Love, Family and Tears of Joy

at Elmhay Park

Vicky and Maz’s wedding at Elmhay Park, set within the beautiful Orchardleigh Estate in Somerset, was one of the most emotional and memorable celebrations I have photographed. Their July 2022 wedding brought together sunshine, laughter, and the kind of moments that stay with you for life.

A makeup artist applying eyeshadow to a woman with closed eyes, wearing a checkered shirt, in black and white during prep in Somerset.
Two brides in white wedding dresses holding hands and bouquets, surrounded by other guests, as they walk through confetti in a celebratory outdoor wedding scene at Elmhay Park.
Wedding ceremony with a bride in a white dress holding a bouquet, walking hand in hand with an older woman in a dark dress, as guests watch from both sides at Elmhay Park, located on the grounds of Orchardleigh Estate.
A woman in a white dress is giving a speech at a wedding reception, holding a glass of champagne in one hand and a microphone and paper in the other. Several women are seated at the table, holding glasses of pink and clear drinks, and smiling. The room has large windows, string lights, and a festive atmosphere.
Two women, wearing wedding dresses, sharing a kiss on the dance floor at a during their first dance at Elmhay Park.
Elegant banquet table set with multiple glasses, white napkins, and cutlery; centerpiece with glass of water, small wooden sign indicating 'One Direction,' and candle in glass holder at Elmhay Park.
A three-tiered cake designed to look like tree logs, decorated with purple and white flowers, and a heart-shaped sign with the words 'M + V' and a small heart, surrounded by floral arrangements with pink, purple, white roses, and greenery.
Two brides in white wedding dresses holding hands, walking outdoors with confetti falling around them, surrounded by guests and children celebrating their wedding taken by Bristol wedding photographer.
Elmhay Park Wedding Photographer?

Elmhay Park is a dream location for couples who want an elegant yet relaxed country estate feel. Set on the grounds of Orchardleigh Estate near Frome and Bath, the venue offers exclusive-use courtyards, landscaped grounds, and glass-fronted spaces filled with natural light — perfect for documentary wedding photography.

The ceremony was filled with emotion as the couple exchanged vows surrounded by family and close friends. The highlight of the day came when Vicky’s daughter stood to speak during the ceremony and asked Maz to become her officially adopted co-mum. There was not a dry eye in the room and it was one of those rare, unmistakable moments that define a wedding day.

After the ceremony, guests moved around the walled gardens and terraces, enjoying drinks, music, and the warm summer air while I captured the candid laughter and natural interactions that tell the real story of the day. As a Somerset wedding photographer used to working at Elmhay Park and Orchardleigh Estate, I used both the grounds and the architecture to create relaxed portraits without pulling people away from the celebrations for long.

Evening speeches, sparklers, and a full dancefloor carried the celebration late into the night. Elmhay Park’s layout allows guests to stay close together, which adds to the atmosphere and helps create natural, storytelling images from start to finish.

For couples searching for an Elmhay Park wedding photographer, an Orchardleigh Estate wedding photographer, or an experienced LGBTQ+ wedding photographer in Somerset, this wedding is a perfect example of how emotionally rich, real, and beautiful a day can be when photography is approached unobtrusively, letting the story unfold naturally.