Wedding photography, Northcote House, Berkshire
Northcote House, Sunningdale Park, Ascot
☀️ LOVE summer weddings — especially when it’s –6°C outside!
There’s something wonderfully uplifting about revisiting sunny celebrations when the world is frozen over. So grab something warm (or chilled!), try this delicious Summer Fruit Sangria, and join me in browsing through this bright and beautiful celebration of LOVE. 💛
✨ Summer Fruit Sangria — the perfect escape to warmer days ✨
Ingredients:
• 6 cups assorted fruits (mango, pineapple, cantaloupe, apricot), sliced or cubed
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh ginger
• 1–1 1/2 cups fresh basil or mint leaves
• 1/2 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau)
• 1 bottle crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work wonderfully)
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
Mix everything together, chill, and ENJOY — preferably while wrapped in a cosy blanket dreaming of sunshine. 🌿🍑🍍
What would you recommend taking into consideration when planning the whole atmosphere of the day?
I’ve always loved anything vintage, and I felt that this style suited our venue perfectly. I decided to make most of the décor myself — partly because I adore crafting, and partly because creating things by hand really helps save pennies! Even the simplest ideas can look beautiful: tying ribbons and lace around jam jars for candle holders is inexpensive but so pretty.
The more personal touches you can add, the more your day truly feels like yours. One of my favourite details was a gorgeous wooden sign my mum gave me that read “Happily Ever After,” which we hung above the fireplace in the dining room.
So many of our guests said, “It was so you,” and that was incredibly special to hear. It’s those heartfelt details that create a unique atmosphere and make the whole day unforgettable.
What was the criteria that made you choose Sunningdale Park Hotel?
We loved that everything we needed for the day was conveniently close together at Sunningdale Park Hotel. The bar, dining room, and dance hall are all connected, which meant we didn’t lose guests between spaces — perfect for keeping the atmosphere lively and fun!
The venue also offers a lovely terrace and plenty of indoor space, so even if the weather hadn’t been on our side, we would still have had a beautiful setting. Somehow, we were blessed with a sunny day in the middle of the wettest summer on record — we’ll never know how we got so lucky!
How long did it take you to organise everything?
Surprisingly, it didn’t take us very long to make decisions. We booked the venue and our photographer first, then just picked things up as we went along. We had a two-year engagement, which gave us plenty of time to save up and plan a special honeymoon — so the wait was definitely worth it!
Even though we had so much time, the planning never felt stressful. It was actually quite enjoyable, and I loved having the chance to collect little personal touches, like jam jars, to add character to our day. Taking things at our own pace made the whole process fun and memorable.
What are the most important factors to consider in wedding photography?
For us, the most important aspects were a timeless quality and a romantic feel. We discovered Kristina at a wedding fair and were immediately drawn to her stand — the gorgeous trinkets, candles, and vintage touches reflected the care she puts into every detail.
We loved how her style combined natural, candid shots with beautifully edited images, including artistic touches like old-fashioned postcard designs. Choosing the right photographer was one of the most important decisions we made because, aside from your memories, your wedding photos are the only lasting keepsakes.
We are completely thrilled with our albums — they are unique, beautifully designed, and get compliments wherever we take them! The combination of style, storytelling, and attention to detail made us feel confident that we had made the right choice for capturing our day.
May we ask about the fantastic frame you used to display the table seating plan?
We were inspired by pictures of seating plans displayed in old picture frames, vintage suitcases, and other creative ways — I loved the idea, and it was budget-friendly too! James found the perfect frame at work in the props cupboard (it was an ex-display piece), and I got to work adding a personal touch.
I strung wool and twine across the frame, improvising as I went along while watching a movie, and finished it with fabric flowers to tie all the colors of the wedding together. The result was a charming, unique seating plan that perfectly complemented our vintage-inspired wedding theme.
Are there any wedding websites, blogs, or magazines you would recommend?
I absolutely became hooked on Rock My Wedding — their mix of styles, real weddings, and DIY tips is amazing for inspiration. Pinterest is another must! It’s perfect for saving images of ideas you love and creating your own wedding mood boards.
We also followed Kristina and Diego on Facebook, which allowed us to see their latest shoots and get even more excited about our own wedding photography. These online resources are perfect for brides and grooms looking for creative ideas and practical tips to plan their perfect day.
The Story Behind the Table Titles
For our wedding, we wanted every detail to reflect who we are as a couple, and our love of music was a big part of that. We decided to name each table after gigs we had attended together. I always save our concert tickets, so I photocopied them for each table sign and decorated them with lace, buttons, and other personal touches.
This not only added a personal and creative flair to our day but also sparked memories for our friends who had joined us at some of these shows. For example, our top table was named Coldplay, because we had seen them at Emirates Stadium just a month before our wedding — dancing in the rain among the lasers and lights, already imagining our big day ahead!
It’s a wonderful way to make your wedding truly yours, and it creates little conversation starters for your guests as they settle into the celebration.
The Story Behind Our Cake Topper
One of my favourite little wedding details was our cake topper. While browsing Etsy, a treasure trove for handmade and unique items, I discovered the creations by Miss Sarah Cake — laser-cut acrylic toppers featuring song lyrics and romantic phrases.
The moment I saw one that read “you and me, always and forever”, I couldn’t help but squeal — it was our song, already chosen for our first dance! It was the perfect personal touch, and at only £12, it was as budget-friendly as it was meaningful. Today, the topper sits proudly on our bookcase as a sweet reminder of our wedding day and the love we share.
