Real Wedding · Staffordshire
Alrewas Hayes Wedding Photos
Rosie & Will, a summer wedding in full
Rosie and Will married at Alrewas Hayes on a beautiful summer day, a secluded country estate in rural Staffordshire near Burton-on-Trent. I had the joy of photographing their full day, and what follows is their wedding, told the way it unfolded.
If you are planning your own day here, I hope this gives you a real feel for what Alrewas Hayes creates. You can see more of my wedding photography in Staffordshire across the county, and read on for Rosie and Will’s day from start to finish.
Stage 01 / The Morning
Getting Ready at Alrewas Hayes
I arrived at this secluded estate a good two hours before the ceremony, time to gather some quiet establishing shots while the venue was still and to move through the rooms catching the little details. Then up to meet Rosie, getting ready in the Theodore Suite with her daughter and bridesmaids.
The Theodore Suite is a beautiful room, total privacy, stunning views of the grounds and a huge bathroom under an oak-beamed ceiling. It is wonderfully light and airy, which suits my style perfectly. Prosecco, flowers and sweet moments filled the air as the girls got ready in the manor house.
Next I met up with Will in the courtyard, his best man making a few last adjustments to his suit and buttonhole before the guests began to arrive. It was a friendly, easy atmosphere, drinks served under the large gazebo as the day got going.
The Vows
The Ceremony at Alrewas Hayes
In the light-filled Orangery, with their daughter happily stealing the limelight.
As the guests filtered into the Orangery, I grabbed a quick moment with Rosie and her bridal party for some portraits. The Orangery is lit beautifully by natural light, exactly what I love to work with, and it lends the whole ceremony an elegant, airy feel.
The ceremony was wonderfully sweet, their daughter insisting on stealing a little of the limelight along the way. Before long Rosie and Will were pronounced husband and wife, and our newly married couple led their family and friends out into the courtyard.
Confetti & Canapés
The Drinks Reception at Alrewas Hayes
A confetti tunnel, then drinks and canapés under the gazebo, rain or shine.
Alrewas Hayes recently added a large gazebo, which means the celebrations carry on whatever the weather. After a quick confetti shot, guests settled in to enjoy the drinks menu and canapés. I usually give everyone around twenty minutes to congratulate the happy couple before we move into the group shots and portraits.
I also used this time to slip around the rooms and catch the finer details, the wedding breakfast tables set and waiting, dressed beautifully for Rosie and Will’s guests.
Groups & Portraits
Family & Portraits at Alrewas Hayes
Groups kept short and easy, then a relaxed few minutes with the newlyweds.
I like to keep the group photos as short as possible. The real magic of any wedding is in the natural, candid moments, so on this occasion we gathered the bridesmaids and immediate family for a quick, easy session and left it there.
Then a short session with the newlyweds, usually just ten or fifteen minutes. If a couple want longer, that is no problem at all, I let Rosie and Will decide what they were comfortable with, offering gentle guidance where it helped, and we came away with some really lovely frames.
The Feast
Speeches & the Wedding Breakfast at Alrewas Hayes
In the Lakeside, a mix of laughter and tears, exactly as the best speeches are.
The wedding breakfast took place in the Lakeside, a calm, tranquil space that would later host the evening reception too. Rosie and Will made their entrance with their daughter close by their side, while the staff made sure every glass was primed for the toasts.
The speeches were the usual wonderful mix of laughter and tears. I love catching guests completely absorbed in the moment, maybe even quietly wiping an eye. Once they were done, everyone tucked into the food, which is exceptional here, and I took a moment to back up the day’s photos and recharge.
Planning Your Day
Photos like these at Alrewas Hayes?
If you like how Rosie and Will’s day comes across, take a look at my wedding photography services and the way I work across the day.
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As Night Falls
The Evening Reception at Alrewas Hayes
A summer evening, the band in full swing, and the dance floor coming to life.
I love an early summer evening, that moment when the formalities are done and everyone can truly relax. I kept taking natural photographs as the night unfolded, evening guests arriving, selfies all round and the drinks menu thoroughly sampled, before we moved into the traditional cake cutting and first dance.
The guests were in great spirits as the band worked through their set, and there is nothing I enjoy more than catching a room full of people letting loose on the dance floor as the night draws on.
From the Couple
“We are completely obsessed with our wedding photos. Thank you, Jordan!”
— Rosie & Will
Final Thoughts
Rosie & Will’s Alrewas Hayes Wedding Photos
Alrewas Hayes holds a special place in my heart, it is where I photographed my very first wedding. The Williams family have poured real care into creating a stunning setting, and it shows in every corner of the estate.
This historical country estate is a sought-after spot for weddings of every size, and a popular choice for Asian weddings too. The Great Barn seats up to 650 guests, the Lakeside up to 150, and the manor house has eleven bedrooms looking out over the Staffordshire woodland. Rosie and Will’s day was fun-filled and romantic from start to finish.
If you are weighing up venues, you can explore more Staffordshire wedding venues, or read more about how I work across the day.
It is a privilege to come back to the place where it all began for me.
Alrewas Hayes · Alrewas · Burton-on-Trent · DE13 7DL
Jordan Fox
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