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Chloe & Josh’s Christmas Wedding at The Ravenswood

Imagine walking into your wedding and finding reindeer, Father Christmas and a secret Santa’s grotto waiting for your guests.

That’s exactly what Chloe and Josh created for their December wedding at The Ravenswood. A full Christmas-themed wedding here is something else entirely, and it was absolutely magical.

As a Ravenswood wedding photographer, I photograph here all through the year, but this Ravenswood Christmas wedding is one of my all-time favourites.

Reindeer, Father Christmas, Christian Louboutin shoes, an amazing party, an emotional ‘first look’ with Dad, fantastic speeches, a brilliant bouquet toss, and so much more went into making this Ravenswood Christmas wedding one of my favourites to photograph.

Why Chloe and Josh Chose The Ravenswood

Chloe and Josh have always loved Christmas. Every year they go all out on decorations at home, so a big Christmas theme for their wedding day felt only natural.

Bride and groom smiling together beneath fairy lights at their Christmas wedding at The Ravenswood

They chose The Ravenswood mainly for its fireplaces. As Chloe put it, “In my head I wanted to get married in front of a big fireplace, and then we just fell in love with the whole place.”

The fireplace in the Baronial Hall, where their ceremony took place, gives the room a warmth and cosiness that suited their Christmas theme perfectly. For Chloe and Josh, nowhere else would do.

Bride and groom on the lawn in front of the Tudor-style house at The Ravenswood

Bride and groom by the lake with the boathouse behind them at The Ravenswood

Getting Ready for a Christmas Wedding

The morning was full of festive colour, from the bridesmaids’ deep red dresses to Chloe’s Christian Louboutin shoes.

Bride's Christian Louboutin shoes and a red ring box at The Ravenswood

Bride's dress being buttoned up on the morning of her Christmas wedding at The Ravenswood

Bridesmaids in deep red dresses helping each other get ready at The Ravenswood

Close-up portrait of the bride before her Christmas wedding at The Ravenswood

Meanwhile, Josh and his groomsmen were looking sharp in navy.

Groom smiling with his arm around a family member before the ceremony at The Ravenswood

Groom and groomsmen in navy suits on the red carpet at The Ravenswood

A First Look with Dad

Before the ceremony, Chloe shared an emotional first look with her dad.

Bride hugging her dad during their first look at The Ravenswood

Bride and her dad embracing after their first look at The Ravenswood

It’s one of those moments that never gets old. If you’re planning a first look with your dad, have tissues ready, for both of you!

Bride wiping a tear from her dad's cheek during their first look at The Ravenswood

Bride sharing a group hug with her family before the ceremony at The Ravenswood

A Fireside Ceremony in the Baronial Hall

The couple said they were most looking forward to their “I do’s” and the party that followed, and what a party it turned out to be!

Bride arriving at the end of the aisle with her dad as the groom waits at The Ravenswood

Groom looking up with emotion during the ceremony in the Baronial Hall at The Ravenswood

The fireplace, the garlands and the twinkling lights made the Baronial Hall feel warm and cosy, exactly as Chloe had pictured it.

Bride and groom laughing together during their ceremony at The Ravenswood

Bride and groom exchanging vows in the Baronial Hall at The Ravenswood

Bride and groom signing the register in front of the fireplace at The Ravenswood

Newlyweds walking back down the aisle past garlands and fairy lights at The Ravenswood

Portraits Around the Grounds

Even in December, the grounds at The Ravenswood give you so many beautiful places for photos, inside and out.

Bride, groom and bridal party in front of the garlanded staircase at The Ravenswood

Bride and groom portrait with a red and white winter bouquet at The Ravenswood

Bride and bridesmaids in front of a red rose wall at The Ravenswood

Santa’s Grotto and Reindeer

They were also especially excited about the Santa’s grotto set up in The Little Castle, a surprise kept secret from guests until the day itself. With its stone walls and beautiful arched opening, The Little Castle made the perfect setting to meet Santa. Every guest loved it, adults included.

Bride meeting Father Christmas in the Santa's grotto at The Ravenswood

Bride and groom sitting with Father Christmas at The Ravenswood

As if that wasn’t festive enough, two reindeer arrived with a sled in tow, a moment that had everyone reaching for their phones.

Bride and groom on a sled pulled by reindeer at The Ravenswood

Bride and groom standing with two reindeer at night at The Ravenswood

Food, Drink and Speeches

During the drinks reception, guests enjoyed three canapes alongside Prosecco and Peroni. The wedding breakfast was a three course sit down meal served with red wine and Prosecco.

The speeches were fantastic, with the whole room in fits of laughter.

Guests at the top table holding up a laugh sign during the speeches at The Ravenswood

Top table in fits of laughter during the speeches at The Ravenswood

Speech giver pointing out into the room as the bride laughs at The Ravenswood

A speech at the festive top table at The Ravenswood

Guests laughing at their tables during the wedding breakfast at The Ravenswood

Guests cheering and raising their arms during the speeches at The Ravenswood

In the evening, Chloe and Josh laid on plenty of picky food, a sweet and cupcake table, and a chocolate fountain, something they had been especially excited about (because really, who doesn’t love chocolate).

Gold wedding cake decorated with red roses at The Ravenswood

Chocolate fountain lit up at the evening reception at The Ravenswood

The Party

The first dance kicked off an amazing party, followed by a brilliant bouquet toss.

Bride and groom sharing their first dance at The Ravenswood

Bride tossing her bouquet to guests on the dance floor at The Ravenswood

Guests partying on a packed dance floor at The Ravenswood

And if you love black and white photos, this one’s for you.

Black and white photo of guests dancing at The Ravenswood

A Ravenswood Christmas Wedding to Remember

Chloe and Josh’s love of Christmas shone through every part of their day.

If you’re dreaming of a festive winter wedding, I hope this Ravenswood Christmas wedding gives you a little magic to take into your own plans.

Suppliers

Venue – The Ravenswood

Planning a Wedding at The Ravenswood?

If you’re getting married at The Ravenswood, at Christmas or any time of year, and you’d love award-winning photography from someone who knows it inside out, I’d love to hear about your plans.

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Want to see more? Read Steve & Alana’s summer wedding at The Ravenswood ▸

Or see Emma & Darren’s Ravenswood wedding ▸