Planning a wedding is always a celebration of love, family, and personal stories. Jennifer and Chris’ wedding at the breathtaking Coed y Mwstwr Hotel in Bridgend, South Wales, was all that and more, blending Welsh and Scottish traditions beautifully. Join me as I walk you through the highlights of this unforgettable day and, if you’re looking for a South Wales Wedding Photographer, hopefully inspire you with some unique ideas for your own special day.
Getting Ready Moments
I was joined for this gorgeous wedding by the talented Ben Holbrook on video. We started the day capturing the excitement and anticipation with Jennifer as she got ready, beginning with the small details that made her look so special, such as jewellery, her beautiful dress from Laura May Bridal, and those final touches by Jenny Isabella for makeup and Bethan Bennett for hair.
The excitement built as I moved to photograph Chris and his groomsmen, all looking sharp and proud in their kilts from Formal Hire. Then, back to the bride’s side, where Jennifer shared touching moments with her bridesmaids as they received thoughtful gifts. The emotional highlight was her father seeing her for the first time as she made her way down the stairs — a memory I’m sure they’ll cherish forever.
An Emotional Ceremony with a Unique Blend of Traditions
The ceremony was a perfect balance of tradition and emotion, filled with beautiful music from Harpist Katie Bayliss. Chris shed a tear as he saw Jennifer walking down the aisle, a moment that speaks volumes without a single word.
They said “I do” in a moving traditional ceremony, officiated by the local registrars, and followed it with a Scottish handfasting ceremony, symbolically “tying the knot.” This unique touch added a heartfelt nod to Jennifer’s heritage, performed by one of their Best Men.
The couple then shared a joyful confetti moment with guests, all perfectly timed by the amazing Flutter Darlings confetti, followed by group photos with family and the bridal party.
Romantic Portraits in the Beautiful Coed y Mwstwr Grounds
After the family photos and fun bridal party shots, we stole Jennifer and Chris away for a private portrait session around the hotel’s picturesque grounds. The charming brick architecture of Coed y Mwstwr provided a lovely contrast to the lush green surroundings, creating a classic yet romantic backdrop that captured the essence of the day and the location perfectly.
A Reception to Remember
Stepping into the reception, guests were greeted with gorgeous decor in shades of peach and orange, with floral arrangements by The Dancing Daffodil. Order of the Day Newspapers were provided by The Crafty Lab.
The atmosphere was set for an evening filled with laughter and tears as speeches were delivered by the Father of the Bride, Chris himself, and the Best Men, who managed to add their own funny and heartfelt moments.
Dancing Under the Stars
As the night fell, we took the newlyweds outside to pop some fizz, capturing a few fun flash shots in the dark that made for stunning, dramatic photos.
Jennifer and Chris then cut their wedding cake, shared their first dance, and Jennifer had a memorable Father-Daughter dance that truly showcased the family bonds that make weddings so special.
For a final festive touch, they delighted their guests with a traditional Scottish Ceilidh, with dances led by Lady Butterfly, which had everyone moving, laughing, and enjoying themselves in a wonderful celebration of both families’ heritages.
Wonderful Wedding Suppliers for a Dream Day
If you’re planning a wedding in South Wales, take some inspiration from Jennifer and Chris' talented suppliers who helped make their day truly magical. Follow them on Instagram for more ideas for your own day:
Venue: Coed y Mwstwr Hotel
Videography: Ben Holbrook
Groom’s Attire: Formal Hire
Makeup: Jenny Isabella
Hair: Bethan Bennett
Bride’s Dress: Laura May Bridal
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Six Stories
Harpist: Katie Bayliss
Flowers: The Dancing Daffodil
Confetti: Flutter Darlings
Lawn Games: Arthurs Cart
Order of the Day: The Crafty Lab
Your South Wales Wedding Photographer
Jennifer and Chris’ wedding was filled with all the meaningful details that make a wedding day unforgettable. If you’re planning a high-end wedding in South or West Wales and looking for South Wales Wedding Photography to capture your own love story, please get in touch. I’d love to chat about your vision and how we can capture every beautiful moment of your special day!
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