Real Wedding · Shropshire
Jess & Sam’s Hencote Wedding
Jess & Sam at Hencote, Shrewsbury
Hi, I’m Jordan, a wedding photographer with a soft spot for a day that feels completely like the couple. Hencote, just outside Shrewsbury, is a working vineyard with views right across the Shropshire countryside, and it makes for a wedding that feels a little different from the usual. There’s more on my wedding photography in Shropshire if you want a closer look.
Jess and Sam had spent plenty of date nights at Hencote long before the wedding, so getting married there made complete sense. It had the feel of a destination wedding without the flights: vineyard fizz made on site, sunshine on the terrace, and views that did half the work. If that idea appeals, it’s not far off how I photograph weddings further afield, just closer to home.
Here’s how Jess and Sam’s day at Hencote came together, from a relaxed morning getting ready together to a full-on rave to finish.
Stage 01 / Getting Ready
Getting Ready at Hencote
Jess and Sam got ready together at the house, which set the tone for the whole day: relaxed, close, and full of the people who matter. The morning had all the usual details worth slowing down for, the dress on its hanger, shoes hung up, the view out across the fields, but it was the small moments in between that stood out.
One of my favourites was Sam’s arm appearing round a door so Jess could tie a band around his wrist, a quiet moment before they’d properly see each other. Jess got ready with her sister and mum close by, and by the time the dress was on, everyone was ready for the off.
Stage 02 / The Vows
The Ceremony at Hencote
Heartfelt vows, led by Jess’s sister.
Jess and Sam’s ceremony was about as personal as it gets, led by Jess’s sister, which gave the whole thing a warmth you can’t script. There were tears in the front row, laughter in the vows, and a confetti tunnel to finish that neither of them will forget in a hurry.
Stage 03 / The Terrace
Drinks on the Terrace
Vineyard views, English fizz and tapas in the sun.
With the ceremony done, everyone spilled out onto the terrace, and this is where Hencote really shows off: the vineyard rolling away below, hills in the distance, and a glass of the estate’s own English sparkling wine in every hand. There were tapas doing the rounds, a close-up magician working the tables, and the kind of easy, sunny afternoon that makes a wedding. We grabbed a few relaxed group shots while the fizz kept flowing.
Stage 04 / The Vineyard
Portraits in the Vineyard
A quiet wander through the vines.
We stole twenty minutes in the vines for a few portraits, which felt fitting given how much of Jess and Sam’s story started here. They’re easy company in front of the camera, so it was mostly a wander, a laugh and the odd gentle prompt, and the vineyard did the rest.
Planning Your Day
Hencote on your shortlist?
If Hencote’s on the cards, or anywhere with that same relaxed, celebratory feel, take a look at my wedding photography services to see how I work with couples.
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Stage 05 / The Speeches
Speeches on the Terrace
Heartfelt, funny, and that view behind them.
The speeches were a highlight, delivered out on the terrace with the whole vineyard as a backdrop. There was a glass of something cold in every hand, plenty of laughter and a few happy tears, exactly the kind of speeches you hope for.
Stage 06 / The Party
The Evening Rave
Second dress, white trainers, and a proper rave.
As the sun went down, the party turned into a proper rave. Jess swapped into a shorter second dress and white trainers, the dancefloor filled, and it stayed full. There was a photobooth, cold wine on ice, and late-night pizza to keep everyone going. Exactly how a day like this should end.
In Closing
Final Thoughts on Hencote Wedding Photos
Hencote is a brilliant wedding venue, and not just for the view. A working vineyard, its own English sparkling wine, a terrace made for a sunny reception, and a team who let the day run exactly how the couple wanted it. For a wedding that feels a little different, it’s hard to beat.
Vineyard views, good fizz, and a day that felt entirely theirs.
Jess and Sam’s day had all of it, and it was a joy to photograph from start to finish.
Jordan Fox
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