Grace & Tommy – High House Weddings

We’re fortunate to be recommended suppliers at High House Weddings in Althorne, Essex, and photograph many weddings there each year.  Grace and Tommy had booked their wedding for August 2023 when the gardens at the venue are in full bloom with beautiful colours.

Like most weddings that we photograph, Grace and Tommy booked us after seeing our work and getting in contact having booked High House a year or two before the wedding day. We were in contact several times in the build up to the wedding including a planning meeting to discuss what photos they wanted.  We were lucky enough to get to know Grace and Tommy during their pre-wedding shoot at Hockley Woods – which was relaxed and fun – and got us really excited for the wedding day.

Despite being the middle of summer, the weather couldn’t make it’s mind up and we had rain on and off.  But that didn’t spoil an amazing day or stop us getting some beautiful couple portraits and all the group shots we’d planned for.

Grace and her bridesmaids got ready in the bridal cottage at High House, and Tommy and his groomsmen arrived about an hour before the ceremony to greet all the guests as they arrived. I may be biased (being a recommended supplier at High House) but I think the bridal cottage is a great space for getting ready, with lots of natural light for photographs and a beautiful swimming pool for paddling in if the time and weather permits!

The ceremony took place in the traditional converted barn with amazing vaulted ceilings. Grace’s dad walked her down the aisle to give her away – and the ceremony and vows were full of emotion, tears and laughter.  Following the ceremony, the guests left the barn and lined-up outside in preparation for their confetti walk (which always makes for an epic photo).

Whilst guests enjoyed reception drinks on the patio beside the iconic pond and bridge, we quickly photographed all the pre-planned group shots – so that Grace and Tommy could get back to spending time with their friends and family.

We made the most of the break in the weather to take a wander around the stunning grounds at High House – across the bridge and through the vineyards. Not only did this give us a chance to capture natural couple portraits, but it also gave the newlyweds the chance to spend a little time together alone away from everyone.  Whilst we posed a few photos, a lot of the shots we took were natural and from a distance to capture genuine ‘moments’ between Grace and Tommy.  Those times are really cherished from an otherwise hectic day, and looking back at those photos can really bring back special memories for years to come.

Grace and Tommy were great fun and their wedding guests were definitely up for a party and celebrating. After the cutting of the cake, the first dance was revealed from behind the curtain in the marquee which hides the dancefloor.  The guests soon joined in the dancing and the atmosphere was electric. This was helped by the couple surprising everyone with  live music well into the night, provided by a Motown band.

The photos below are a small sample of those which tell the story of the day…. and we’d love to hear from you if you’d like to know more about photography at High House or any other venue.