An elopement at Godwick Hall

When Maisie and Brad appeared in my email inbox with details of their elopement idea, I was absolutely thrilled.

I had always wanted the shoot an elopement. The idea of running off to get married just sounds like a beautiful and romantic adventure and definitely the way I would get married.

When they told me their Sproodle, Eric would be Dog of Honour - I squealed with delight. If you have followed me for a while, you will know that my toxic trait is falling in love with other peoples dogs [don't tell Effie]!

I arrived at Godwick Hall at 11am, early enough to enjoy a cuppa with Debbie-Lee, their planner. Brad and Eric greeted me at their car so Eric could get used to me before the ceremony. Godwick is an incredibly dog friendly venue and all the staff LOVE dogs. Eric was mooching around the house and making himself at home and this meant during the ceremony he was calm and settled.

Maisie was getting ready in one of the shepherds huts, so I went to find her and we took some relaxed photos.

It was important to Maisie and Brad that their day was as sustainable as possible. Maisie's dress, a two piece, came from Threads Bridal in Holt, Norfolk.

Threads is a sustainably sourced Bridal boutique selling preloved wedding dresses and accessories.

Her dried flower bouquet was from Etsy and the little blue heart hanging from it was a gift from Brad.

She wore white Converse high top trainers. A girl after my own heart. Comfort first.

Brad wore a three piece black suit with a black tie. His button hole matched Maisie's bouquet and was also from Etsy.

Eric was also dressed in his bowtie [from Etsy] and looked so adorable.

I took this photo of Maise and Brad right before their ceremony. They still had not seen each other. The doorway was a perfect opportunity to get a photo of them both in one shot but still not in view of each other.

The perfect first look... without looking!

Eric waited in the hallway with Maisie and walked in with her.

Their ceremony was so emotional and romantic. Debbie-Lee, the planner read two readings and Eric positioned himself beautifully at their feet for the ring exchanges.

A glass of bubbles straight after the ceremony and it all just felt very chilled out and relaxed. A perfect intimate wedding. While it was dry outside we popped outside to do confetti. With just them and me and two planners it took a few attempts to get some confetti in the right place but we did it!

Maisie was determined to "embrace the cold" for their photos. Absolute music to my ears. So we went for a stroll right away and left the indoor portraits for later as we could then venture back indoors to warm up. We took a little walk down the tree lined road and took some photos at their shepherds hut. The lighting was beautiful and it still looked very autumnal even though it was the middle of December.

After getting chilly we all headed back into the Hall and as Maisie and Brad had such a good sense of humour, they cut a tiny slice of carrot cake in the dining room for their cake cut and then we did some more portraits inside the house.

After all this attention and an adventurous day, Eric was completely worn out and was enjoying cuddles with

Debbie-Lee in the comfy window seat.

Winter weddings are beautiful and the light is so soft and flattering. I think a lot of people dismiss winter as they fear the bad weather. But given the horrendous July we had in 2023 I think we are safer in December.

Such a lovely wholesome couple of hours with this lovely pair.

Thanks Maisie and Brad for choosing me to be a part of your day. It will always be so special to me.

One thing is for sure... Dogs make weddings even better!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

xxx