St Mary’s Church & Old Vicarage Hotel Wedding
There’s something truly magical about a rural Shropshire wedding — historic churches, country venues, and personal touches that make every moment unique. Anna and Alfie’s wedding at St Mary’s Church in Madeley, Telford, followed by a reception at the Old Vicarage Hotel in Worfield, was a day full of emotion, tradition, and sunshine (eventually!).
How It All Began
I first met Anna and Alfie at the National Wedding Show in Birmingham back in October 2021. After the long and anxiously awaited months after the “you-know-what,” they approached my stand and shared their wedding plans with me. They were such a warm and lovely couple that I hoped we’d work together — and not long after, we connected over email, had a zoom call, and the journey to their wedding day began.
A Traditional Catholic Ceremony at St Mary’s Church
The day began at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Madeley, where Alfie and his groomsmen (and groomswoman) were busy preparing for the ceremony. The string quartet arrived, buttonholes were pinned, and soon guests began to fill the historic 18th-century church.
When Anna appeared, led in by her father, she was wearing her Nana’s heirloom wedding dress, which she seemed to float down the aisle in. The service was everything a traditional Catholic wedding should be: everyone sang together, both mothers performed readings, and even the National Anthem was sung to mark the Jubilee weekend. It was emotional, joyous, and full of reasons for tears of happiness.
Rain, Umbrellas, and a Move to the Reception
As we exited the church, the heavens opened! Umbrellas in every colour were deployed, and we decided to move the confetti moment to the reception venue. Soon enough, a convoy of flashy cars and minibuses whisked everyone off to the Old Vicarage Hotel in Worfield, just outside Bridgnorth. And by the time we arrived, the sun had finally made its appearance — perfect timing for photographs.
A Stunning Country Reception
The Old Vicarage Hotel offered the ideal setting for Anna and Alfie’s celebrations. With its beautiful grounds and a tipi set up for the evening, the venue perfectly blended rustic charm with elegant details. From heartfelt speeches to laughter-filled dances, the day was a celebration of love, family, and joy.
Every detail — from the heirloom dress to the tipi, and sunny garden shots — told the story of a couple who wanted their wedding day to be both traditional and personal.
Capturing Rural Shropshire Weddings
I love photographing rural weddings in Shropshire and the West Midlands because each day has its own personality, story, and rhythm. From historic churches like St Mary’s to charming reception venues like the Old Vicarage Hotel, these weddings combine timeless traditions with modern celebrations — all of which deserve to be captured beautifully.
If you’re planning a Shropshire wedding or anywhere in the UK countryside, I’d love to tell your story.
Get in touch to check my availability or find out more about my UK wedding photography packages.
