Wedding photography in Cardiff, Lanelay Hall.
Double wedding at Lanelay Hall and De Courceys Manor; wedding photography & wedding videography.- Rachael and Tom’s double wedding blog. 2 weddings, 2 locations.
Two Weddings, One Love Story – Rachael & Tom’s Cardiff Celebrations at Lanelay Hall and De Courceys Manor
Ask any South Wales wedding photographer and they’ll tell you—getting to shoot wedding photography at De Courceys Manor is a total dream. Rachael and Tom knew what they were doing when they chose this stunning Vale of Glamorgan venue for their summer wedding in Cardiff.
Like so many couples navigating COVID uncertainty, Rachael and Tom split their day into two. They held an intimate ceremony on their original wedding date in June 2021 at the gorgeous Lanelay Hall Hotel & Spa in Talbot Green. The Lanelay team gave them a warm, personal experience and a memorable start to married life.
Then, in July 2022, came the big one—a full celebration with all their family and friends at De Courceys Manor. And just like round one, the sun showed up and so did the love. We were lucky enough to be asked back to capture both the wedding photography and videography.
We kicked off the day in De Courceys’ dreamy Prep & Pamper Suite—newly refurbished, sleeping up to 8, complete with glam stations (hello, Hollywood mirrors), Bluetooth speakers, a private garden and hot tub. Hair and makeup was in the expert hands of NGJ Make-up & Hair, and the vibe was all excited chatter, fizz, and flower girls twirling in the corner.
Tom and the boys were suiting up in style with petrol blue three-pieces and classic brown brogues. Smooth and sharp.
Then came the dress. Rachael looked incredible in an A-line gown with a low V neckline, delicate lace detailing and a veil that melted into her skirt. A total fairytale silhouette. Her bridesmaids wore soft pale blue and her flower girl wore white. Their elegant white-and-green bouquets were the work of the talented Jess at Roots Florist.
The ceremony took place in De Courceys’ Floral Function Room, with its gorgeous natural light, chandeliers, and full-length draped windows—a dream for any Cardiff wedding videographer. Rachael walked down the aisle to a beautifully personal humanist ceremony led by celebrant Sian Cameron.
Confetti moment? Nailed it. The venue’s architecture made for an epic backdrop as guests showered them in petals (and cheers). While drinks flowed, we snuck off for portraits—including some with their very important pup, Indy the cockapoo. She was looked after by the fab team at Woof 'n' Tales, and absolutely lapped up the attention.
The reception space had been transformed by The Luxe Touch, with chairs and covers from Simply Bows and Chair Covers. Speeches came before the meal—always a win—and featured some heartfelt words from both dads, Tom, and a double act from best men Gareth and Aneurin. Classic stitch-up content included.
Now for the details we love—on top of their Bryn Awel Creative Cakes three-tier beauty were two custom Star Wars toppers from FHG Weddings (BB-8 for Rachael, R2-D2 for Tom). You know we’re into that kind of geeky brilliance.
We grabbed some golden hour shots of the wedding party soaking up the sun, with Tom and his groomsmen clowning around under the pergola—proper fun, candid stuff. The evening kicked off with cake cutting and their first dance, then a full-on party complete with a photobooth from Ultrabooth and DJ Dafydd 'Daffy' Jones keeping the dancefloor buzzing.
As night fell, we whisked Rachael and Tom outside for some magical shots under the festoon lights—one of them dancing and singing to each other was hands-down our fave from the whole day.
What a ride. Two weddings, two stunning venues, one seriously lovely couple. Big love to Rachael and Tom for letting us tell their story.
Wedding videography in Cardiff. Hit play on their highlights film below.
Cardiff wedding videography highlights filmed at De Courceys Manor. Rachael & Tom’s video of their celebrant ceremony, speeches, dancing, confetti and photographs with their fun dog indi in the grounds.
