Ciara and Liz had a relaxed twilight wedding at the amazing Coton House Farm, which was full of personal touches, making the day uniquely theirs. From the bestest boy Percy (the dog) who was their honorary ring-bearer, crochet bridal flowers, comic-book-inspired table decor and tailoring, and a truly personal humanist ceremony, it was great privilege to document it all for them!
Ciara and Liz booked my 5-hour “silver”wedding photography package, which is perfect for twilight weddings at Coton House Farm, allowing an hour before the ceremony for me to capture final preparations and guest candids, through to their first dance and the dance floor action.
Coton House Farm Wedding Venue
Coton House Farm is an exclusive-use wedding venue, located in the Staffordshire countryside, just outside Lichfield and Whittington - and convenient for me as a Staffordshire wedding photographer, based in Burton-Upon-Trent.
Carefully restored and repurposed as a wedding and events venue, Coton House Farm offers several options for couples seeking an indoor/outdoor rustic wedding, yet with a touch of luxury, and I’m also delighted to be listed as one of their trusted wedding suppliers.
As it was mid-September, and the weather was starting to cool down after a very hot summer, Ciara and Liz opted for an indoor ceremony in the Old Dairy Barn, their drinks reception at the Oak Terrace Patio, followed by their reception in the Oak Barn, with their evening street food served from the Stable Courtyard.
Humanist Wedding Ceremony at Coton House Farm
Ciara and Liz opted for a humanist ceremony, led by the fantastic Louise Gather (Kick Ass Gatherings), which was packed full of personal anecdotes and fun memories, which made their ceremony feel extra special and unique, and set the tone perfectly for the rest of their day.
After Ciara and Liz exchanged vows, we headed outside for their confetti toss moment in the courtyard… Percy (their dog) really enjoyed this too, but I think this was because he thought all the confetti was entertainment just for him!
Group Photos and Couples Portraits at Coton House Farm
Following the confetti, we led all guests onto the main lawned area for group photos. With all my couples, I confirm the group photos requirements as part of the pre-wedding call, and then sequence them for maximum efficiency on the day - and if any dogs are involved, you can be sure a squeaky toy will be deployed!
Once the group photos were completed and everyone was released for some well earned refreshment, I took Ciara and Liz for a relaxed walk around the venue, where we captured some portraits of just the two of them, which was a moment of calm before their reception got into full swing.
Coton House Farm offers lots of variety for portrait time, including some nearby adjacent fields which make a great backdrop for environmental portraits - unfortunately we didn’t get a stunning sunset, but we worked with what we had, which still turned out great!
During the portrait session, I like to keep things super relaxed for my couples, as I prefer to photograph authentic natural moments, so whilst I’ll always step in to give offer some reassurance and direction, I’ll also step back when its not needed.
I always recommend to my couples that we allow 15-30 minutes in the schedule for this (dictated by their overall timeline and priorities, of course), but I rarely need more time, as I always want to return the couple back to their guests as soon as possible, and for it not to feel like a photoshoot!
Twilight wedding reception at Coton House Farm
After I’d taken their portraits, we headed over to the Oak Terrace patio for Ciara and Liz to rejoin their guests for drinks, shortly followed by their speeches.
It was then time for street food, served in the Stable Courtyard, which was also the natural break for their photography.
A short while later it was time for Ciara and Liz to cut their wedding cake, followed by their first dance, which was….The Macarena!
This was certainly a first for me, but it made for some fun moments for me to document, and everyone loved it! Guests were invited to join them on the dance floor, before a seamless transition by their DJ into an epic conga-line!
At this point in the evening I’m actively looking and listening, following the action wherever it takes me - which of course by now, the dance floor was in full swing, allowing me to document plenty of of fun, candid moments, bookending their coverage perfectly…
Featured Suppliers:
Ceremony: Kick Ass Gatherings
Venue: Coton House Farm
Photography: G Archer Photo
Congratulations again Ciara and Liz, wishing you both a lifetime of Love and happiness together!
Looking for your own Coton House Farm Wedding Photographer?
If you’re planning your own Coton House Farm Wedding (or anywhere else for that matter!), and looking for a relaxed, documentary wedding photographer to document your big day - I’d love to hear all about your plans.
Please get in touch to check my availability, and feel free to explore my wider wedding photography portfolio, from across Staffordshire and beyond.
