Jo & Ed – Gainsborough Retreats Wedding Photography

Knockerdown Cottages Wedding Photography / Gainsborough Retreats Wedding Photography

A very early start for us! Driving through Derbyshire , round skinny country lanes, through tiny little towns, and finally arriving at Knockerdown Cottages in Ashbourne. And wow- what a venue! The perfect little holiday retreat – our Couple had the whole venue to themselves and their guests, for the entire weekend. It’s made up of many tiny cottages, an indoor swimming pool, playground, and a huge room for the wedding ceremony and meal. Within walking distance to Carsington Water Resivoir too, so theres plenty to do!

We were greeted by Fiona who is the Events Coordinator, who assured us that both the bride and groom were cool as cucumbers that morning. As we both went off in our separate ways to the bride and groom, we knew this day was going to be so much fun… The large courtyard area was arranged with blue and white, polka dot and patterned bunting, and a chalkboard with a welcome sign complete with an alpaca drawing, a sign of things to come…

As I entered the Brides cottage at the very end of the accommodation, I was welcomed with a super excited giddy Jo in the middle of having her makeup done by Sophie, rollers in!
The prep was well underway, and as they chatted amongst themselves  I snuck off to take some dress and shoe shots – not your average wedding shoes! We just loved Jo’s quirky twist to her outfit with her pencil shoes, so cute!

All the while Ed was still chilling out – taking his time getting ready and chatting with his best man, Eoghainn, who was also practicing his speech while Ed was nipping out.

Back with the bride, hair was being curled and parts put up into braids. After the most beautiful coloured wildflowers were delivered, a few were added to Jo’s hair which complimented her gorgeous hairpiece perfectly.
I got a sneaky peek at their absolutely stunning custom made weddings rings by Rhona Mccallum too, what a beautiful style.

It would be soon time for the Bride to get into her dress – but first a quick play on the slides and swings out side was in order with her bridesmaids of course.

Her mother helped her get into her dress, and her Bridesmaids helped her down the stairs to meet her very proud Dad, and the veil was on – and a few excited squeals later, she was ready!

The guests and Groom awaited in the Ceremony room as Jo, her Father, and two Bridesmaids made their way over.
Once Ed saw his beautiful bride the happiness beamed from him – and Jo the same when she saw her groom, greeting him with a quick kiss and a giggle.

After the elegant ceremony followed, (with the couple exchanging their personal vows, there were sniffles and sobs all around), it was on to the longest confetti line ever! And then… The alpaca’s and Mens Choir! Guests listened to the lovely singing of the Choir, Ed’s Father being among the voices, and mingled while feeding the alpacas, I’m not sure who was more excited at all this, the guests or us! 🙂

Of course a few couple shots with the alpacas were a must – including a highly requested photoboming picture, so much fun!

The tables for the meal had been decorated with with movie themes – each one a custom made terrarium with figures made by Jo and Ed themselves. Such a lovely idea and a great personal touch, it was obvious so much time and effort went into the planning of this wedding from start to finish with such fine details. (Even the cake toppers were hand made – a little fox and robot , the same for Jo’s bouquet with tiny figurines in resin!)

It was then time for the speeches, with a guest appearance from Jo’s old teddies, and a heartfelt speech from the Best man and Groom.

Later on while the guests ate, it was time to set up our photobooth! With lots of silly props, and glittery tinsel background.

The cake was, quite literally, a cheese mountain! With block of cheese stacked on top of each other, decorated with grapes and crackers, and was cut using a custom made cheese knife engraved with the words “we brie-long together”.

A quick rush back out while we took some couple shots and candid photos in the sunset – our absolute favourite time of day. After a quick change of dress from the Bride, it was on to the first dance to the live band, which the couple had been taking dancing lessons for, and performed perfectly.

Knockerdown Cottages at Gainsborough Retreats is such a beautiful venue – the large open areas are perfect for groups images and  for the guests to mingle , which is the best for candid shots (our favourite!). Throughout the day was filled with a calm, professional but relaxed atmosphere. It really seemed like your own private land where you can fully focus on your guests without disturbance – the perfect day 🙂

Thank you to Jo & Ed once more for making us such a huge part of your special day – see you soon!

Hue Of Two x