Perks of the job (part 2)

Anybody who reads this blog on a regular basis (you really do have too much time on your hands!) knows that when in wedding mode I’m fascinated by some of the venues at which I’m lucky enough to work. A little while ago I wrote about the grandeur of shooting in large churches and Cathedrals. However, equally as impressive in their own way are some of the locations for civil ceremonies.

One such location is Cowley Manor, at which I shoot a handful of weddings each year as one of the recommended photographers. The Manor perfectly blends relaxed surroundings with a dash of formality and the staff’s bespoke approach lends itself to smaller weddings, ideal for families who want their day to be intimate and personal. At the planning stage couples are guided by in-house coordinator, Sarah Keatley. Sarah’s attention to detail and wonderfully enthusiastic manner make her a pleasure to work with, and from my side I’m never in the dark about plans and timings due to her support. It then becomes apparent that the venue’s trump card is the quality which is evident on every level.

Upon arrival you’re greeted by a 19th century mansion feel, then once inside the staff are relaxed, helpful and available without being constantly on your shoulder. There’s a distinct chilled-out 70’s feel to the decor and once seated in the main lounge you won’t want to get up again for quite some time. It sounds obvious, because the whole point of a hotel is to provide a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere during your stay, but Cowley has a calmness about it which puts you at ease and allows a visitor to make the most of the visit.

Assuming you can drag yourself away from the log fire in the lounge, you’ll find it’s the grounds which really cap the whole experience. The Manor is set in approx. 55 acres of grounds, providing the feel of an adventurous wander. A large terrace overlooks the lake and beyond this there are various nooks and crannies in which to explore and lose yourself, and it’s right here that a magical little tale has become legend. It’s said that the writer, Lewis Carroll, was strolling in the gardens one day when he came across a little girl happily playing. After briefly chatting to his new friend he returned to his room to begin writing a short story based on the young lady’s happy disposition. Her name was Alice Liddell, and the short story eventually became Alice In Wonderland. A magical place indeed…