Article by Lee Glasgow
As a wedding photographer in Kenilworth, I feel that it takes a few good ingredients to make up the perfect wedding photographs. A key ingredient for me has to be the wedding venue. The architecture, the surroundings and the history of the place can all contribute to making a wedding that little bit more special.
Last year, I photographed a wedding at Stoneleigh Abbey in Kenilworth and I was completely blown away. The sheer enormity of the place had me walking around with my mouth wide open. But it’s not just about size – this place really has style.
Set upon the River Avon, the Abbey’s 690 acres of lavish parkland provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor photographs. If you’re lucky enough to get a sunny day for your wedding, your guests could spend the afternoon whiling away the hours taking in the picturesque landscape, I certainly made the most of it for my photographs as you can see!
Inside is just as grand, with stunning architecture and traditional décor, you couldn’t get anywhere much more traditional for an English wedding. Finishing touches in the reception room show that the staff there really do pay attention to detail, and aim to make your wedding day as special and unique as possible.
Now, I was never much of a fan of history at school but the history of this place impressed me. It dates all the way back to 1154 and has had various royal visits over the years, from Queen Victoria in 1858 right up to Prince Charles of Wales in 2003.
In the 1800s novelist Jane Austin lived in the Abbey for a time, and was so inspired by the place that she wove descriptions of the interiors and surroundings into her novels. The Abbey has changed little in appearance since her time there, as a classic building it keeps the history alive, and you can still recognise some of the areas she depicted in her novels today.
I’m going back there to photograph another wedding in August, and I can’t wait! Stoneleigh Abbey is the perfect venue for any classic wedding, if you do decide to get hitched in this beautiful place, I would love to capture the scene for you. I offer wedding photography in Kenilworth and Warwickshire and throughout the Midlands area, so if you’re looking for a wedding photographer who really cares, contact me today.