Jodie and Lee | Botley’s Mansion Wedding

Now when I say “extra” I mean EXTRA!

Jodie is possibly one of the bubbliest little firecrackers I have ever met, so when she asked me to capture her wedding – I knew it was going to be amazing!

I have shot at Botley’s Mansion previously, so I knew just how stunning it could be. However, I don’t think I realised how much you could add to a venue to make it even more spectacular.

It was a fun packed day from morning until night, and I’m not going to lie, I did need a proper rest after it! So much to capture – the pressure was on! So, let’s see how it went……

Jodie and Lee met at school and have been together for 20 years! I know, proper high school sweethearts!

In March 2019, Lee booked a private beach and arranged a candle lit dinner, where he dropped to one knee and proposed to Jodie. Of course, she said yes!

They fell in love with Botley’s because of its incredible, grand appearance. And although it’s a manor house, it has a contemporary feel inside. Jodie and Lee were blown with the Atrium in the house and knew that it would provide the “Wow” factor that they wanted from their day.

I knew it was going to be a busy day, from the discussions myself and Jodie had had, but the discussions did not prepare me for the spectacular day that I go to be a part of.

I arrived at bridal prep (at an external venue) to hugs, excitement, chatter and full on girliness! Literally living my best life! The girls were all so excited and I knew it was just going to be the best day.

Carieanne (second shooter) was off doing grooms prep, and she had just the same excitement with the boys.

We headed over to Botley’s and as always my breath was slightly taken away by the drive up to the stunning building. The two staircases leading up to the main entrance are stunning and you feel like you are in a chapter of Bridgerton!

As Jodie stepped into her bridal dress she looked incredible and I knew that Lee was going to be totally emotional when he saw her walk down the aisle.

Jodie and Lee had chosen an outdoor ceremony and wow was it beautiful. With a cream carpeted aisle and blossom trees either side, it really was every bit the wedding dream.

Lee awaited at the front of the aisle and the emotion was definitely all over his face. As Jodie and her Dad walked down the aisle it was truly breath taking and one of my favourite aisle walks from the last decade.

With the “I do’s” going off without a hitch, it was time to start exploring the rest of venue and enjoying the day.

We did the group shots and confetti at the front of the mansion house as you just couldn’t ask for a better backdrop. It was crazy hot and sunny, but everyone coped amazingly well, and the staff were very attentive with keeping everyone hydrated.

During the photos we had the pleasure of the ‘All the Feels Live’ creating an Ibiza vibe and everyone loved listening to the music whilst having photos and enjoying the drinks and ice cream.

After the group photos, I took Jodie and Lee off for their couples portraits and they just totally smashed it. These two were so at ease with one another and so clearly besotted, I just had to stand back and let them be. I adore their couples portraits. They were so much fun to be around that my job was just a breeze!

When it was time to go and view The Atrium before the wedding breakfast, I went inside with Jodie and Lee so that they could check all of the details. Well, The Atrium was full of blossom trees, drapes, beautiful table places and all things gorgeous!

Jodie was very emotional seeing her vision come to life and I totally understood why.

Once the guests were seated, it was time for parents and bridal party to make their entrance! With guests waving napkins in the air, the saxophonist playing, the bridal party descended the stairs dancing and just having the best time. It was just so much fun to capture.

Once Jodie and Lee then made their grand entrance it was time for the speeches.

Now I have heard and captured a lot of speeches over the last decade, so I always love it when people go to a lot of effort, get emotional and speak honestly. These speeches got me. Full of so many wonderful stories from the father of the bride, the groom, the best man and then Jodie herself.

They were truly beautiful and I loved listening to them and capturing everyone’s reactions.

At the end of the meal Jodie’s dreams came true and a gospel choir performed on the staircase.

If you grew up in the 90’s – Sister Act was an absolute must see film, so when the choir performed some amazing renditions of some gospel classics – we were all loving life. Jodie was very emotional when singing and dancing with her bridesmaids and Lee. It was like watching a little girls dreams come true in front of her. So cute!

After dinner there were more drinks out of the lawn and a magician was going around entertaining small groups of people. The sun was setting over Botley’s and it was beautiful. Of course we did a few golden hour photos and the guys lit up their cigars for a few fun shots too!

When we went back into the atrium, the personalised dance floor was set, and the band were ready to go. The first dance was “Is this love” by Luke Burr, and it was the perfect song to play before the dance floor went crazy with guests!

After a little bit of dancing inside, it was time for Jodie and Lee to have a sparkler lit dance outside, followed by some incredible fireworks which everyone just loved!