OLD RECTORY ESTATE 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
Unveiling Elegance: The Old Rectory Estate Weddings
In the Heart of Surrey Hills, where history meets romance, The Old Rectory Estate beckons you to embark on a wedding journey like no other. Nestled amidst 8 acres of Italian gardens, this multi-award-winning Georgian house is not just a venue; it’s a canvas for your love story. Join us as we explore the magic and allure that The Old Rectory Estate brings to your special day.
Discovering The Old Rectory Estate: A Jewel in the Surrey Hills
Picture this: an estate that has stood the test of time, dating back to the 17th Century. The Old Rectory Estate, a Grade 2 listed gem, is a family-owned haven that seamlessly blends history, elegance, and a touch of modern sophistication. Located just 20 minutes from London Gatwick and an hour from the bustling heart of London, it offers a secluded retreat for your momentous day.
Crafting Your Day at The Old Rectory Estate
At The Old Rectory Estate, your wedding day isn’t just an event; it’s an experience. Begin your day in the Estate rooms, where the bride, bridesmaids, and close family indulge in makeup, hair, and English bubbly. As guests meander down the estate’s drive, the breathtaking Italian gardens unfold before them, setting the stage for an unforgettable ceremony.
Exchange vows overlooking the mesmerizing water gardens or within the Estate Hall, steeped in history. Following the ceremony, let the celebration flow seamlessly, from English bubbly on the top terrace to capturing timeless photographs amidst the gardens and the historic house.
The Allure of Exclusivity: Your Private Haven
What sets The Old Rectory Estate apart is its commitment to exclusivity. Family-owned and run, this venue hosts a limited number of weddings each year, ensuring that your special day is truly yours. The Estate becomes your private haven, allowing you and your guests to revel in the magic without intrusion.
Included in the package is a wedding clear top marquee adorned with enchanting lighting – chandeliers, Italian uplighters, and festoon lights. The roof space is dressed in foliage, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
A wooden-floored dance area, tropical trees in pots, tables and chairs, and even a catering marquee section with a refrigeration unit – The Old Rectory Estate leaves no stone unturned in providing a dreamy setting.
A Glimpse into Glamour: Media Productions at The Old Rectory Estate
As you walk down the aisle at The Old Rectory Estate, you’re not just joining hands with your beloved; you’re stepping into a venue that has graced the screens and pages of the biggest names in the media industry. From Jane Austen’s “Emma” to Vogue features with Victoria Beckham, this estate has been the backdrop for award-winning dramas, documentaries, and fashion shoots.
Imagine sharing your vows in a space that has seen the likes of Bafta and Emmy award-winning productions, music videos by renowned artists like Paloma Faith and Nelly, and features in Esquire magazine with Matt Smith. The Old Rectory Estate isn’t just a venue; it’s a star on its own stage, ready to make your wedding day shine.
A Symphony of Love: What’s Left to Organize
As you plan your dream wedding at The Old Rectory Estate, you’ll find that much of the heavy lifting is already done for you. The venue provides the clear top marquee, complete with lighting that transforms your celebration into a fairy tale.
However, you still have room for personalisation – catering, reception sparkling and table wine, the music or band, and the floral arrangements are your artistic brushstrokes on this grand canvas.
The Old Rectory Estate sets the stage; it’s now up to you to add the finishing touches that will make your wedding day a symphony of love and memories.
In conclusion, The Old Rectory Estate isn’t just a venue; it’s an experience waiting to be lived. With a rich history, a commitment to exclusivity, and a touch of glamour from the media industry, this estate provides the perfect backdrop for your love story.
As you say “I do” amidst the Italian gardens and historic halls, you’re not just creating memories; you’re becoming a part of The Old Rectory Estate’s storied history.
The Old Rectory Estate Wedding Photography
My driving force on your wedding journey is to document your story, your friends and your family in a creative yet authentic way. From the time you book with me to the final delivery of your images, I am there for you and your story.
Throughout the wedding day, I document beautiful moments in a very natural and unposed manner whilst adding creativity to deliver images that are unique to you and your story.
I love the feeling of leaving a wedding and feeling part of the family – there’s nothing better. It’s been said numerous times “it was like having a friend capture our day” – that’s the way it should be.
You will find me right in the action, at close quarters, you won’t see me skirting the wall with a long lens. I believe in documenting your story from within. I can usually be found laughing with your guests, often I’m the one making people laugh.
Being close really helps your friends and family feel comfortable with me and allows me to document moments that I wouldn’t otherwise capture if they were uneasy.
Looking to host a The Old Rectory EstateWedding?
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!!