that’s never disappeared.

8) What was it that inspired you to go for the theme or the decor you chose for your wedding?
We don’t have a theme as such, we simply decided on a colour for the bridesmaids dresses and ribbons for the invitations. Navy seemed like a good winter colour. Classic and understated. We’ve tried to keep the day simple and relaxed, doing a lot of the things ourselves and brining in people wherever we can to help – and be part of putting the day together.

9) 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?
That however simple you want the wedding to be, it can snowball. You discover all these expectations which you didn’t think were there – your own and those of others. Enjoy the process, make it whatever you want it to be and try not to worry!

10) Could you tell me the process you went through when you were looking for a wedding photographer? …also if you could add how/why you came to settle on Duncan Cox Photography?
Having photographed two weddings myself I was adamant in what I wanted from a photographer. I spent a long time Googling photographers and just kept coming back to Duncan’s website. I could not stop thinking about his work. As we’re having a winter wedding we also wanted someone who could really work with any light (or lack of it). Already confident that Duncan was the photographer for us, having met him to discuss the day, there was no going back. A done deal!

Vendor List

Photography |  Duncan Cox Photography

Ceremony Location | The Elms Hotel, Abberley near Worcester in Worcestershire

Reception Location | The Elms Hotel, Abberley near Worcester in Worcestershire

Dress | Jenny Packham (and seamstress Lesley Day)

Flowers | Passion Flowers

Hair | Sarah McNamee 

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