Steph & Carl tied the knot on a gloriously sunny June day at The Dower House Hotel in Woodhall Spa, and the whole day took place onsite, from the chilled bridal prep through to the dancefloor antics.
The Beginning
“We met on May bank holiday 2014 whilst I was at university, I went home for the summer and then when I came back we started seeing each other. He tried very hard and then eventually won me over in November 2014!”
“We got engaged in York, NYE 2021. He took me and our little boy Harry away for the night, and then suggested we went for a walk to the cathedral after we had tea which I thought what weird as he never suggests things like that! Then we got to the cathedral and he was acting very strange haha. He later told me that’s where he was planning to do it but bottled it. I got proposed to on the walk back to the car as I think he was panicking haha not much romance involved!”
Top tip from the newlyweds
“Do whatever you both want to do, not to please other people! Save money by getting married on a Friday – nobody minds with enough notice!”
The Wedding
Meet Carl
Carl got ready onsite at The Dower House with his son and best man—and the whole vibe was relaxed, with just the right amount of ironing-board banter. The guys suited up in a warm, classic palette, pairing perfectly with the early summer light and the venue’s timeless brickwork. A quick toast, some final tie adjustments, and they were ready to greet guests in the gardens just as the excitement started to build.
If you’ve seen any of my previous Real Wedding Stories; you’ll know I always start with the guys first because they get ready a lot quicker (sorry girls, it’s true!) and it’s much easier for them to take their jacket off again and relax if they want to!
Suit boutique: House of Cavanni
Meet Steph
Steph got ready in the Dower House’s elegant dedicated bridal suite, surrounded by her closest friends and the softest morning light. There was a lovely sense of calm, with makeup touches, prosecco bubbles, and happy tears all unfolding gently as the morning went on. Her dress was stunning; delicate lace, tied shoulder ribbons, and a silhouette made for golden hour. Once the veil was pinned and the nerves kicked in, she stepped into the gardens, radiant and ready.
Hair: Laura Stafford
Make-up: Hayley Louise
Dress boutique: Jaynes Bridal Lincoln, altered by Pretty Panache in Lincoln
Flowers: Pretty Pinks floristry in Hykeham
The Ceremony
Their ceremony took place under the garden gazebo, shaded by weeping willows and framed in soft green light. Steph and Carl couldn’t stop smiling the moment they saw each other; one of those properly magic moments. With friends and family seated close, the vows felt personal and full of heart. A breeze rustled through the trees, ribbons danced from the pillars, and they made a confetti exit as the sun came out!
Cocktail hour
“We chose Dower House because we went to see it and fell in love straight away. We loved the outdoors part of the venue and we liked that it was modern and simple inside. We then viewed several others but always found ourselves comparing it to our venue so we knew it was the one!”
As soon as the ceremony wrapped, the newlyweds were swept into a flurry of hugs, cheers, and confetti. Guests spilled out onto the lawns with glasses of fizz in hand, soaking up the sunshine and the easygoing garden party vibes. There were heartfelt congratulations, belly laughs, saxophone music, and the kind of candid joy that makes this part of the day so special. Steph and Carl barely let go of each other—and honestly, who could blame them?
Entertainment: James Banahan, saxophonist
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Family Photos
We gathered everyone in a soft patch of tree shade just off the main lawn, the kind of filtered light every photographer dreams of. With the dappled sun keeping things cool, we moved through the family combinations with ease (and just the right amount of organised chaos). There was a lot of laughter, a few happy tears, and plenty of hugs between generations. A lovely little pause before the party picked back up.
Wedding breakfast
The reception room at The Dower House looked effortlessly elegant; white linen, soft florals, and a few personal touches that made it feel completely theirs. The tables were full of laughter and clinking glasses as everyone sat down for the wedding breakfast, and the speeches had the perfect mix of roast and heart. You could feel how loved Steph and Carl are from every corner of the room. (Also: 10/10 dessert choice. Edible flowers. Just saying.)
“We just went very neutral, so that we could dress it up how we wanted and I knew I wanted the bridesmaids in a champagne/neutral colour so it all went perfectly!”
Venue dressing: Step mum Jo
Newlywed Photoshoot
We slipped away for a quiet wander just before golden hour, making the most of the Dower House’s leafy paths and hidden corners. Steph and Carl were so natural together, barely needing any direction, just laughing, leaning in, and holding onto each other like no one else existed. That soft early evening light wrapped around them like a dream, and honestly… they looked like a couple straight out of a movie. Pure magic.
Cake cut & first dance
Cake maker: @Ellie’s.cakesandbakes
“Our first dance was to You’re still the one – Shania Twain.”
Reception
The evening kicked off with a burst of energy. The magician Ian mingled between tables blowing minds left and right (seriously, how did he do that sock thing?), and once the dancefloor filled, it stayed full. From epic spins to heartfelt singalongs, everyone brought their A-game. Steph and Carl were in the thick of it the whole time—laughing, dancing, loving every second. The perfect end to a sun-soaked, joy-filled day.
Magician: Ian Smith
Photobooth: Robert Scatliffe
Why choose Dower House Hotel for your big day?
As a wedding photographer I have the privilege of spending my days exploring some of the most gorgeous venues with the most amazing teams of wedding staff.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels both elegant and effortless, The Dower House Hotel in Woodhall Spa is such a beautiful choice. With its peaceful gardens, charming outdoor ceremony space, and the ease of having everything onsite, from prep to party it makes the whole day feel seamless. The light is always gorgeous (hello, photographer’s dream), and the team are brilliant at keeping things relaxed but perfectly run. Whether you’re planning something intimate or full-on celebration, this venue really does it all with style.
