A Colourful Fusion Rutland Belle Wedding
Some weddings just stay with you forever, and this one? Oh, this one has completely stolen my heart complete with a wedding day cruise! Yes, that's right, Marie & Khalid wed at Normanton Church at Rutland Water before heading for a cruise on the Rutland Belle. From the moment these two booked me, we’ve kept in touch, and when their wedding day finally arrived, it felt like I was reuniting with old friends. It was an absolute honour to capture their vibrant, love-filled day a a true fusion of colour, culture, and pure joy.
A Dreamy Ceremony at Normanton Church & a Rutland Belle Wedding Cruise
Their day began at the breathtaking Normanton Church. If you’ve never seen this stunning spot, imagine a chapel floating on water, its stone walls standing tall against the ever-changing sky. The ceremony was the emotional heart of the day, and wow did it deliver! There wasn’t a dry eye as they exchanged vows, surrounded by the gentle lapping of Rutland Water.
After the ceremony, the celebrations continued with drinks and a tour of Rutland Water on the Rutland Belle, making it a true Rutland Belle wedding experience. Guests enjoyed the stunning scenery from the water, gliding past sailors, anglers, and waterbirds. The Rutland Belle boat cruise offered a unique perspective of the lake, creating an unforgettable moment for everyone before heading to the next part of the celebration.
A Middle Eastern Feast and Golden Hour Magic
After the ceremony and Rutland Belle wedding cruise, we headed to The Barn at Buckminster, chosen for its rolling views and cosy charm. The barn was transformed into a vibrant celebration of Khalid’s Middle Eastern heritage - rich magentas, bold pinks, deep purples, and shimmering golds everywhere you looked. Every single flower was either homegrown or locally sourced from Keythorpe Hall, which added such a personal touch to the decor. And let’s talk about their commitment to golden hour! Just as they were tucking into the most incredible Middle Eastern feast, they left their plates behind for ten minutes to soak up one of the rare golden hours we’ve had this wedding season. The results? Pure magic. They were total naturals in front of the camera, laughing, twirling, and just being completely themselves.
The Moment That Set Me Off
This day was already a dream to capture, but then they went and surprised me. It happened right in the middle of their reception when they brought out a birthday cake - for me! I may or may not have started crying, which in turn set Khalid off, and before we knew it, we had a full-on Mexican wave of tears. Honestly, I’d work every single birthday for these two if I could.
The Party of Dreams
Of course, no wedding is complete without a party, and they did not disappoint. The barn was buzzing with energy, the dance floor packed from start to finish. With a mix of Middle Eastern beats and classic party anthems, everyone was on their feet, celebrating love in the best way possible.
Why They Chose Me As their Documentary Wedding Photographer
When I asked them why they picked me to capture their day, they said it was down to my bubbly personality and documentary-style approach. That means everything to me. I want my couples to feel like I’m not just their photographer but a friend capturing the essence of their day, all the real, unscripted, and heartfelt moments.
A Wedding Day to Remember
This wedding was everything - joyful, emotional, and bursting with personality. From the dreamy backdrop of Normanton Church to the unique Rutland Belle wedding cruise and the vibrant celebration at Buckminster, every moment felt so special.
If you’re planning your own Rutland Belle wedding, Normanton Church ceremony, or a stunning celebration at The Barn at Buckminster and want a photographer who will cry at your wedding and celebrate every second with you, get in touch - I’d love to hear all about your plans!
Venues featured: Normanton Church // Rutland Belle // Buckminster Barns
