A Spring Wedding at Hilltop Country House
Liv & Andy’s spring wedding at Hilltop Country House was honestly brilliant. From the second I arrived, it was clear the day was going to be full of laughs, happy tears, and a lot of dancing. The gardens were full of wisteria, lambs were running around in the fields, so dreamy, and the whole day just had this really fun, laid-back vibe. These two put so much thought into the little details, but nothing ever felt too serious. It was all about having a good time with their people.
Bridal Prep
I met the girls at a gorgeous little Airbnb, where it was all systems go. Liv had created the most beautiful flatlay of all her important little details ready for me — what an angel. Hair was being styled by Wildflower Hair Company and makeup by Cheshire Makeup Company. Everyone was getting involved, and the place was a hoot. Jon from Red Seats Video was even helping the bridesmaids into their gorgeous Azazie dresses — hilarious.
From some of our earliest emails, Liv told me how much she wanted pictures with her little dog Gizmo, who was only going to be there for the wedding morning. And despite a few hesitations from Giz, they got the cutest photos together!
Liv’s dress was a stunning Freda Bennet gown from Bonsoire Bridal in Northampton — modern, romantic, and with the dreamiest silhouette. Paired with a pearl veil and the cutest nude pearl heels, she looked an absolute dream.
The Outdoor Ceremony at Hilltop Country House
From the second I stepped foot at Hilltop Country House, I was blown away. The house and gardens were overflowing with flowers. My favourite, wisteria, was wrapped beautifully around the building. Surrounded by fields full of little lambs running about, it was the most idyllic setting.
The staff at Hilltop were amazing from the start, making sure everything ran smoothly. The registrar came straight up to introduce herself and asked if there was anything I needed for the ceremony, they couldn’t have made my job any easier, and I was so grateful.
Andy was already there, waiting with his two best men, looking killer in his Marc Darcy suit. He went for the unconventional and excellent choice of walking up the aisle himself, LOVE. His best men/flower guys danced up the aisle throwing confetti everywhere. It was so fun. Not to be outdone, the bridesmaids also danced their way up.
Liv and her dad took a more traditional, slower approach, especially impressive considering her dad had a hip replacement just two weeks ago. He did so, so well.
The ceremony itself was gorgeous and heartfelt. When the pair read their own vows to each other, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight. The signing table had been set up by the wisteria covered wall, and it made for the prettiest signing photos I’ve ever taken. I love it when venues and registrars help their couples get the best possible pictures.
Lawn Games & Music
After the ceremony, we gathered everyone for a confetti tunnel (expertly managed by the Hilltop staff) before heading up to the lawn for drinks. The sun was shining, Becky & Josh Duo were playing a gorgeous acoustic set, and the vibes were immaculate.
Liv and Andy had organised some brilliant lawn games to keep guests entertained, including my fave, Hook a Duck. Family group shots were a breeze thanks to one of the groomsmen helping rally the troops, every photographer’s dream.
Couple Photos at The White Nancy
Liv had always wanted to head up to the White Nancy for their portraits, and I’m so glad we made it happen. Shoutout to Jon from Red Seats Video for driving us!
Liv absolutely stormed up the hill in a full wedding dress, no less and the views from the top made it all worth it. It gave the couple a rare quiet moment just the two of them and we got some gorgeous shots.
Reception & Dancing
When we got back, I was handed a little snack bag which included Appletiser and Mini Cheddars, my faves. Liv & Andy had thought of everything, including making sure their vendors were fed and watered, which honestly makes all the difference.
The cake, made by the talented Hannah Jones, tasted as good as it looked and it was bloody beautiful.
The pair chose to have their first dance outside in the courtyard and I honeslty loved this. It was so nice to make the most of the long spring evenings and the beautiful setting of Hilltop.
We did have a bit of a prosecco spray fail, Andy took my instructions very literally and ended up blocking Liv with the bottle. But fair play to him, he grabbed another one and nailed it second time round.
After that, everyone headed into Hilltop’s on-site nightclub, which is fully blacked out with lights, smoke machines, the works. Even though it was still light outside, it felt like a proper party in there and was such a fun way to end the night.
A huge thank you to you both for asking me to be a part of your amazing day at Hilltop Country House, here are your previews.
If you’re planning a wedding at Hilltop Country House, get in touch I’d love to hear more about your day.
Lauren Elliott Photography
Hilltop Country House Wedding