An Intimate Elopement at Merewood Country House Hotel: Jacqueline and Colin's Story


Jacqueline and Colin’s elopement at the Merewood Country House Hotel was an absolute pleasure to photograph. I met them just ten minutes before they were due to see the registrars, and they were getting ready in the same room—completely relaxed, completely themselves. From the get-go, it was obvious how much they meant to each other. No nerves, no stress—just excitement to get married.


Jacqueline looked incredible. Before the ceremony, we chatted for a few minutes about the view, and I took some portraits of her. It’s always a bit of a challenge shoving a camera in someone’s face when you’ve only just met, but she took to it naturally, which made capturing those first shots really easy.

Aerial view of a grand country estate nestled among lush green trees and rolling hills in a rural landscape.
A joyful figure in a white eyelet dress stands by a window holding a bouquet of white and green flowers.

Their ceremony was simple but full of meaning. One of my favourite moments came right after—they shared a spontaneous dance, just the two of them, wrapped up in the moment. It wasn’t planned, it wasn’t posed—it was just real, and those are the moments I love to photograph the most.

A couple holds hands during a wedding ceremony in an elegant room with vintage velvet seating and warm lighting.
Two people embrace in a sunlit room at an elegant venue with floral curtains and antique furniture.
A person in a white eyelet lace dress holds an elegant cascading bouquet of white and yellow flowers during a wedding ceremony.
Happy mature couple in formal wedding attire share a tender moment together while holding a white floral bouquet.
Two people hold hands while standing together in an elegant room with ornate lighting and decorative throw pillows.
An intimate moment shared between a couple during a romantic dance in an elegantly lit interior room with vintage decor.
Intimate indoor wedding ceremony with three people sharing an emotional moment in warm lighting.
Close-up of hands exchanging rings during a wedding ceremony, with white lace dress and dark suit visible.
An elderly couple shares a joyful moment during their wedding ceremony, with the bride in white lace and groom in a dark suit.
A joyful elderly couple sits at a table with a beautiful white floral arrangement by a window in formal attire.
A couple exchanges a tender moment in an elegant sunlit room with vintage furniture and floral drapes.
A couple celebrates a joyful moment together in an elegant room with floral curtains and a stunning outdoor view.
A vibrant blue iris flower with yellow accents blooms in soft focus against a blurred garden background.
Delicate purple wildflowers bloom in soft focus against a blurred natural background.
Two vibrant purple allium flowers stand tall against a soft blurred green background.

The day had a relaxed, intimate vibe, with Jacqueline and Colin clearly comfortable in each other’s company. They were both at ease, sharing quiet moments together and enjoying the simplicity of the day. It was easy to see how well they connected, and that natural chemistry made capturing their story feel effortless.


Afterwards, we made the most of the Merewood’s grounds for some portraits. They particularly loved the wild garlic, so we spent some time there capturing a few frames. The bright, hot weather made the light a bit tricky to work with, but we got some great, natural shots that really reflected the energy of the day.

A happy mature couple on their wedding day, with the bride holding a cascading bouquet of white flowers in a garden setting.
A garden landscape with vibrant purple allium flowers and pink primrose blooms against a lush green background.
Elegant Victorian stone mansion with bay windows sits on a manicured lawn against a backdrop of trees and cloudy sky.
Two seniors in wedding attire holding hands while walking on a garden path with purple flowers blooming nearby.
A delicate rustic wedding bouquet with white daisies and cascading green foliage held against a white dress.
Senior couple in wedding attire share an intimate moment on a garden path during their outdoor celebration.
An elderly couple shares an affectionate moment in formal attire outdoors, the groom in pinstripes and bride in white lace.
A couple in wedding attire stand together in a sunlit wooded garden setting framed by soft green foliage.
A romantic wedding portrait of mature newlyweds embracing outdoors in a garden setting with dappled sunlight.
Bride and groom share romantic embrace beneath sunlit tree branches in a dreamy outdoor garden setting.
Cheerful wedding guest in pinstripe suit holds beautiful white floral bouquet in front of blooming purple rhododendrons.
A couple embraces in a garden with blooming flowers, the bride wearing white lace and holding a cascading bouquet.
An elderly couple walking together holding hands in a lush garden with blooming purple flowers and evergreen trees.
Two people embracing in a lush garden with blooming yellow irises and large leafy plants on a sunny day.
Delicate purple rhododendron flowers bloom in soft sunlight against a blurred natural background.
A couple walks hand in hand along a garden path surrounded by blooming azaleas and lush greenery.
Scenic view of a lake surrounded by forested hills and mountains under cloudy skies in New Zealand.

Every elopement is different, but what stood out about Jacqueline and Colin’s was how effortless and natural it all felt. No fuss, no drama—just two people having the best time together. It was brilliant to be a part of it, and I hope their photos bring all those memories flooding back for years to come.

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