ABBIE & FERGHAL
Abbie and Ferghal’s wedding at Manor by the Lake was a sun-filled, beautifully relaxed day. I’ve photographed at the manor many times, and it still amazes me how different it looks through the seasons — this time glowing in perfect sunshine.
When I arrived, I went to let Abbie know I was there and had a lovely chat with her… until she mentioned, “Oh, and my sister — the bride — is upstairs.” I turned to find her identical twin sister, equally gorgeous, and it instantly set such a joyful tone for the morning.
Prep was calm and intimate with just close family, and the sound of a violinist practising downstairs drifted through the manor. It was the perfect start to a truly beautiful day.
Both Abbie and Ferghal are teachers, and with Ferghal coming from a Scottish family and a French mother, a large part of the guest list were French-speaking — giving me the perfect chance to use my French throughout the day, which was such a lovely bonus.
The ceremony took place in the elegant main hall, followed by an intimate apéro and meal inside the house. The atmosphere was warm, relaxed, and full of heartfelt moments.
The evening celebrations were true Scottish style — a lively cèilidh that had absolutely everyone on the dance floor. The Celtic music was incredible and the energy unforgettable, with guests throwing themselves into every dance.
TEAM, VENUE & KIT
This was a small, intimate wedding, so it was just Vicky shooting on our state-of-the-art Canon R3 and Canon 1DX. The venue, The Manor by the Lake in Cheltenham, is simply stunning — a historic manor set beside a peaceful lake, with elegant interiors, beautiful gardens, and a light-filled main hall, perfect for capturing both portraits and candid moments.