A Truly Gorgeous Normanton Church, Rutland Wedding

This wedding - rearranged a couple of times due to that C word but it finally went ahead in the summer of 2021. Honestly I was not disappointed in the wait - yes it was a tad frustrating for Ellie & Daryl having to reschedule dates but we got there in the end. It was such a privilege documenting this stunning intimate wedding.

One thing I can say about this wedding aside from the Lili the Dachshund, Elie’s gorgeous wedding dress and a super stunning venue… was just how relaxed and intimate it was. It was a hot, sunny day and would be my first visit to photograph an actual wedding at the infamous Normanton Church in Rutland. It is the most stunning setting for a church I have ever come across!!

St Matthew’s Church, Normanton - Rutland - a little bit of history

“The medieval St Matthews Church was built for the Earl of Ancaster on the foundations of a building dating back to the 14th century. It was later rebuilt in a classical style in the 18th century when the Heathcote Baronets created their estate in Rutland and used the parish church as their private chapel. In 1920 the aristocrat family relocated and the church was abandoned until Rutland Water was created in the 1970s. 

Due to the growing population in the area, the need for a water reservoir became obvious. The Gwash Valley in Rutland was chosen as the most suitable location for a new reservoir in the Midlands. The locals protested against the church being demolished and it was decided that it would only be partially submerged underwater. 
 

The lower level of the deconsecrated church was filled with rubble and concrete and a new floor was created. A causeway and an embankment were created to make the building accessible from the shore of Rutland Water. The outcome was one of the most iconic churches in the UK, seemingly floating above the waterline.”

My day began photographing the bridal preparations at Ellie’s parent’s home over in Chisenhale, Peterborough. It was so relaxed and such fun to document the girls getting ready. I couldn’t help but get plenty of photos of Lili the couple’s adorable Dachshund. She almost stole the show!!

I also got to meet Amy owner of Lil and Blue - vintage car hire company and her gorgeous Fiat 500. Such a lovely person and it was great working with her. That car though, I’m so in love with it!!

It was also great having my second photographer, Ryan documenting the groom Daryl and guest arrivals down at Normanton Church as naturally I couldn’t be in two places at once. He is such a great guy to work with and I got this wedding on his recommendation, so a huge thank you to Ryan for that.

Once the ladies were all ready, I made my way up the A1 to Normanton Church which was about 25 mins away. There I waited for the bridal party to arrive. I just couldn’t get how gorgeous the church was looking in the late afternoon sun. The reflection was stunning but not as stunning as my bride arriving in Lili the vintage Fiat 500.

I can honestly say that photographing a wedding at Normanton Church is just beautiful. I really hope I get to do another one there soon. Infact, I definitely want to photograph another wedding here.

After the ceremony and photos with close family and friends, it was back to the bride’s parent’s house for the reception. Yes it was on the driveway and it was epic. The band were great and there was plenty of dancing. It really was a cool, fun and beautiful relaxed wedding. I loved every bit of it.

If you’re planning your Normanton Church wedding and in need a fun, relaxed documentary wedding photographer… I’d love to hear from you.