Wedding Photography at Bourton Hall.
An Italianate Manor Wedding Venue in Warwickshire
It may have been the hottest day of the year so far but there was no siesta needed at Yiu Yiu & Dan’s incredible wedding at Bourton Hall.
Set among the beautiful grounds of this historic Warwickshire wedding venue, their day was full of everything I love about weddings: brilliant people, huge amounts of joy, thoughtful details, incredible light and plenty of moments that happened completely naturally.
As a Warwickshire wedding photographer specialising in relaxed editorial wedding photography, I’m always looking for ways to make the most of the light and surroundings without interrupting the flow of the day. And on a day this hot, that meant being a little strategic.
Making the most of golden hour at Bourton Hall
With the sun blazing down, we knew the light would become much softer later in the day. Rather than rushing the couple away for portraits immediately after the ceremony, we used the drinks reception for family photographs in the gardens.
It meant Yiu Yiu and Dan could spend that part of the day enjoying their guests while we captured the important family portraits they would treasure for years to come.
Then, after dinner, we headed outside for their couple portraits.
It definitely hadn’t cooled down much by then, but the light was worth melting for.
The grounds at Bourton Hall gave us plenty to work with, from beautiful greenery to open spaces and pockets of gorgeous evening light. As the sun began to drop, everything became softer and more atmospheric, creating the perfect conditions for relaxed, editorial portraits.
There was no need to overcomplicate things. We simply walked, talked, laughed and made the most of what was happening around us.
That is exactly how I want couple portraits to feel.
Three generations of incredible women
Wedding days always remind me just how precious grandparents are.
Yiu Yiu’s mum and grandmother joined us during bridal preparations and it was important to pause for a moment and create some beautiful portraits of the three women together, knowing how much they mean to her.
There is something incredibly special about photographs like these.
The dress, flowers and beautiful details matter, of course, but years from now it is often these photographs of the people you love that become the most valuable.
I wanted these portraits to feel timeless but not overly posed. Something that captured the connection between them while still feeling like Yiu Yiu, her mum and her grandmother.
These are the photographs that deserve a place on the wall.
TWO confetti moments at Bourton Hall
One of my favourite things about weddings at Bourton Hall is that we get two confetti moments. Just like most weddings, the first is always after the ceremony. However, the first dance comes with a little extra magic too.
After dinner, guests gathered on the grand staircase with handfuls of confetti at the ready.
As Yiu Yiu and Dan began their first dance, everyone waited for the perfect moment before showering them in confetti.
It was chaotic, joyful and completely brilliant.
And it made the perfect transition from dinner into the evening celebrations and a packed dance floor.
The perfect blend of documentary and editorial wedding photography at Bourton Hall
For me, the best wedding photography is a balance between the completely unscripted moments and a handful of photographs that feel more considered and editorial.
I want you to remember how your wedding actually felt: your grandmother laughing during bridal preparations, your friends losing their minds on the dance floor, your partner looking at you across the room and the chaos of confetti flying through the air.
That means using beautiful light, interesting compositions and the architecture and landscapes around you without turning your wedding day into a photoshoot.
Yiu Yiu and Dan’s wedding was the perfect example.
A little bit of planning meant we could make the most of the light without taking them away from their guests. The result was a collection of photographs that feels joyful, colourful and completely connected to their day.
And despite the heat, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Yiu Yiu & Dan, thank you so much for having us. We had the absolute best time celebrating with you both.
Bourton Hall Wedding Photography
Planning a wedding at Bourton Hall? I’m a Warwickshire wedding photographer specialising in relaxed editorial wedding photography, with a focus on real moments, beautiful light and rich, true-to-life colour.
If you’re looking for wedding photography that feels natural and joyful but still has that editorial edge, I’d love to hear about your plans.
As a Wedding Photographer, This Is Why You Should Choose Bourton Hall
Bourton Hall is a venue I always look forward to. This Italianate manor sits in 15 acres of lawns, gardens, parkland and woodland, with a terrace that looks across the Leam Valley towards Draycote Water. There is a croquet lawn, a fountain and an Italianate pond and so many beautiful places for photographs that the golden hour feels endless when the sun finally softens in the evening.
Marrying outdoors here is a joy. You can stand facing the house or the rose garden, with the Warwickshire countryside around you and the architecture behind you is incredible. If you prefer to marry indoors the former Catholic chapel has a gold leaf ceiling and a minstrel’s gallery and the Italian Room is a lovely smaller space under a chandelier.
The staircase in the main hall is stunning and the glass cupolas fill it with natural light, which makes it a beautiful place for indoor portraits. There are plenty of lovely rooms for the bridal party to get ready too.
You have the house to yourselves with a personal wedding manager guiding the day and your guests can stay on site in the main house, the Coach House or Gatekeeper’s Cottage so nobody has to rush away.
Why Choose Megan Maxwell as Your Wedding Photographer
People should choose me as their Bourton Hall wedding photographer because I know how to tell a story. After fifteen years as a television director and writer at the BBC, I bring a documentary approach to wedding photography, with an eye for the moments, relationships and little details that make your day yours. Yiu Yiu and Dan’s wedding fell on the hottest day of the year so far, so their portraits waited until after dinner when the light had softened.
My style is mostly documentary. I will be in the background for most of the day, catching the hugs, the happy tears, the questionable dance moves and all the unexpected things that happen around you. With the staircase, the chapel and the grounds there is plenty to photograph. You get to spend your wedding day with your favourite people instead of thinking about where the photographer is or what you should be doing.
Photographs of the two of you looking incredible matter too. We will usually take about twenty minutes for a wander together around the terrace, the lawns and the Italianate pond, with gentle direction whenever it is useful. You do not need to be a natural in front of the camera or know how to pose. Leave that to me.
Beautiful and meaningful matter equally to me. I make images full of life, personality and rich colour that capture not just what your wedding looked like but how it felt to be there.
What I want most is for you to have a collection of photographs that tells the whole story. The big moments, the little moments and the people you love, plus all the things you might otherwise have missed. Photographs to enjoy now and treasure for years to come.
Every collection includes full day coverage with no set hours, travel is included and your previews arrive within 48 hours.
Are you getting married at Bourton Hall? Take a look at my portfolio, read more about me or get in touch. You can also message me on WhatsApp.
With Thanks To
Venue: Bourton Hall
Content Creator: Confetti Content Weddings
Blooms: Stemsations
Hair: Sonya Jayne Bridal Hair
Makeup: Ave Antson Makeup Artist
Cake: Ib Bakes
Thank you to every supplier who helped make this day so special, and to Yiu Yiu & Dan for trusting me to tell your story.
Curious about Bourton Hall itself? Read my full Bourton Hall wedding venue guide.
