Becky and Harry’s Bawtry Hall wedding was one of those October days where everything just clicked. As their wedding photographer, I’d been looking forward to this one for a while. It’s a beautiful Georgian house on the edge of Bawtry, just outside Doncaster, with so many lovely spots for photos without ever leaving the grounds.

The morning at Bawtry Hall

Harry and his groomsmen arrived just after twelve, all in grey suits with pink ties and spent the morning out in the garden. There was a ring box being passed around, a few nervous laughs and a lot of tie straightening. The ceremony room was already set with pink and white flowers, white blossom trees and a flower arch in front of the big Georgian windows. It looked stunning before a single guest had sat down!

A Georgian hall wedding in Bawtry, near Doncaster

Bawtry Hall sits right on the border of South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, which makes it easy for guests coming from Doncaster, Lincolnshire and further afield. The red brick front with its white columned porch is a proper showstopper and the inside is all high ceilings, gold mirrors and natural light, which is exactly what I want as a wedding photographer.

Becky walked in on her dad’s arm at one o’clock and Harry’s face when he turned round said everything. The ceremony was relaxed and full of smiles. As they walked back up the aisle as husband and wife, the whole room was on its feet!

Confetti, portraits and the grounds of the hall

Straight after the ceremony everyone headed out through the front doors for confetti, then we did the group photos while the light was soft. Bawtry Hall’s front lawn and steps make group shots really easy. Everyone fits and you get the hall behind you.

Then it was time for the two of them. We wandered round to the walled garden, with its brick walls covered in ivy and an old white arched gate, then under the big yew tree and down to the stone steps. October light at Bawtry is soft and even, which is perfect for natural, relaxed couple photos. Becky and Harry just chatted, laughed and forgot I was there, which is always when the best photos happen.

The Georgian red brick front of Bawtry Hall with its white columned porch and box hedge gardens, a wedding venue just outside Doncaster in South Yorkshire

The ceremony room at Bawtry Hall set for the wedding, with a floral arch in front of the tall Georgian windows and blush pink chair sashes

A white blossom tree reflected in one of Bawtry Hall's gold mirrors, with the floral ceremony arch behind

White roses and soft greenery in the wedding flowers, set against the elegant interiors at Bawtry Hall

Groom Harry fastening his collar out in the gardens while getting ready on the morning of his wedding

The groom's dad helping him with the ring box, a quiet moment between father and son before the ceremony

The groom waiting nervously at the front of the ceremony room at Bawtry Hall as guests take their seats

The bride walking down the aisle on her dad's arm and seeing the groom for the first time

The bride laughing halfway through her vows during a relaxed, happy wedding ceremony at Bawtry Hall

Close up of the bride and groom exchanging rings during their wedding ceremony

The newlyweds walking back up the aisle as husband and wife while their guests stand and cheer

Guests throwing confetti over the bride and groom outside the white columned porch at Bawtry Hall

The bride and groom laughing as the confetti falls, a natural, candid moment straight after the ceremony

Bridesmaids in blush pink and groomsmen in grey suits with the bride and groom in the gardens at Bawtry Hall

Bridal bouquets resting while the groomsmen share a drink in the gardens

Couple portrait of the bride and groom under the white columned porch at Bawtry Hall

The bride and groom sharing a kiss by the porch on the front steps

The bride and groom holding hands in front of the Georgian hall near Doncaster

The bride and groom at the old white arched gate in the walled garden covered in ivy at Bawtry Hall

A relaxed couple portrait by the red brick walls of the walled garden in soft October light

The bride and groom standing in front of Bawtry Hall's Georgian facade and box hedge gardens

The bride and groom together under the branches of the big old yew tree in the grounds

The bride and groom kissing on the stone steps in the gardens, surrounded by autumn trees

The couple sitting together on the garden steps among the trees, chatting and laughing in soft natural light

Speeches, first dance and a packed dance floor

The wedding breakfast was in the main room, with pink chairs, white blossom and the glowing MR & MRS letters waiting for later. Food first, then speeches and plenty of laughs. As the evening drew in we slipped out to the staircase covered in blossom for a few last portraits, reflected in one of the hall’s big gold mirrors.

Their first dance was at quarter to eight under the warm lights, with everyone gathered round. Then the dance floor filled up and stayed that way. I love a wedding where the party just takes off and this one did!

Photographer’s tips

Tips for a Bawtry Hall wedding

Allow 30 to 40 minutes for couple photos.The walled garden, the arched gate, the yew tree and the front steps are all within a few minutes’ walk.
Do confetti at the front of the hall.The white columns and red brick make a brilliant backdrop.
Check your sunset time.In autumn it’s early, so ten minutes outside before the first dance can give you golden light.
Keep group photos to a short list.The front lawn works for one big group, then the smaller ones go quickly.

The team behind the day

Suppliers

VenueBawtry Hall
Hair & makeupBeauty by Beverley Ann
DressBliss
CakeThe Cake Illustrator
SuitsRevolver Menswear
DecorElle’s Party Packages
Magic mirrorPhotobooth Doncaster

A reception table dressed in pink linen, ready for the wedding breakfast

The wedding breakfast room at Bawtry Hall set with white blossom trees and blush pink chairs

A blossom tree centrepiece next to the blush pink wedding cake

Wedding favours and menus laid out on the wedding breakfast tables

Guests clapping and cheering as the bride and groom walk into the wedding breakfast at Bawtry Hall

The bride in fits of laughter during the wedding speeches

The groom giving his speech to family and friends at the wedding breakfast

The bride and groom by the sweeping staircase covered in blossom at Bawtry Hall, reflected in a gold mirror at dusk

A groomsman enjoying a cigar out in the garden at night

A wide view of the first dance under warm lights at Bawtry Hall, with family and friends gathered round

The bride and groom close together during their first dance

Guests filling the dance floor at the evening party

The bride and groom sharing a kiss as they dance in front of the glowing MR & MRS letters at their Bawtry Hall wedding

Guests dancing and cheering at the evening party as the dance floor fills up

The groom dancing with his friends on a packed dance floor

The bride dancing with friends at the evening reception at Bawtry Hall

Guests laughing and dancing late into the evening

A wedding guest dancing with a drink in hand

A guest dancing under the lights at the evening party

Guests dancing together at the evening reception near Doncaster

The bride dancing with a guest by the fireplace

Guests dancing in a line in front of the glowing letters

Guests having fun by the MR & MRS glowing letters at the evening party

The bride laughing as her guests dance around her

The bride and groom celebrating on the dance floor at the end of their Bawtry Hall wedding

Becky and Harry, thank you for having me. It was a brilliant day and a real experience from start to finish!

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