“IF I COULD GIVE MORE THAN 5 STARS I WOULD! THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE OF CHATTING ABOUT WEDDING PREP TO THE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS AND THE PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE DAY WAS AMAZING. LEESHA IS SO PROFESSIONAL BUT STILL MAKES YOU FEEL SO AT EASE LIKE ITS JUST A FRIEND TAKING YOUR PHOTOS. WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND LEESHA WHENEVER YOU WANT PHOTOS TAKEN.”
CHLOE AND RYAN’S QUIRKY NEWBURY WEDDING WAS A FULL OF COOL DETAILS, A GAMING VAN AND LOTS OF KISSES FROM THEIR GERMAN SHEPARD CASPER! THESE TWO GOT MARRIED AT THE LOVELY MERCURE ELCOT HOTEL IN NEWBURY.
When Chloe and Ryan first got in touch with me about their Elcot Hotel wedding in Newbury, I was so thrilled – they were planning such a fun and laid back wedding with a humanist ceremony, dogs and even a gaming van. Chloe and Ryan are the loveliest people and I couldn’t wait to shoot their wedding!
Bride and groom prep
On the morning, Lauren my second shooter and I started shooting at Mercure Elcot, where the couple and their friends were getting ready! It was such a relaxed atmosphere which made it such a fun morning!
Chloe wore a gorgeous lace dress and Ryan wore a lovely tweed style suit and their German Shepard casper even had matching pieces and little sign saying “I Do Too.” The three of them looked so incredible. I think it’s so nice when couples get ready in the same venue because it almost always means we can catch shots of them both getting ready!
These two even met up before their wedding ceremony for a first look which was beautiful. First looks are usually more of an American tradition but its so nice when couples choose to do this. (Plus it means we can get some gorgeous photos of the two of you before the ceremony while your hair/make-up and clothes are still on point!)
The important bit
The wedding took place in the main room of the Mercure Elcot Hotel, and was a humanist ceremony performed by their close friend. They had a heartfelt and personalised ceremony, which was super unique and emotional. One of my favourite touches was that the wedding rings were in a Pokeball! How cool is that!
After the ceremony there was a big cheer from everyone, and then they headed outside where they were showered with confetti. After the ceremony everyone grabbed a prosecco and we popped outside for group photos and lawn games! The weather had been a bit hit and miss over the week so I was super happy that the rain held off enough for everyone to play some lawn games and for us to get some family and couple photos!
The reception
The wedding reception took place in the main room again, They decorated the room with quirky details and nods to certain games! Including one of my favourite games, Cards Against Humanity! This theme suited Chloe and Ryan so much! I love a couple who are unapologetically them on their wedding day and these two did just that. It was so unique.
Although it was a slightly rainy day, it didn’t bother them at all. While the guests played lawn games, we wandered around the venue doing fun and creative portraits. Some of my favourite photos of these two are from our couples session is of the two of them cuddling up to each other in the gardens.
During the reception they had a gaming van, which went down a storm. It was SO much fun. I love video games, especially retro ones so that was an amazing touch! For the wedding breakfast they had proper wedding grub, and it was loved by all the guests. After the wedding breakfast they had some wonderful speeches, especially from Chloe’s dad and Ryan’s best man! After their wedding speeches, the couple had their first dance and everyone hit the dance floor. I’ve been looking forward to Chloe and Ryan’s wedding for a long time and I had so much fun with these two and Casper of course!
The Mercure Elcot Hotel in Newbury is a lovely venue with amazing grounds, and lovely accommodation and it’s dog friendly which is always a bonus if you’re planning on bringing your dog to your wedding!
Thank you so much to the lovely Lauren over at Lahu Weddings for second shooting for me! Here’s Chloe and Ryan’s dog friendly, fun and quirky Mercure Elcot wedding!
If you’re looking for a Newbury wedding photographer, get in touch!
