BERWICK HOUSE 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
POMP & SPLENDOUR: AN INVITATION TO UNWIND
Step into a world where elegance meets merriment, where the grandeur of the Georgian-Victorian era seamlessly combines with the joys of today. Berwick House & Gardens, a Grade II* listed manor cherished by the Angell-James family for six generations, welcomes you to experience a weekend to remember. In 2021, the doors swung open, inviting guests to revel in the charm of a bygone era without the constraints of formality.
Whether it’s cozying up with a book in the Georgian Library, playing a round of snooker on the original billiard table, or taking a stroll through the enchanting kitchen gardens, Berwick House exudes an irresistible allure.
With 18 uniquely styled bedrooms, the estate invites you to experience its opulence in your own way. It’s not just a venue; it’s an invitation to live lavishly and celebrate freely.
SPILLING THE FAMILY HISTORY: A TAPESTRY OF TIME UNRAVELED
Situated on a 3,000-acre estate, Berwick House holds within it centuries of history. Originally constructed by Thomas Powys in 1731, the estate reflects a rich narrative that stretches back to medieval times. Berwick House became part of the Angell-James family legacy in 1871 when James Watson, a Birmingham cheese-monger, took ownership and began extensive renovations. His influence remains through the famous Berwick Jersey Herd, a historic cattle herd still thriving today.
Generations have since carried the torch, each leaving their mark, preserving the history and charm that makes Berwick House an unforgettable destination.
EXPECT OPULENCE: A SYMPHONY OF GRANDEUR
Prepare to be enchanted from the moment you step inside. With oak-panelled rooms, intricately carved fireplaces, and dazzling stained glass, Berwick House is steeped in elegance. The Drawing Room, illuminated by crystal chandeliers and framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, offers breathtaking views of the gardens and the River Severn beyond. From cocktails in the Oak Room to snooker in the Billiard Room, every space at Berwick House is designed to offer moments of relaxed luxury.
BEAUTIFUL, UNFORGETTABLE, UNIQUE: CREATING MOMENTS AT BERWICK HOUSE
Berwick House effortlessly brings people together. Whether it’s the bride and groom taking in the breathtaking views from their suite or the entire wedding party enjoying exclusive access to the house and gardens, every corner of Berwick House is designed for creating unforgettable memories.
With eight stunning ceremony spaces, both indoors and out, you can tailor your wedding to match your personal vision. The Main Hall, with its dazzling stained glass ceiling, creates a stunning focal point for celebrations, ensuring your wedding day will be one for the ages.
YOUR CEREMONY: A TAPESTRY OF LOVE UNFURLS
Berwick House offers several breathtaking locations to say “I do.” Walk down the aisle through the immaculate gardens, exchange vows in the light-filled Drawing Room, or choose the grandeur of the carved Dining Room. With eight spaces to choose from, Berwick House offers a setting that’s as unique as your love story.
DINING: CULINARY FREEDOM IN A REGAL SETTING
At Berwick House, you can take control of your culinary experience. Whether you dream of food trucks on the lawn or a Michelin-starred feast in the Drawing Room, Berwick House offers the freedom to create a dining experience that reflects your style. The estate offers an array of dining rooms that cater to different sized gatherings, from intimate dinners to grand receptions.
THE FLOOR IS YOURS: UNLEASH THE CELEBRATION
Berwick House isn’t just a venue; it’s a celebration waiting to happen. From masquerade balls to theatre performances, the house has a history of revelry. The Main Hall, designed with soundproofing, becomes the perfect setting for your first dance and an evening of celebration with friends and family. Located just over a mile from Shrewsbury Town Centre, Berwick House offers easy access, making it a convenient choice for local and out-of-town guests alike.
BERWICK HOUSE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
With over 300 weddings under my belt and a collection of more than 150 awards, I bring an experienced and thoughtful approach to every wedding I photograph. I blend seamlessly into your day, documenting every laugh, tear, and heartfelt moment. My aim is to ensure your wedding feels natural and relaxed, allowing you to be fully present while I capture the magic unfolding around you.
I’m not one for skirting the edges with a long lens – I love to be in the heart of it, capturing real, unposed moments that reflect the true spirit of your day. It’s been said, “It was like having a friend capture our wedding,” and that’s exactly the experience I aim to create.
LOOKING TO HOST A BERWICK HOUSE WEDDING?
If you love my relaxed, authentic style of wedding photography, please get in touch. I work across the UK and internationally, and would love to hear about your wedding plans at Berwick House. Whether your wedding is big or small, I’m here to document your day in a way that’s true to your story.
" 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!!