An insight into The Retreat at Elcot Park, West Berkshire

The Retreat at Elcot Park is an 18th century country house, hotel & spa. Situated between Hungerford and Newbury, The Retreat is set in a stunning location with the most beautiful views of the West Berkshire countryside.

Drawing up to the hotel, you are immediately greeted with what resembles an English country garden - full of vibrant colours and blooms. Although, I can imagine it looks just as spectacular in the winter, under a blanket of snow.

You are spoilt for choice here with the stunning rooms they have available to hire for your wedding day. The Portobello room is the perfect setting for your ceremony, before taking a short walk to your wedding breakfast in the beautifully presented Orangery. They offer a variety of wedding packages to allow you to create the wedding day of your dreams.

Now if you haven't had a chance to visit the Retreat recently, I think you'll be blown away by how beautiful this boutique hotel is, with the most picturesque backdrop for wedding portraits.

Why being a Berkshire Wedding Photographer is so rewarding, with getting to shoot at venues like The Retreat...

Being a wedding photographer in Berkshire doesn't get much better than capturing a wedding at a venue which showcases the beautiful English countryside that's right on our doorstep. What's even better is that this is only a 15 minute drive from me, as I live just outside of Hungerford, in West Berkshire. What I love about this venue is that there are so many beautiful spots to capture portraits of the bride and groom. Point your camera one way and you have the rolling hills in the background with cattle settling in the fields. Point your camera the other way and you have a beautiful flower arch which frames the newly-weds perfectly, as you take their first portraits as husband and wife. The options are endless.

Picking a photographer for your idyllic wedding in Berkshire...

Picking a wedding photographer can be one of the most difficult decisions you make for your big day. Why then, is it so important to get this one right? Let me enlighten you...

• There are only a few people who will spend the whole day with you on your wedding day, and one of them is your photographer. It's so important that you feel comfortable around your wedding photographer, because if you're feeling relaxed and enjoying the day, this will come across in your photos. I make it my priority to help you feel at ease and comfortable in front of the camera. You can expect a lot of encouragement from me throughout the day, especially if you're feeling a bit nervous about having your photos taken, because I know that feeling all too well. I'll be your biggest supporter, cheering you both on!

• Memories - When years have passed and the memories fade a little, you will cherish these photos that take you right back to how you felt on your wedding day. I don't believe that any detail, no matter how small, should go unnoticed. You put so much love and effort into choosing every little part of your day and these deserve to be remembered for years to come.

• The Experience - I'm a great believer in the fact that you can have the most beautiful photos in the world taken on your wedding day, but, if you were stressed about something at the time, or remember feeling nervous about not knowing what to do with your hands or how to pose, etc. then you might not look back on these photos with quite as fond memories as you should - you're likely to remember how you felt instead. You might find I talk quite a lot during both the pre-wedding shoot and portraits on your wedding day, but it's because I'm genuinely so excited to be a part of this journey with you and to be the one watching you get MARRIED! I will build you both up and make you feel on top of the world. I promise there will be no awkward posing. We'll work together to understand your vision, and I'll be the wedding photographer you need me to be for your special day.

Do have a look at my most recent gallery from The Retreat. If you'd like to chat about your wedding day, please don't hesitate to get in touch here. I'd love to chat!

These are the amazing local wedding suppliers I worked with on this beautiful day:

Make up: Jo Frankham Makeup

Hair: Louise Cawley Hair Design

Dress: White Rose Bridal Rooms

Suit: Suit Direct

Florist: Floral Beauts

Stationery: Artbox Designs & Craft

Jewellery: Sandra McArdle Jewellery

Hair Accessories: Hope and Nova Bridal