

Now, call me fancy, but I could definitely see myself living like a Queen at Pencoed House! This beautiful venue is one of the oldest properties in Glamorgan, it’s also home to an amazing team of people. The helpful and friendly staff really make weddings magical! I know when I arrive at this independent, family-run venue, the team will have taken care of everything. As a Pencoed House wedding photographer, it’s really important that my lovely couples can relax and enjoy their day.
Pencoed House was built in the early 15th century, there’s a rumour that the estate was once home to King Arthur and Queen Guinevere (you can’t get much more fairy-tale than that!). I love a venue with history! The stone arches of the house will look gorgeous in your Pencoed House wedding photos. If historical buildings are your thing, you might want to check out this wedding at Highcliffe Castle next!
Set in 36 acres of grounds in the heart of the South Wales countryside, it’s a stunning place inside and out. Pencoed House wedding photography offers me loads of opportunities to get creative and capture your love story. From the long driveway lined with trees to the beautiful stream, woodland and formal gardens – there’s so much to explore.
Pencoed House Estate weddings can take place in either the old banqueting hall, with its vaulted ceiling and open fireplace, or in a marquee in the orchard. Weddings in the banqueting hall can seat 100 guests, or 160 standing, whereas the marquee offers a space for larger weddings of 120-200 guests. There’s a licensed bar next to the banqueting hall, so you don’t have to go too far for drinks!
The brilliant wedding team here offer some awesome extras. You can hire their ice cream tricycle, sweetie cart and garden games; or perhaps you’ll choose a master of ceremonies and a wedding car from their fleet of vehicles to add the finishing touches to your wedding at Pencoed House.
Sam and Jordan chose to have their wedding reception at Pencoed House, after getting married at the village church where Sam’s parents, grandparents and sister had all got married too. The Old Banqueting Hall was the perfect cosy place to get all their family together and celebrate their big day!
Joining them as their Pencoed House wedding photographer was an absolute pleasure. I was able to capture some really creative portraits and candid, emotional moments between them. So, I am excited to share some highlights with you all!
I started the day at Sam’s parents’ house, they welcomed me in with big smiles and we all introduced ourselves. People weren’t sure how to say my name (don’t worry, it happens all the time!). Luckily, Sam’s dad is called Tim, so we had a little joke that my name is just the same but Tim-AYA! Sam and her family were so warm and friendly, I felt right at home.
Bridal prep is such a busy and important part of a wedding day, I love getting swept up in the anticipation and capturing plenty of emotion, laughter and banter. As the only man in the house that morning, Tim had a few laughs about the fact he was totally outnumbered!
Sam was ready to get into her dress and the excitement was building, we came up with the idea to do a big ‘reveal’ for her dad and bridesmaids to see her for the first time. Everyone left the room, and Sam finished getting ready with her mum, enjoying those special moments together. Downstairs I organised everyone in the garden, so they couldn’t see Sam until they turned around.
Although this was obviously a staged shot, the emotions and reactions were 100% real. You can see the looks on their faces as they all saw how gorgeous Sam looked at the same time. I love those emotional bits, both on the day and when I’m looking back at the photos. I take pride in knowing I captured something really important and special.
Sam and Jordan had a traditional church wedding in their local village. This was made even more meaningful by the fact it was a long-standing family tradition to get married there. As Sam walked down the aisle on the arm of her dad, she was following in the footsteps of her grandparents, parents and sister before her. It was an emotional moment that really meant a lot to everyone. Seeing Jordan as he watched Sam approach, and Tim’s proud face as he walked her down the aisle, reminded me how much I love my job. I feel so lucky to see these moments and be part of the story.
The ceremony ended with a lovely blessing, where a candle was lit to symbolise their married life. As they exited the church as Mr and Mrs there were lots of hugs and celebrations. As it was such an important place for their family, we really made the most of the photo opportunities there. They served some plum gin and got everyone in the party mood. We were all in high spirits for creating a fun confetti shot – I love these! Next, after lots of hugs and congratulations we headed to their Pencoed House wedding reception.
The rustic stone walls and oak-beamed, vaulted ceiling of the old banqueting hall provided a lovely atmosphere for Sam and Jordan’s wedding reception at Pencoed House Estate. The tables had been decorated with beautiful accessories and the room felt cosy and welcoming for them. I have to say, the speeches were some of the best and funniest I’ve ever heard (and I’ve heard a lot of speeches!) – Sam’s dad Tim kept everyone laughing, clapping and drinking throughout. He really should do this for a living! We were all invested in every joke and story, it was just wonderful and I really felt like I was part of the family.
Later in the evening, I decided to do something a bit different. I set up a champagne spraying shot with Sam and Jordan, and the bridesmaids and groomsmen. They were totally up for the challenge and really went for it! I love making these moments happen! It gives a fun-loving couple and their friends a really memorable experience as part of the wedding day. Plus, the resulting shot was definitely worth the effort!
The bridesmaids cheered Sam and Jordan on as they had their first dance. The party vibe continued into the night, with everyone enjoying the dance floor together. Part of what made this day so special was the amazing closeness between all of their family and friends. You could see how much they all care for each other; they were so happy to be together celebrating their big day. I loved being a part of it! Thanks Sam and Jordan, and congratulations again!
If you are looking for your perfect Pencoed House wedding photographer then please do get in touch and tell me more about your plans – I can’t wait to join you!
“In photography there is a reality
so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.”