Laura & Ross’s Military Wedding at Widbrook Grange

Smart uniforms, a beautiful bride and a wedding party who were clearly going to have a blinking good time. Laura and Ross’s wedding at Widbrook Grange, near Bradford on Avon, had plenty of character.

Ross and his groomsmen and groomswoman were Lynx helicopter pilots, and they looked fabulous in their uniforms. Laura looked absolutely stunning. It was a wonderful wedding to photograph, with a ceilidh waiting for everyone in the evening.

Before I tell you more, here’s a little of their day on film.

The uniforms. And plenty of mischief.

There are some lovely details to photograph at a military wedding. Ross’s jacket hanging from a branch, the medals, the dress sword and the white cap laid on a weathered garden bench. They’re part of the story before anyone has even walked down the aisle.

Then you get the people together, and the photographs take on a life of their own. You only have to look at this wedding party to see that.

Laura, looking absolutely beautiful.

I do love the photograph of Laura on the staircase. The pale flowers, the shape of her dress and that little pool of light around her. Widbrook has some lovely corners for a photograph like this.

A garden ceremony at Widbrook Grange

The ceremony was outside, with white chairs arranged on the lawn and the trees all around. A beautiful setting, and such a lovely way to bring everyone together.

There was plenty to smile about. I’m watching the two of you, of course, but also the faces just behind you. Your family and friends are having their own little moments, and those photographs matter too.

A little time in the gardens

Widbrook Grange has so much character. The old farming equipment, the artwork dotted around the gardens and all those places where we can stop for a few photographs. It’s close to home for me in Beckington, and a lovely place to have nearby.

The house looked gorgeous with the wisteria in flower. Laura and Ross together outside, with that wonderful old vehicle full of flowers beside them, made a photograph I was very pleased to take.

Then there are the quieter photographs. Laura smiling at Ross beneath the branches, and a little flower girl keeping her company on the garden swing. You don’t need to make a great production of those moments. Give people a little space and keep your eyes open.

Group photographs with a bit of life

We can absolutely take the family and group photographs you want. I usually suggest keeping the formal list short, then leaving room for a bit of fun as the day goes on.

This lot had the right idea. First one of their friends was being lifted up, then it was Laura’s turn. Smart uniforms, huge smiles and everyone joining in. Those photographs will always remind them of the people they chose to have beside them.

Then came the ceilidh

And in the evening, a ceilidh. What a lovely choice for this wedding. Widbrook was a fantastic place for it, and it gave the celebrations another bit of personality.

That’s what I enjoy about photographing weddings. The lovely setting, a little time for beautiful portraits, then all the life happening around you. The people and the way they are together.

Thank you, Laura and Ross. A gorgeous wedding, a fabulous bunch of people and a real pleasure to be there.

If Widbrook has caught your eye, have a look at my Widbrook Grange wedding photography guide. I’ve added a little about the venue and why it suits the smaller, relaxed weddings I enjoy photographing. You can also visit Widbrook Grange’s own wedding page for venue information.

For more about how I work, explore my relaxed wedding photography, read a few words from couples I’ve photographed, or tell me what you’re planning. I’ll reply myself.

Michael Gane
MGANE Studio · Beckington, Somerset