Southwood Hall | Ellen + Tom — Rob Dodsworth | Norfolk Wedding Photographer

A Winter Wedding at Southwood Hall

I first met Ellen and Tom just before Christmas in 2015, a year ahead of their Southwood Hall wedding, to talk about their plans for their winter wedding. I was recommended to them by a friend and fellow photographer, whose North Norfolk beach wedding I would also photograph in 2016. I, unexpectedly, bumped into them at this Pentney Abbey wedding too. So by the time their wedding came around, it felt like photographing old friends.

Winter weddings might not be every photographers cup of tea but hearing what Ellen and Tom had planned, I knew I wanted in! It was going to be a party that would definitely get me in the Christmas mood.

On the day itself, a cold and misty morning, I made the short journey from my front door in Brundall to Southwood Hall. I was joined at the Cartshed Lodge, where the girls were getting ready, by Rowan from Apricot Weddings. The combined talents (something of a dream team) of Amelia Garwood, Flamingo Amy and Emily from Love Moi Makeup had already set about their work when we arrived and spirits were high. This was just one week before Christmas day, so the place was buzzing with wedding excitement, along with the prospect of the Christmas holiday too!

Ellen and Tom were wed at Ranworth Church and so, after spending some time with the girls, I drove over to Ranworth to join Tom and his groomsmen as they greeted the wedding guests. The mood was just as full of excitement here and the church looked beautiful in Christmas decoration. Ellen arrived at the church with her dad and her bridesmaids and there followed a very warm and emotional ceremony. The new Mr and Mrs Richardson then made their way to celebrate with family and friends back at Southwood Hall. And what a party! Absolutely corking speeches and quite possibly one of the most insane and full dance floors I've ever had at a wedding. These guys partied hard and late into the night! It was an absolute pleasure to be there to capture it and to play a small part in what, is still, a very, very memorable day! Thank you, so much, Ellen and Tom for having me along for the ride!

I have some winter weddings to look forward to later this year and I'm looking forward to another winter wedding at Southwood Hall in December 2019! If you're planning a winter wedding and would like to chat about your plans, you can get in touch here or, go here for more for more Southwood Hall wedding photos - enjoy!