REAL WEDDINGS: A St Audries Park Wedding for Alice and Harry
As a photographer, there are certain venues I always look forward to shooting at, and St Audries Park is right at the top of that list. Nestled in the beautiful Somerset countryside, it’s a venue that effortlessly blends elegance with charm, making it a dream to photograph. When Alice and Harry told me they were planning their big day there, I knew it was going to be something special—and it absolutely was.
I’m Victoria, a wedding photographer based in Somerset, and I had the absolute joy of capturing Alice and Harry’s St Audries Park wedding on Saturday 4th May 2024. Here’s a look into their magical day.
The Love Story
Alice and Harry met at college and became friends but lost contact when Alice went off to university. They got back in touch when Harry moved into Alice’s childhood home. They love a cinema date and anything that involves food. Harry proposed at home with their furbaby Luna. Here are a selection of photos from their pre wedding shoot at Fyne Court.
St Audries Park Wedding Ceremony
Alice and Harry’s ceremony was filled with emotion and meaning. They tied the knot in the church on the grounds, which was really important to Alice. She had her heart set on a church wedding from the start, and St Audries Park was perfect because it offered everything on-site – including the church of St Etheldreda. The couple shared a tearful moment as Alice walked down the aisle—one of those beautifully raw memories I love capturing.
The church itself, with its charming features and soft natural light, provided a romantic backdrop for the ceremony. A little ladybird even made a surprise appearance, crawling up the vicar’s arm mid-service—a moment that had both Alice and Harry fighting back giggles!
A Unique St Audries Park Wedding Reception
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed the stunning reception spaces that make St Audries Park wedding venue such a standout. The Great Hall, with its breathtaking architecture and grandeur, was exactly what Alice had envisioned. Harry’s main wish was for guests to have food choices, and this venue delivered beautifully on both fronts.
The decor struck a balance between elegant and traditional. Alice and Harry went for neutral tones, which worked perfectly against the bold fuchsia and teal bridesmaid dresses. Star Wars-inspired table names added a fun, personal twist, and eucalyptus featured throughout the florals, honouring Alice’s favourite greenery.
Candles and lanterns were dotted throughout the venue, bringing a warm, romantic glow by evening. Their stationery, designed by The Illustrated Invitation – whom Alice spent months working with – even featured a hand-drawn design of the church. A lovely bespoke touch that tied everything together beautifully.
Stylish Wedding Outfits at St Audries Park
Alice looked absolutely radiant in her ivory lace gown and cathedral veil, both from Exmoor Brides in Minehead. Her tiara, a nod to Meghan Markle’s royal style, came from Bridal Reloved (now Louisa Jackson) in Street. She looked regal, elegant, and every bit the glowing bride.
Harry and his groomsmen wore smart three-piece suits from Moss Bros, with ties made to match the bridesmaids’ vibrant dresses. Alice even personalised socks for each groomsman—little DIY touches like this are always a joy to spot on the day.
The bridesmaids wore fuchsia, with the maid of honour in teal—choices that came after a bit of a surprise twist during the dress appointment! Alice went into the appointment desperate for pale grey and blush pink dresses until they realised how pale it made everyone! Karen at Exmoor Brides – who was so incredibly knowledgeable – picked up a dress in each of their colours and although it seemed so unusual, it worked so incredibly well. The final look was striking and unique. The flower girls wore ivory lace dresses from John Lewis with sparkly shoes from Next, which were so comfortable they were able to keep dancing all night long.
“We knew Victoria was the right photographer for us when Alice told her the date of the wedding and she knew it was Star Wars day!”
Victoria was so thorough in our planning and answered so many ‘silly’ questions which really reassured Alice who is a self confessed control freak. We have a photo that on first look, we didn’t realise why it had been included in our album as it’s just the back of the both of us talking to a guest. It isn’t until you look to the sky you can see the heart made out of clouds. We never would do dreamt of having any photos of the two of us in the dark but when Victoria suggested some night time shots we just went along. Our photo of the two of us dancing in the orangery is one of our most special, at first look, your focus is drawn to us as we are lit up, but the fact that you can see a sky full of stars is just so magical.
Alice and Harry
Wedding Entertainment and a Star Wars Surprise
Alice and Harry didn’t hold back when it came to entertaining their guests. One of the biggest hits of the day was the talented live illustrator Tasha from Ink and Lace, who sketched guests during the reception—unique favours that doubled as personal keepsakes.
In the evening, casino tables brought out a competitive side in the guests, especially with custom “money” featuring an engagement photo of the couple and their dog, Luna. But perhaps the biggest surprise came when Alice organised a lightsaber guard of honour—yes, on Star Wars Day! Harry, a huge fan, was completely surprised. Their own lightsaber battle under the stars was one of the most memorable moments I’ve ever captured at a wedding. Lightsaber wedding photography was definitely a first for me!
Capturing Magical St Audries Park Wedding Photos
One of the images from the day was actually a bit of a surprise for Alice and Harry—a quiet candid of them chatting to a guest, with a heart-shaped cloud in the sky behind them. Sometimes, it’s those unexpected shots that hold the most meaning.
We also captured some stunning nighttime shots in the Orangery. The two of them dancing under the stars, bathed in soft lighting, was pure magic. Those quiet moments together, away from the crowd, often create the most intimate and emotional photos—and it’s a reminder to every couple to take a few minutes just for themselves on the day.
A Memorable First Dance and a Honeymoon in Ibiza
Their first dance was to Elvis’ Can’t Help Falling in Love, a romantic moment that quickly turned hilarious when Cardi B’s Up came on next, thanks to a cheeky request from Harry’s cousin. Everyone broke out into rapping and laughter—moments like that are what make wedding days so unforgettable.
Later in the year, they enjoyed a relaxed honeymoon in Ibiza, where they soaked up the sun, explored beaches, and visited a cliffside aquarium. Alice, a teacher, had planned it for half-term, and it sounds like the perfect way to unwind after months of planning.
Alice and Harry’s Top Wedding Tip
“Take some time to be with your partner alone on the day. We spent time hidden away from everyone else for about 15 minutes and sat with a cocktail each and some canapés, it allowed us to process that we were actually married and check in with each other. It’s such a busy and full on day, it’s important to take the moments when and where you can.”
Final Thoughts from the Photographer
Working with Alice and Harry was an absolute pleasure. From planning to the final gallery delivery, they were warm, creative, and totally in love. Their St Audries Park wedding photos are filled with laughter, love, and just a hint of lightsaber sparkle.
If you’re considering a St Audries wedding venue, I can’t recommend it enough—it truly has something magical about it.
Victoria x
Looking for a wedding photographer for your St Audries Park wedding? I’d love to hear from you. Let’s make your day just as unforgettable.
Vendors
Church
St Etheldreda
Venue
St Audries Park
Photographer
victoria welton photography
videographer
POWDER AND PEARLS
DRESS(Bride and Bridesmaids)
EXMOOR BRIDES
SUITS
MOSS BROS
Hair
expressions hair and beauty
Make up
Make up by Lisa Hannah
Live Illustrator
Ink and Lace
STATIONeRY
The illustrated invitation
Florals
Edwina’s Flowers
Casino tables
Funtasia
Cake
Jackie’s cakes
CAr
