Some weddings sparkle. Others shine. But Priyan and Victoria’s wedding at Westonbirt House? It radiated. From the grandeur of the setting to the heartfelt joy between the couple, this was Westonbirt wedding photography at its most timeless, personal and utterly unforgettable.
An Intimate Celebration with Big Heart
Originally planned as a two-day celebration blending traditional Hindu wedding rituals with a classic English ceremony, their vision was impacted by the Covid lockdowns that reshaped so many 2021 weddings. But what emerged was a scaled-down, one-day celebration full of grace, charm, colour and connection.
Westonbirt House, a Grade I listed mansion tucked away in the Cotswolds, offered the perfect setting – opulent, cinematic, and wonderfully versatile. Priyan and Victoria brought their unique energy to it, transforming its formality into something beautifully intimate and unmistakably theirs.
The Setting: A Grand Country Mansion in the Cotswolds
If you’re searching for Westonbirt wedding photography inspiration, this wedding is it. From the sweeping lawns and elegant stonework to the library’s wood-panelled warmth, every corner offered opportunities to create frame-worthy moments.
We began the day with Victoria and her bridesmaids getting ready in charming cottages just a short drive from the venue. Hair, makeup, breakfast, and a buzzing sense of excitement filled the rooms, and it wasn’t long before the details – from flowers to final touches – started to bring the vision to life.
Meanwhile, Priyan and his groomsmen were over at Westonbirt, where Will captured some relaxed pre-ceremony portraits while Ryan filmed the story as it unfolded. Together, the Smiling Tiger Studios team brought photography, video, drone, and sound into one seamless storytelling experience.
A Ceremony Filled with Style & Sentiment
Victoria made her entrance through the grand library, walking toward Priyan beneath a cascading flower arch, as harpist Hannah Williams played nearby. The atmosphere was filled with elegance, but the real beauty came from the couple’s connection. Glances, smiles, and a few cheeky laughs told their own story.
Their nephew, who was entrusted with the rings, absolutely stole the show with his charm and focus. Add in a short, heartfelt reading from Victoria’s mum and the space felt deeply personal – a lovely counterbalance to the grandeur around us.
After confetti on the front steps (chased playfully by our drone, much to the ring bearer’s delight), the rest of the afternoon unfolded in full sunshine – lawn games, prosecco, harp melodies and sprawling laughter across the gardens.
A Reception to Remember
As golden light warmed the walls of Westonbirt’s grand banqueting hall, guests found their seats amid candlelit floral displays, fine table settings and views that rival a period drama set.
But the real twist? Singing waiters. These undercover performers delivered surprise chaos in the best possible way – dropped trays, gasps of disbelief and then…song. Their voices soared, napkins whirled, and even Priyan’s grandmother was up dancing. The joy was contagious.
Looking down from the balcony above the banquet hall, I could frame the entire top table and the scene below – a sea of celebration framed in oak and candlelight.
Photography Highlights & Personal Touches
From the very first frames of bridal prep to the final golden hour portraits, this day was made for our brand of natural, emotive Westonbirt wedding photography. The balance of grandeur and real, raw connection was exactly the kind of chemistry we love.
Later, we took a quiet walk with the couple, giving them a chance to reflect and breathe – and us a moment to capture some soft, sun-kissed portraits in the grounds. Their calm, their laughter, their obvious ease with each other – it all came through beautifully.
Even more special was the fact that so many elements were supplied by friends. Personal catering, a friend DJing the party, and bridesmaids supporting in more ways than one – this wedding was built on love, not just between Priyan and Victoria, but rippling out across their circle of people.
The Wedding Team | Supplier Credits
A celebration like this comes together with the talent and creativity of an exceptional team. Huge thanks to all the wonderful suppliers who brought Priyan & Victoria’s Westonbirt House wedding to life:
Dress: Sarah Elizabeth Bridal
Florals: Millie Richardson Flowers
Hair & Makeup: SB Makeup
Suits: Moss Bros.
Catering: Thai Fridays & Pizza Monkey
Harpist: Hannah Williams
Evening Entertainment / DJ: Platinum Sounds
Photography & Videography: Smiling Tiger Studios (that’s us!)
