ASWARBY RECTORY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
AUTHENTIC MOMENTS. RELAXED PORTRAITS. NO STAGING. NO SHOT LISTS. NO CHEESY POSING.
NATURAL STORYTELLING WITH A MODERN EDGE
Modern documentary photography for people who hate fuss!
No staging, no shot lists, no cheesy posing
Discovering Aswarby Rectory
Nestled in the serene Lincolnshire countryside, Aswarby Rectory stands as a testament to the power of restoration and the allure of history. Purchased in 2016, this Georgian gem, once on the brink of ruin, has been meticulously revived to offer a charming haven for those seeking an intimate gathering with loved ones.
The owners, having left behind their careers in design, embarked on a journey to breathe life back into this enchanting space. Today, Aswarby Rectory stands proud, ready to host your most cherished moments.
Aswarby Rectory isn’t just a venue; it’s a home that opens its doors to your dreams. The proprietors, now caretakers of this historic abode, have taken residence in The Coachhouse nearby, dedicating their days to ensuring every inch of the Lincolnshire landscape is ready to embrace you and your guests.
Their commitment to a pared-back, sympathetic restoration is evident, providing a canvas for your unique vision to unfold.
In their words, “Our home is yours,” a sentiment that encapsulates the warmth and joy infused into the very walls of Aswarby Rectory. The simplicity of their approach to renovation fosters an atmosphere that feels both familiar and exciting, a perfect setting for crafting unforgettable memories with friends and family.
Exclusive Elegance at Aswarby Rectory
When you choose Aswarby Rectory for your special day, exclusivity is the order of the day. From 9 am on your wedding day until 10 am the next morning, you and your guests have sole access to all eight bedrooms and bathrooms, ensuring a seamless and intimate experience.
With a capacity for up to 80 day guests and 120 evening guests, Aswarby Rectory specialises in creating a space that mirrors the comfort of home while providing a touch of elegance.
The proprietors offer not only their stunning venue but also their expertise and support during your planning process. A flexible approach allows you to shape your day in a way that resonates with your unique style, with on-the-day management to ensure everything comes together effortlessly, leaving you free to savour every moment.
Everything you need to know about hosting your gathering at Aswarby Rectory can be found in their comprehensive brochure, a guide to turning your dreams into reality.
Crafting Your Day: How It Works at Aswarby Rectory
Aswarby Rectory operates on an exclusive basis, granting you the house and grounds from 9 am on your wedding day until 10 am the following morning. The flexibility extends to the choice of midweek or weekend gatherings, allowing you to curate an experience that is personal and memorable.
While the house has approved caterers for arrival, reception, and wedding breakfast, the owners welcome the possibility of alternative suppliers for evening catering. Your creativity is encouraged, and the team at Aswarby Rectory is there to help you realize your vision.
The timeline of a typical day at Aswarby Rectory is a carefully orchestrated symphony:
9 am: Access to the house
10 am – 12 pm: Overnight guests arrive and settle into their bedrooms
1:30 pm: Remaining day guests join the festivities
2 pm: The ceremony begins
2:30 pm: Drinks reception with canapés, a perfect photo opportunity
3:45 pm: Wedding party takes their seats for the wedding breakfast
4 pm – 6:30 pm: Wedding breakfast
7 pm: Welcome evening guests and capture additional photographs
8 pm: Let the music and dancing commence
9 pm: Time for evening food before more dancing
11 pm: The bar and music conclude
11:30 pm: All non-resident guests bid farewell
8 am – 9 am: Head to the orangery for a locally sourced continental breakfast
10 am: Time to leave Aswarby Rectory and say your farewells
This schedule serves as a guide, recognizing that each gathering unfolds uniquely. As an added option, an extended evening license until 12 pm is available, with non-resident guests departing by 12:30 am.
For those seeking an alternative event, a simple conversation with the Aswarby Rectory team could be the key to meeting your individual needs.
Aswarby Rectory: Where Every Detail Sparks Magic
Aswarby Rectory isn’t just a venue; it’s a canvas awaiting your brushstroke, a stage set for your story. From the careful restoration to the exclusive elegance and the flexible approach to crafting your day, every detail is designed to ensure your experience is nothing short of magical.
As you embark on the journey of planning your special day, consider Aswarby Rectory as the backdrop to your joy, love, and the creation of memories that will last a lifetime. Your dream gathering awaits in the heart of Lincolnshire’s countryside, where the past meets the present, and every moment is all kinds of lovely.
Looking to host a Aswarby Rectory Wedding?
If you love my work and style and value an authentic and natural approach, please get in touch asap. I work throughout the UK and internationally for destination weddings so no matter the location please get in touch.
" Ray was absolutely incredible and I would 100% recommend. On the day, he brought all the laughs and positive vibes, effortlessly putting all our guests at ease. The photos are absolutely incredible. Ray also created a highlight film for us which was amazing! He recorded so many great moments and it meant we didn’t need to book a videographer/content creator too. He really is amazing and we would definitely recommend. "
— Emma + Callum, Woodlands Hotel
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER
Right, let’s start by saying you’re not just buying ‘nice photos’ – we live in a world with so many nice instagram feeds, but it’s not just aesthetics. I’ve seen loads of photographers who have a large majority of their instagram feeds/website from content days, workshops etc. (no pressure, no time constraints, models, perfect setups)
A nice instagram grid or website doesn’t tell you if they can handle chaos, keep you from shitting your pants before you go down the aisle, read the room, move portraits later in the timeline as you booked a live singer for the reception and you actually want to listen to them. That stuff doesn’t live on pretty feeds – It lives in experience. (350+ weddings over 10 years, I got you covered)
The real risk isn’t just bad photos, it’s a bad fit. Feeling awkward, being dragged around, missing the good bits because someone was too busy staging ‘the perfect shot’. So here’s the meat and bones of it: don’t ask yourself ‘do we like their photos?’ – instead ask yourself ‘do we trust this person to show up on the day and smash it out the park’ (read my reviews).
Once you realise that, you stop scrolling for the prettiest grid and start looking for the person, the vibe, the energy you want to spend your entire day with, someone who will sing along to the fresh prince of bel air during bride prep, someone who will knock out some body popping on the dance floor before capturing the bridesmaid whacking out the perfect worm – and if that ends up being me – happy bloody days!!
I don’t direct the day, I document it!
Real moments over fake poses
My goal on your wedding day is simple, to tell your story creatively and authentically. From the moment you book until your gallery is delivered, I’m there for you, documenting every moment in a natural, unposed way while adding a touch of creativity to make the images truly yours.
I love leaving a wedding feeling like part of the family. Couples often say, “It felt like having a friend capture our day,” and that’s exactly how it should be. You’ll usually find me right in the action, laughing with guests and capturing moments from up close. I believe the best photos come from being fully immersed in the day, not hiding at the back with a long lens. When your friends and family feel comfortable with me, that’s when I can document the most genuine moments.
That’s why connection matters so much. I want to capture your wedding from within, like a friend who just happens to have some very expensive cameras.
" The BEST photographer and person ever. Ray really knows his stuff and his expertise and skills made for a seamless day. Ray provided hybrid coverage (photo + film), we are honestly both speechless. We knew the pictures would be good but they really were like something out of a magazine. How he had time to also capture the day via video. I’ll never know! Everyone at the wedding commented on how special Ray was and how he felt like part of the family! There wasn’t a person he didn’t make smile, he’s a true legend "
— Jasmine + Tom, Newton Hall
I also offer KICK-ASS highlight films. have a watch of this one.
FEATURED WEDDINGS
WHY NOT TAKE A GOOSEY GANDER
RAW, UN-STAGED, AUTHENTIC MOMENTS. THIS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR. IT'S A WEDDING DAY, NOT A PHOTOSHOOT!
Work with me
I’d absolutely love to work with you, I love working with couples who understand my approach, love my work and just want to have a relaxed and fun wedding day. I work with about 20-25 couples per year and I’d love for you to become one of the few, so please fill out the contact form to get the ball rolling and we can jump on ZOOM, have a chat and go from there.
I’m eternally grateful for your time checking out my work etc. I understand there are thousands of photographers and if you do want to work with me… thanks so much you bloody legends!!