Whole Picture Weddings

Natural wedding photography in Wales and England

  • Home
  • About
  • Portfolio
  • Packages
  • Contact Us
  • Client galleries

Tori and Rich at Manorbier Castle

January 20, 2016 by Naomi

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

We were really excited as we approached this wedding, firstly because we already knew this amazing family from Tori’s sister Olivia’s wedding the year before, and secondly because the bride is none other than the inspiring adventurer Tori James; she is the first Welsh woman to climb Mount Everest, was part of the only all-female team ever to reach the North Pole, and has cycled the length of New Zealand unsupported. She was also part of Beeline Britain, travelling a straight line from Lands End to John O’Groats, which included the longest open sea kayak crossing – 34 hours of nonstop kayaking!! I can’t even think about that! What a woman!! And Rich is hardly less amazing in his innovative work with young people and life-changing organisations.

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

But besides all that, there are loads of unique details in this wedding that I’m excited to talk about. So we can all be inspired by Tori in ways that are a bit easier for us to imitate!

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

Tori and her family wanted photos at home on the farm before the wedding, but had a long, potentially dress-creasing drive to Manorbier Castle. So the girls got all dressed up for photos, and then drove to a gorgeous cottage near the castle where they got dressed all over again. 🙂

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

At the last moment Tori was confronted with some utterly unique wedding transport created by her parents to surprise her: a trailer rigged up with her mountaineering ladders and ropes, her bike and her kayak. So the girls arrived like proper superstars!

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

Rich was outside with the guests waiting for Tori to arrive and they walked into the castle together.

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

One of the nicest touches to the day was that Rich and Tori asked a couple of their ushers to lead the ceremony, rather than leaving it entirely to the registrars. So the welcoming and introducing of readings etc. was done by a familiar friend. Whilst the Pembrokeshire registers are very lovely, it just took away any feeling of officialness and brought a personal warm atmosphere instead.

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

Multiple overflow rooms in the castle had the ceremony transmitted onto a screen, including one which didn’t involve going up any steps, for the many guests with pushchairs. 🙂

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

The little ring-bearers presented the rings not on embroidered cushions but on something much more suitable – a lego warrior!

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

Tori and Rich moved into one of the overflow rooms for the signing of the register which was a nice touch to keep everyone feeling connected.

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

I don’t know a more beautiful setting for a marquee than Manorbier Castle. We really do love it there. It doesn’t feel like cold ruins as some castles can – it always feels cosy and homey within these walls! Tori’s parents arranged an aerial photo as a momento, and everyone waved very enthusiastically at the plane!

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

One of the funnest aspects of the day was the pianist. He was there for mellow background music but look at his audience creeping ever closer, even onto the piano stool! By the end big crowds were picking the songs, singing along with him, and didn’t want to go in to dinner!!

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

Tori and Rich also asked people to have their picture taken in a big frame which stood up on the lawn, and everyone was delighted to comply. 🙂 All the youngsters couldn’t stay away – I could make a collage just of them!

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

Now here come the lovely details, starting with two seating plans – table layout and also alphabetically listed. How thoughtful! The list was on the map Rich used to propose. 🙂 And you can see above that the table names hung from the ceiling where everyone could quickly see them, instead of having to get up close to each table to read them. Another little touch that makes things easier for your guests.

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

The table centres were growing herbs and the menus gave suggestions for which herbs you might add to each dish!

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

I’ve included a few pictures of these ‘conversation starters’ so that you can read how amazingly adventurous and well travelled all Tori and Rich’s friends also are! And maps as table runners…so perfectly personalised.

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

The wedding was shortly after the Nepal earthquake, and just days after the General Election. Tori combined both of those facts into effective fundraising for the friends she made on her Everest expedition.

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

I also really liked that their table layout gave them another aisle to walk down!!

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

Oh and who wants a bunch of flowers when you could have a signed photo of Ian Botham!!! Get personal with your thank you gifts. 🙂

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture WeddingsSpring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

What a fabulous day!! You can see and order all the photos or watch a slideshow on the Client Galleries page of our Wedding Photography web site.

Spring wedding at Manorbier Castle by Whole Picture Weddings

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Print
  • Email

Related

Filed Under: Manorbier Castle, Marquee or Tipi wedding, Wedding Photography, Wedding Venues, Weddings Tagged With: manorbier castle, marquee wedding, Pembrokeshire wedding, Pembrokeshire wedding photography, Photography Pembrokeshire, Tori James, wales wedding, Wales wedding photographer, wales wedding photography, Wedding Photography, wedding photography pembrokeshire, Wedding Venues

  • Home
  • About
  • Portfolio
  • Packages
  • Contact Us
  • Client galleries

Categories

  • Aberglasney Gardens
  • Allt Yr Afon
  • Asian wedding
  • Brecon Cathedral
  • Caerphilly Castle
  • Carreg Cennen Castle
  • Castell Coch
  • Church or Village Hall wedding
  • Clearwell Castle
  • Crug Glas Country House
  • DIY Wedding
  • Druidstone Hotel
  • Emlyn Hotel
  • Evening coverage
  • Falcondale Mansion
  • Fforest
  • Ffynone Mansion
  • Fonmon Castle
  • Gellifawr Hotel
  • Gliffaes Country House Hotel
  • Hammet House
  • Heaton House Farm
  • Jabajak Vineyard
  • Lake Hotel
  • Lampeter University
  • Llanboidy Church
  • Llangoed Hall
  • Manorbier Castle
  • Margam Orangery
  • Marquee or Tipi wedding
  • Marquee wedding
  • Mwnt Church
  • Myddfai Hall
  • Nanteos Mansion
  • Newton House
  • Oldwalls
  • Outdoor weddings
  • Peniel Chapel
  • Penrallt Hotel
  • Pentre Ifan
  • Portmeirion
  • Pre-wedding session
  • Rhosygilwen Mansion
  • Slebech Park
  • Soar y Mynydd Chapel
  • Stradey Castle
  • Stradey Park Hotel
  • Take 2 (Aka Trash the dress)
  • The Cliff Hotel wedding photography
  • The Conrah
  • The Corran
  • The Fig Tree Dryslwyn
  • The Plough Inn
  • The Rectory Crudwell Wiltshire
  • Ty Glyn Hotel
  • Wedding Albums
  • Wedding Hints & Tips
  • Wedding Photography
  • Wedding Suppliers
  • Wedding Venues
  • Weddings
  • Wolfscastle Country Hotel
  • Woodhouse Barn

Our suggested wedding venues

Personalise your wedding

What is a Take 2?

Tags

Aberporth Aberystwyth Cardigan Carmarthenshire wedding Carmarthenshire wedding photography Ceredigion priodasau Ceredigion Wedding Ceredigion wedding photographer Ceredigion Wedding Photography Cliff Hotel Engagement shoot Hammet House intimate wedding manorbier castle marquee wedding Mid-Wales weddings mwnt church Newcastle Emlyn outdoor wedding Pembrokeshire wedding Pembrokeshire wedding photography Photography Pembrokeshire Powys wedding photography Rhosygilwen Rhosygilwen wedding Take 2 Take Two trash the dress trash the dress wales Wales wales wedding Wales wedding photographer wales wedding photography wedding wedding photographer mid wales Wedding Photography Wedding Photography Carmarthenshire wedding photography ceredigion wedding photography pembrokeshire Wedding Photography Wales Wedding Venues west Wales photography Winter Wedding Photography winter weddings Wolfscastle Country Hotel

Copyright © 2023 Whole Picture Weddings :: Natural wedding photography in Wales and England

Follow Us