Bride and groom walking hand in hand on a garden path, with the groom in a maroon jacket and the bride in a white gown holding a bouquet of flowers.

Hestercombe Gardens Summer Wedding

Melanie and Gareth’s summer wedding at Hestercombe House & Gardens was a day filled with elegance and natural beauty. The morning began in Bristol, where Melanie and her bridesmaids prepared for the big day. With hair and makeup by Rose Forrest and her gown from Essence of Australia at Chiselhurst Bridal, Melanie was the picture of timeless elegance.

The couple then made their way to Hestercombe for their outdoor ceremony, set against the backdrop of lush gardens. The Becky Shell Duo and Vocal Works Gospel Choir created a magical atmosphere as the couple exchanged vows, with at stunning floral arch and meadow of flowers from Flourish & Grace.

The reception was just as unforgettable, with music from The Black Hat Band and Steve Williams on the piano bar, keeping the energy high throughout the evening. The tables, styled by Lauren Alexander and adorned with dinnerware from The Luxe Collection, looked breathtaking, while the cake by Little Buttercup Cakery was both stunning and delicious.

Every detail of the day reflected Melanie and Gareth’s love for each other and their guests, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated celebration.

As a natural and relaxed Cotswolds wedding photographer I loved working at Hestercombe Gardens. The stunning gardens and beautiful house are full of incredible spots for photos and the soft evening light, created the perfect setting for natural, relaxed and elegant wedding photography. 

Two rings in a black velvet hexagonal box: a gold band below and a silver band with small stones above.
A bouquet of white, peach, and light pink roses with greenery and a white ribbon sits on a dark wooden table against a white and terracotta wall.
A bouquet of white and peach roses with greenery, wrapped in cream-colored ribbon, placed on a dark surface.
Two vow booklets with textured covers and the word "VOWS" printed on them are placed on a soft, white fabric.
A strapless, floral lace wedding dress hangs on a bed frame over a neatly made bed.
A woman gets her lips gently brushed with makeup by another person. The scene is in black and white.
Three people in a living room. One stands eating while two sit on a couch, with one using a laptop. Bright curtains in the background. Black and white photo.
A wristwatch with a black leather strap and a gold-toned bezel is displayed next to a pair of gold cufflinks and a white flower on a dark surface.
A person adjusts their cufflinks while wearing a white dress shirt and a watch on their wrist.
Man in a white dress shirt stands near a window, adjusting his watch. Black and white photo.
Close-up of someone fastening the cuff of another person's white shirt. Two people are involved in the task, focusing on the sleeve button.
Two men in a room smiling and adjusting a bowtie. One is holding a phone, and the other is wearing a white shirt and suspenders. The setting appears casual and relaxed.
A man in a maroon suit with a black bow tie stands in front of sheer curtains, smiling and adjusting his jacket.
Man in a tuxedo adjusts his jacket in a black-and-white photo, standing in front of light curtains.
Man in a burgundy suit sitting on a chair, smiling while tying his black dress shoes, with another pair of shoes on the floor nearby.
A man in a suit sits on a chair, smiling while tying his black dress shoes. Another pair of shoes is on the floor nearby.
Two people wearing satin robes embrace warmly in a hallway. One person is smiling with eyes closed. The image is in black and white.
A woman in a pink robe pours champagne into a glass with a focused expression, standing indoors near a television.
Woman in a white robe adjusts her earring, looking slightly to the side with a calm expression.
Close-up of a woman wearing a white robe and a pearl necklace. She is touching her hair, with focus on her necklace and clothing details.
Two women in a bedroom hold up a lace wedding dress on a hanger, inspecting it with care. One woman wears a satin slip dress, and the other a lace-trimmed dress.
A woman helps another woman button a white lace wedding dress from behind in a softly lit room.
A woman in a white lace wedding dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves and wavy hair stands, smiling and looking to the side.
Bride in white floral gown holding a bouquet of cream and peach roses.
A bride and groom walk down a stone ramp outside a building with large windows. The groom holds part of the bride's long flowing dress. The scene is in black and white.
A bride in a floral lace dress embraces a man in a white shirt in front of a stone building.
A symmetrical garden with neatly arranged flower beds and a central fountain, surrounded by greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
Rows of wooden chairs face a small brick building with arched windows, surrounded by green trees and floral decorations.
Two tall floral arrangements with mixed greenery and assorted flowers stand in front of a large arched window on a brick building.
Wooden chair with white cushions on grass, adorned with a bouquet of pale roses and greenery, set against a blurred garden background.
Historic building facade with arched windows and ornate stonework. White framed glass doors are framed by decorative brick and stone architecture.
Outdoor wedding setup with rows of wooden chairs arranged in a garden. Lush trees and greenery surround the area, and a small stone path is visible in the foreground.
Two men in formal suits stand together. One adjusts the other's boutonniere. They appear to be preparing for a formal event or ceremony.
A person in a burgundy suit and black bow tie, wearing a white shirt. The suit features a white boutonniere with pink roses.
Bouquets of white and peach roses with greenery, tied with white ribbons, arranged on a wooden surface.
Bride getting lipstick applied by a makeup artist.
Bride in an ornate room wearing a long, flowing wedding dress, holding a bouquet, gazing out the window.
Bride in a lace wedding dress holds a bouquet of cream and peach roses, standing indoors with wooden paneling in the background.
A bride holds a bouquet of white and peach roses, accented with white flowers, against her lace wedding dress.
A group of four people stand outdoors on a path surrounded by greenery. One person is in a suit, the others in dresses. The mood is formal and the setting appears to be a garden.
A groom in a burgundy tuxedo stands outdoors, looking ahead during a wedding ceremony, with greenery and people in formal attire in the background.
A man in a burgundy suit jacket smiles while opening a small gift outdoors. Others in formal attire stand nearby.
A person in a suit wipes tears during an outdoor ceremony, with a floral boutonniere and blurred figures in the background.
A bride holding a bouquet walks down an outdoor aisle with a man and a woman. Guests are seated on either side, and greenery is visible in the background.
A bride in a floral gown and veil kisses a woman in a lace dress at a wedding ceremony. People in formal attire watch in the background. Black and white image.
A couple in wedding attire embrace outdoors, surrounded by guests. The bride holds a bouquet with a white ribbon.
A woman embraces a man tightly in a formal setting, surrounded by people in elegant attire.
A bride in a white gown hugs a man in a black suit holding a bouquet. Several people, dressed in formal attire, are standing in the background.
Two men in suits embrace each other in a crowd during a wedding ceremony. A woman in a wedding dress and others in formal attire are nearby.
A bride and groom exchange a bouquet of white and peach flowers during a wedding ceremony.
A bride and groom walk up stone steps during an outdoor wedding ceremony, with guests seated in the background. The bride holds her dress and a bouquet.
A groom in a burgundy jacket claps and smiles at the bride in a white dress, standing outdoors.
A bride and groom stand facing each other during an outdoor ceremony. Bridesmaids and groomsmen look on, holding bouquets. The setting is lush and greenery surrounds them.
A row of people seated outdoors at a formal event, with an older woman in a wide-brimmed hat in the foreground, followed by others in suits and dresses.
A woman sitting in a crowd wipes a tear from her eye, appearing emotional. People around her are seated and facing the same direction. The image is in black and white.
Person in a pink dress stands reading from a tablet, surrounded by floral decorations. Another person in a burgundy jacket faces them.
People seated outdoors in folding chairs at an event, holding papers. Bouquets of flowers are placed along the aisle.
A woman in a pink dress wipes her eye, sitting among an attentive audience at an outdoor event.
A woman in a floral dress speaks into a microphone outdoors, standing between two flower arrangements.
Two women stand on a flower-decorated outdoor stage. One, in a red jacket and white hat, reads at a microphone. The other, in a white dress, stands holding papers, smiling.
Bride in a white gown wipes away a tear while holding a folded paper during an outdoor ceremony.
A couple stands facing each other outdoors during their wedding ceremony. The woman is in a white dress holding papers, and the man is in a dark red suit. Flowers and greenery decorate the setting.
Guests seated at an outdoor wedding, with one woman in the foreground wiping her eye. Bouquets of flowers are visible on the laps of others. Black and white photo.
Man in burgundy tuxedo smiling during a wedding ceremony, standing near floral decorations.
A couple holding hands during a wedding ceremony. The groom is in a burgundy suit, and the bride is in a white gown with floral details. They are standing in front of a floral arch.
A couple stands holding hands at an outdoor wedding ceremony. They are facing each other in front of a floral arch, with an officiant standing behind them.
A bride and groom hold hands during an outdoor wedding ceremony, standing in front of floral arrangements and a backdrop of open French doors.
A couple stands hand in hand at an outdoor wedding ceremony, facing the officiant. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom wears a burgundy jacket. Floral arrangements adorn the setting.
A bride and groom share a kiss in front of a floral archway. They stand on steps leading to a building with a large arched window and double doors.
A couple celebrates joyfully at their wedding ceremony in front of a floral arch and building with large windows. The bride raises her arms in excitement.
A couple celebrates, holding hands, in front of a floral backdrop outside a building with arched windows and double doors. The groom wears a maroon jacket, and the bride wears a white gown.
A bride and groom cheerfully raise their hands together while walking down the aisle. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers. People in formal attire are seated and standing in the background.
A bride and groom walk away, holding hands, on a grass surface with white petals around. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a long veil and gown with floral details, while the groom is in a dark suit.
A bride and groom embrace in a garden setting, both facing away. The bride holds a bouquet, and their attire contrasts with lush greenery and a large building in the background.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand, smiling as guests shower them with confetti at an outdoor wedding.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand outdoors, as guests throw confetti. They are smiling, with the bride holding a bouquet. Black and white photo.
Bride and groom walk hand in hand outside, smiling as guests throw flower petals. Bride wears a white dress, and groom has a burgundy jacket.
A bride and groom walk outdoors holding hands, surrounded by guests and falling confetti. The bride wears a white dress, and the groom is in a burgundy jacket.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand through thrown confetti, smiling joyfully. They are outdoors, surrounded by wedding guests.
A couple walks hand in hand at an outdoor wedding ceremony. They are being showered with flower petals by guests. The bride holds a bouquet, and both are smiling.
A bride and groom embrace outdoors, surrounded by guests throwing confetti. The couple stands in front of a rural building, with trees in the background.
A bride and groom kiss outdoors, with the bride holding a bouquet of flowers. The groom wears a suit, and the bride's dress has floral details. The background is blurred.
A bride in a white gown with a veil points playfully at a groom in a burgundy jacket in a garden setting in front of a building.
A couple in wedding attire walks on a stone path, surrounded by greenery. The groom wears a burgundy jacket; the bride wears a white gown with a long train and veil.
A group of people stand on outdoor stairs, dressed in dark formal attire, singing into microphones. There are plants and a stone building in the background.
Woman in a mauve dress holding a bouquet and a glass of water stands outdoors, smiling.
A man in a suit with a bow tie holds a drink while walking outside. A flower is pinned to his lapel. The background is blurred, showing a grassy area and trees.
Three people at an outdoor event, two men and a woman in a wedding dress. They are holding drinks and engaging in conversation. Trees and a building are in the background.
Two people stand closely together outdoors. One wears a blue suit, and the other a pink dress, holding a bouquet. Both are smiling.
A man in a suit holds a drink, conversing with another person at an outdoor gathering. Others are visible in the background. Black and white image.
A tray of assorted appetizers, including sliced roasted red peppers topped with feta cheese and herbs, and pastry shells with a creamy filling, garnished with fresh greens.
Two women in formal dresses stand outside. One woman in a wedding gown holds a bouquet and smiles, while the other woman affectionately kisses her cheek.
Three people posing outdoors; a bride in a white gown holds a bouquet, flanked by a woman in a pink dress and a man in a black tuxedo.
Two men in suits with boutonnières stand side by side, smiling, in front of a stone railing with a blurred outdoor background. Black and white image.
A bride and groom stand with their wedding party, all wearing formal attire. The group poses with raised arms in a garden setting.
A wedding party poses outdoors, with bridesmaids in pink dresses and groomsmen in black suits. The bride and groom stand at the center, surrounded by greenery and flowers.
A wedding party stands outdoors on grass, wearing formal attire. The bride is in a white gown surrounded by bridesmaids in mauve dresses and groomsmen in black suits. Trees are in the background.
A wedding party stands outdoors on grass, featuring a bride in a white dress, a groom in a black tuxedo, and five bridesmaids in pink dresses, all holding bouquets. Trees are in the background.
Four men in tuxedos, standing on grass in a garden, wearing sunglasses. Three are in black tuxedos, one in a burgundy tuxedo. Trees and pathway visible in the background.
Four men in tuxedos and sunglasses walk side by side outdoors on grass, smiling.
Elegant table setting with a floral centerpiece featuring peach and white flowers, surrounded by tall tapered candles on a white tablecloth in a softly lit room.
A floral centerpiece with roses and greenery sits on a table next to a tapered candle in a holder.
A stand displays rows of luggage tags labeled "Away we go," with each tag featuring a name. White and pink flowers are arranged at the base.
Three-tier white cake with gold accents, decorated with pink and peach roses and greenery, flanked by two tall, pink candles on a white table against a light background.
A floral arrangement with white and peach flowers in a white vase, flanked by two tall, pink candles in gold holders on a table.
Elegant table setting with a white tablecloth, gold and silver cutlery, glasses, a small plate, and a knotted beige napkin on each setting.
Elegant table setting with a floral centerpiece, white plate, menu, glassware, and cutlery. A beige napkin is artfully placed on the plate. Roses and greenery are in the background.
Bride and groom kiss outdoors, bride in a white dress with veil and groom in a maroon jacket. Background features greenery and stone steps.
A bride and groom embrace outdoors, with the groom in a burgundy suit and the bride in a white dress and veil, surrounded by greenery.
A couple, with the bride in a flowing white gown and the groom in a burgundy jacket, ascends stone steps in a lush garden setting.
A bride and groom embrace under a wooden pergola surrounded by greenery and flowers.
A bride and groom embrace and touch foreheads outdoors. The groom wears a burgundy suit, and the bride is in a white dress with lace details. They appear content and smiling.
A couple walks under a rustic pergola surrounded by greenery. The groom wears a burgundy tuxedo, and the bride is in a white dress holding a bouquet.
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a burgundy suit walk arm in arm through a lush garden path.
A bride in a white gown and groom in a maroon jacket kiss under a wooden pergola surrounded by greenery.
Bride in a flowing gown turns to smile back at a person in a suit, set in a lush garden with trees and bushes in the background.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand on a garden path, with the groom in a maroon jacket and the bride in a white gown holding a bouquet of flowers.
A bride and groom in formal attire walk hand in hand up stone steps; the bride holds a bouquet.
Bride and groom entering a stone building through an open door, smiling. Guests and a seating chart are visible nearby. Black and white photo.
Bride and groom joyfully raise their arms while walking down the aisle, surrounded by applauding guests.
Illuminated "Happily Ever After" sign in cursive script, set against a rustic stone wall with a window above.
An elder woman wearing a large hat and glasses sits at a decorated table during an event. She is facing the camera, with other guests visible in the foreground. Black and white image.
Woman in a light purple dress speaks into a microphone while holding a paper. A wedding cake is nearby, and a man in a suit is in the background.
A groom in a burgundy suit and a bride in a white dress sit closely, smiling at each other, against a neutral background.
A couple sits together smiling, one wearing a burgundy suit with a bow tie and boutonniere, the other in a white strapless dress.
A man in a suit with a bow tie is looking to the side. He has a neatly styled pompadour haircut and a slight beard. The image is in black and white.
Two men in suits embrace warmly in a joyful moment, surrounded by wedding decorations and applauding guests, in a black and white photograph.
A man in a suit with a bow tie is sitting and smiling, holding a baby on his lap. Another person is partially visible nearby. The setting appears formal.
A woman embraces a man at a table set with glasses and flowers. Other people are seated nearby in a formal setting.
A bride in a white dress hugs a smiling woman in a hat at a dining table during a formal event. Candles, flowers, and a wine bottle are on the table. People are seated around them.
A woman in a pink dress sits on a wooden chair at a formal event, looking to her left. People are seated around tables in the background.
A woman in a pink dress smiles while sitting among a group of people at an indoor event.
A bride in a white dress embraces a woman in a mauve off-shoulder dress in a crowded room with seated guests.
Green apples hanging on a tree branch with lush leaves, set against a blurred background.
Small stone building with arched windows and a red-tiled roof, surrounded by greenery and trees under a clear blue sky.
A bee perched on a spherical blue thistle flower in a field, with more thistles and blurred background.
A bride and groom cut a wedding cake together. The bride is wearing a white gown, and the groom is in a burgundy tuxedo. They are smiling and standing by a decorated cake table.
Bride and groom laughing while holding hands inside a decorated room. The groom is in a burgundy tuxedo and the bride is in a white gown with a veil.
A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand on a grassy path surrounded by trees, with the sun setting in the background.
A couple in formal wedding attire walks hand in hand across a grassy area, surrounded by trees with sunlight streaming through the branches.
Bride and groom holding hands, standing outside on a grassy area. The groom is in a maroon suit, and the bride is in a white gown. Sunlight filters through trees in the background.
A bride and groom walk along a path surrounded by greenery. The bride wears a white gown and holds it up slightly, while the groom wears a maroon jacket and holds a bouquet.
Bride and groom embracing outdoors in warm sunlight, both smiling at each other.
A bride and groom embracing, the bride smiles at the groom. The groom wears a maroon suit, and the bride has long hair with a veil. They are outdoors with warm lighting in the background.
A bride and groom embrace, smiling at each other. The bride wears a veil and floral hair accessory. Black and white image.
A bride and groom stand close, gently touching foreheads, in a sunlit outdoor setting. The bride wears a white gown and veil, and the groom is in a burgundy tuxedo.
A couple in wedding attire shares an affectionate moment, with their foreheads touching and eyes closed, surrounded by a blurred natural background. Black and white image.
A couple in formal attire embrace, touching foreheads, with soft smiles. The background features warm, natural lighting and blurry foliage.
A couple in wedding attire stand close, heads touching and eyes closed, sharing an intimate moment outdoors.
A couple embraces closely, with the woman's hand resting on the man's chest, showing an engagement ring. Both are dressed in formal attire, against a warm, blurred background.
A couple in formal attire embraces closely, with a woman's hand resting on a man's chest, showing a ring on her finger. The image is in black and white.
A bride in a white dress and veil embraces a groom in a burgundy suit outdoors. They rest their foreheads together with eyes closed. Background shows sunlit trees.
A bride and groom stand closely, embracing and touching foreheads, in an outdoor setting. The bride wears a veil, and the groom is in a suit. The background is blurred.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand under a wooden pergola covered with greenery. The bride wears a white gown and holds a bouquet; the groom wears a burgundy jacket with a bow tie.
Bride and groom embrace under a wooden pergola in a lush garden at sunset. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers.
A couple in formal attire embraces outdoors at sunset. The groom wears a dark suit and holds flowers, while the bride wears a white dress. Sunlight filters through trees in the background.
A bride and groom stand hand-in-hand on a stone path, looking towards a sunset over a lush garden landscape.
A bride and groom stand hand in hand on a stone path, overlooking a sunlit garden.
A bride and groom stand hand in hand, facing a sunset. She wears a long white dress with a veil; he is in a dark suit. They are surrounded by greenery and stone pathway.
A bride and groom holding hands walk down a stone path in a garden during sunset.
Bride and groom walk hand in hand through a garden at sunset, surrounded by greenery and soft, warm light.
A bride and groom stand in front of a wooden structure surrounded by greenery, sharing a moment outdoors.
A bride and groom walk together outside a large, historic building. The groom holds a bouquet, and both are wearing formal attire.
Bride and groom sit closely on stone steps, smiling at each other. The bride holds a bouquet, and both are in formal wedding attire. Black and white image.
Close-up of two people holding hands. One hand has a ring on the ring finger. Hands rest on a lap, and the image is in black and white.
Crescent moon in a clear twilight sky with silhouetted trees in the foreground.
A person placing pizza into a wood-fired oven with a pizza peel outside. The oven is domed and the fire inside glows brightly.
A bride and groom share their first dance in a warmly lit venue with guests watching. Twinkling string lights decorate the ceiling.
A couple dances together at a wedding in an elegantly decorated venue with string lights above. Guests watch in the background.
A group of people dancing energetically at a social event, with a woman in focus expressing joy. The setting is indoors with a light fixture in the background.
A man with long hair wearing a light suit energetically dances in a crowd of people at a lively indoor event.
A man in a suit and a woman in a dress dance energetically at an indoor event, with string lights and decorations visible in the background.
A woman in a dress is holding a drink and raising her finger while dancing at an indoor gathering. Other people are dancing around her. The scene is in black and white.
Two people are dancing closely at a festive indoor event. One wears a tuxedo while the other sports suspenders and a tie. Guests and string lights are visible in the background.
Bride and guests dance energetically in a festive indoor setting, adorned with string lights, during a wedding celebration.
A group of people in dresses are dancing together. One woman kneels on the floor, clapping her hands, while others stand around her. The scene is indoors and lively.
People dancing and enjoying themselves at a festive event, with string lights overhead creating a lively atmosphere.
A woman in a white dress dances joyfully with a raised arm while surrounded by people in a festively lit venue.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand under an archway of sparklers held by guests at a nighttime celebration.
Couple kissing at nighttime wedding, surrounded by guests holding sparklers.
A bride and groom kiss while holding sparklers at night. Guests surrounding them also hold sparklers, creating a festive atmosphere with lanterns on the ground.
A bride and groom walk joyfully under a canopy of sparklers held by guests at night, surrounded by lanterns on the ground.
A bride and groom walk through a celebratory crowd holding sparklers at night, surrounded by well-dressed guests on either side in a festive atmosphere.