CONTACT DETAILS
Address:
Forest of Arden, Maxstoke Lane, Meriden, Birmingham, CV7 7HR
Telephone:
01676522335
Email:
forestofarden.events@marriotthotels.co.uk
It was lovely to be back to shoot another Forest of Arden wedding celebration. Especially as this Anglo-Serbian celebration was full of energy from the start to the finish.
I love this venue so much It’s now listed amongst my list of Best Wedding Venues in the West Midlands.
The 2 words that summed up their wedding was: Dancing and Drinking
There was plenty of Serbian dancing from the moment Rebecca and James entered the wedding breakfast room until late into the night.
The fact that Rebecca’s father had distilled 21 litres of his own 1981 vintage plum cherry brandy, and he’d been storing it up for this special occasion, just added to the merriment.
Winter weddings have their own challenges with the fading light, but there was no problem here as everything took place indoors, and with my supplementary lighting, the show went on!
Rebecca and James wanted a strong documentary wedding photography approach to how their day was recorded, not wanting any formal, staged group photos. This suited my documentary approach, as it simply allowed me to blend in the background allowing them time to enjoy the company of their guests, while I looked for the moments that told their wedding story.
That’s why I was so pleased I’d achieved that judging by their feedback comment above.
Here’s a few of my favourite images from their winter wedding celebrations. I hope you enjoy them too.
Their Forest of Arden Wedding Images
Their Forest of Arden Wedding Story In their Own Words
BEFORE THE WEDDING
How You Met: We first spoke in the staff room at Pinderfields hospital in Wakefield while James was working as a doctor and I was a final year med student. I was trying to quietly study and James kept trying to talk to me! We then bumped into each other at the bar on the first ‘payday party’ when I became a doctor a few months later. I was running away from a group of girls who thought I had stole their drink at the bar (I hadn’t!) when I found James and started chatting. And the rest is history!
How He Proposed: He planned a weekend away in the hills where we live in Australia. It was the hottest day of the year, over 40 degrees which where we live is unheard of. We found some natural pools for a swim whilst on a walk to cool off. Then when we went back to our cabin and whilst we were in the tub he casually asked me to marry him and produced a gorgeous antique ring which belonged to his great-grandma. Then it started storming pretty bad and we had to evacuate early as the property had started to flood!
WEDDING
Rebecca Wore: Stella York 6648
James Wore: Hugo Boss
Jewellery/Accessories: Crystal, pearl and flowers headpiece in silver – Rush Creations Bridal on etsy. Gold diamond studded earrings – a gift from my Maid of Honour. Gold necklace – Dhara Jewellery on etsy. Shoes – Asos
Hair/Make-up Done: Hair by Natasha Townsley. Make up by Jessica Ava
Invitations: Save the date by my sister-in-law Cass. Invites by my sister Vikki
Ceremony Place: Woodland Suite at the Forest of Arden
RECEPTION
Reception Place: The Arden Suite at the Forest of Arden
First Dance Song: Hooked on a Feeling – Blue Suede
Cake: 3-tiered fruit cake made by my mother-in-law Hilary. Icing/decorations by my sister-in-law Cass
Decor Elements: Christmas – pine tree branches, fairy lights and pine cones. No specific colour theme
Unique Details: Traditional Serbian music with entrance music and Svadba wedding song. Various Serbian traditions including coin throwing, stealing the bride’s shoe and plenty of rakija
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT
Rebecca’s Answer: Feeling so nervous before we made our entrance to the reception room, but then hearing the drums and hearing everyone going wild was incredible. And then entering the room and everyone looking like they were having the best time as we walked around the room. Then when Svadba came on everyone stormed the dancefloor and erupted into dancing! Wasn’t part of the plan but shows how pumped everyone was, definitely the most memorable part for me.
James’ Answer: The moment I saw you when you walked down the aisle. I was feeling nervous all morning but all that disappeared when I saw how happy you looked.
HONEYMOON
Place: Pune, India for a friends wedding. Centara Ras Fushi Resort in the Maldives
WEDDING ADVICE
Don’t get too caught up on details, things never go to plan and there’s things that will happen that cant be planned for, both good and bad. Try and stay pragmatic, keep smiling and enjoy the whole process. You’ll enjoy the day no matter what happens.
Looking for other venues?
If this venue isn’t what you’re looking for, or you’d like other similar venues to consider, have a look at the list of Best Wedding Venues in the West Midlands. There you’ll find 100+ venues where to get married, to help you decide on your perfect venue.
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Want to chat further?
If you’d like to discuss your wedding plans with one of the most experienced wedding photographers in the region, fill in my contact form below telling me more about your wedding, and I’ll get back to you straight away.