Hestercombe House & Gardens is a fantastic choice for couples looking for a wedding venue with stunning gardens and a historic house. Located in Somerset, it offers a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for any type of wedding and weather. Poppy and Federico chose Hestercombe Gardens for its beautiful gardens and relaxed atmosphere. Their wedding was a true reflection of their Mexican and British cultures, bringing both together in a meaningful way. One of the best things about Hestercombe is that it doesn’t need much styling—the gardens and architecture do all the work. That means couples can focus on enjoying the day with family and friends instead of worrying about decorations.
If you’re planning a wedding at Hestercombe House & Gardens and need a Somerset wedding photographer Let’s talk about your wedding plans. Contact me here!
A Beautiful Fusion of Mexican & British Traditions: Poppy & Federico’s Wedding at Hestercombe House & Gardens
Poppy and Federico’s love story is as unique as it is inspiring. Both lived in Seattle at the same time, worked at the same restaurant, and even lived in the same neighbourhood—but somehow, their paths never crossed. It wasn’t until Federico moved back to Mexico City to be with his family that their journey together began.
A few months later, Poppy visited Mexico City on holiday and decided to stay longer. Through a mutual friend in Seattle, she got Federico’s contact information. At the time, he was preparing to open his restaurant and needed cooks. Poppy joined his team, and soon after, their shared passion for food blossomed into a relationship.
This connection to food and their two cultures—Mexican and British —shaped every detail of their wedding day at Hestercombe Gardens. They brought both traditions together, creating a laid-back but lively day with great food and meaningful moments.
Their ceremony in the Orangery included a knot-tying ritual led by a close friend, while the reception featured an alfresco feast in the garden. From the wildflowers grown by Poppy’s mum to the artisan salads and barbecue inspired by their culinary expertise, their wedding was a true reflection of who they are as a couple. It was a perfect celebration of their story, bringing together loved ones from both sides of the Atlantic.
Hestercombe House & Gardens Wedding Photography
For Poppy and Federico, I started an hour before the ceremony to focus on the key parts of the day .From the ceremony to the group photos and dancing, They wanted more focus on candid moments , dancing and guests having a great time . We planned wedding photography timeline before the wedding and we met at the venue to get an ideas for couple portraits location . It was important for couple to get lots of candid shots telling the story of he day but also artistic intimate portraits in the garden . When Planning your wedding day . Make sure you have 2 hours from end of ceremony to wedding breakfast to get all the important candid shots and a few group shots and couple portraits . The less time you have at the reception the more intense your wedding day will feel .
Wedding Photography Timeline Tips
If you're planning your wedding day, here are some essential photography timeline tips to help ensure everything runs smoothly:
Two Hours After the Ceremony
Aim to have at least two hours between the ceremony and the wedding breakfast. This gives you plenty of time for candid shots, group photos, and intimate couple portraits without feeling rushed. Shortening this window can make the day feel more intense.
Group Shots
Plan for around 5-8 group shots, which will typically take 15-20 minutes. These photos are perfect for capturing your closest family and friends, but it's best to keep it short and sweet so you can enjoy the rest of your day.
Couple Portraits
Allocate about 20-30 minutes for couple portraits. This time allows for creative, intimate shots while still leaving you plenty of time to socialize with your guests.
Reception Drinks & Candid Shots
Around 40 minutes for reception drinks is ideal, giving you the perfect amount of time to mingle with guests while I capture beautiful, unposed moments.
Sunset Portraits
If you're lucky with the weather, leave 10-15 minutes for sunset portraits. The best time for this is about 30-40 minutes before sunset, when the lighting is soft and glowing.
Why Choose Hestercombe House & Gardens for your wedding
Hestercombe Gardens is a great choice for couples who want a laid-back wedding surrounded by greenery and history. With plenty of open spaces and spots for photos, it’s a great flexible somerset wedding venue . With incredible , helpful members of staff .
Poppy and Federico loved the casual feel of the gardens, which allowed them to focus on enjoying their day with loved ones. For me as a photographer outdoor space with beautiful views , the architecture and flexibility in case of rain . Lots of great spots for couple portraits and group photos .The staff are also incredibly helpful, making the whole experience smooth and stress-free. Very important !
FAQs
1. What kind of weddings can I have at Hestercombe Gardens?
Hestercombe is great for both small and large weddings. You can choose between indoor or outdoor spaces for your ceremony and reception.
2. Do you customize photography timelines?
Yes! I work with you to plan the schedule so we focus on what’s important to you.
3. Can I have a garden reception at Hestercombe?
Yes, the gardens are perfect for outdoor drinks & reception
4. What’s the best season for a wedding at Hestercombe?
Spring and summer are popular, but the venue is beautiful year-round.
5. How do I book you as a wedding photographer?
Reach out via my contact form to check availability and discuss your vision.