Sian and Connor’s St Pierre Country Club Wedding
Sian and Connor’s wedding at St Pierre Country Club in Chepstow had everything I love photographing: a relaxed morning, a brilliant father and daughter first look, a last-minute rain plan, confetti, beautiful evening light and a dance floor full of personality.
Bridal preparations in Rose Cottage
Sian spent the morning getting ready in Rose Cottage at St Pierre with her mum, maid of honour and bridesmaids. I photographed the dress, shoes, rings and invitations before concentrating on the candid moments as everyone got ready.
These quieter parts of the morning are never about forcing moments. I look for the real exchanges: a final adjustment to the dress, the bridesmaids seeing Sian ready for the first time and the mixture of nerves and excitement before leaving the cottage.
Sian’s first look with her dad
Before the ceremony, Sian met her dad on the driveway outside Rose Cottage for a first look. It was a simple moment with no staging beyond putting them in the right place and letting the reaction happen naturally. His expression when he saw her said everything.
A ceremony in the St Pierre Suite
The ceremony took place in the St Pierre Suite at 1.30pm. Sian and Connor wanted relaxed coverage of the vows, reactions and the people around them. Their exit included a dip halfway down the aisle, giving everyone an early sign that this would not be an overly formal wedding.
Family photographs when the Welsh weather changed
The rain arrived when we were due to photograph the families. Instead of letting it delay the day, we moved the family photographs inside near the main entrance. Knowing the venue meant we could make that decision quickly, keep everyone comfortable and still create photographs with character.
This is why a wet forecast does not worry me at St Pierre. The hotel has plenty of indoor and sheltered locations, and the schedule can be adjusted without turning the wedding into a long photoshoot.
Confetti, complete with a bride and groom dip
We managed to get outside for the confetti, surrounded by friends and family near the historic stone buildings. Sian and Connor added another dip as they reached the end of the line, creating one of those photographs that feels energetic, joyful and completely true to the day.
Sunset wedding portraits at St Pierre
Later in the day, the rain cleared and we were given beautiful light for Sian and Connor’s couple portraits. We used the driveway, stone architecture and grounds, keeping the portrait session relaxed and short so they could get back to their guests.
I normally need around 10 to 15 minutes for couple photographs, with another brief opportunity near sunset if the light is right. There is no need to spend an hour posing. It is a wedding, not a photoshoot.
A father and daughter dance to remember
The father and daughter dance was one of the standout moments of the evening. It was full of energy and gave Connor plenty to live up to when it was time for the couple’s first dance. Halfway through, the sax player joined them and helped turn the formal dances into the start of the party.
Sparklers and champagne to finish the night
We finished outside with sparklers, followed by a champagne spray beneath St Pierre’s illuminated stone archway. It was a brilliant final set of photographs and a perfect match for a day that had been relaxed, emotional and great fun from beginning to end.
More moments from Sian and Connor’s St Pierre wedding
Watch Sian and Connor’s wedding photography review
After the wedding, Sian and Connor shared this video review about their experience and what it was like having me photograph their day.
Sian and Connor’s St Pierre wedding suppliers
- Venue: Delta Hotels by Marriott St Pierre Country Club, Chepstow (@stpierreweddings)
- Hair and makeup: Jenna McDonnell (@jennamcdonnell_weddings)
- Videography: Craig at Pristine Videography (@pristinevideography)
Planning your own St Pierre wedding?
If you want natural photographs without spending hours posing, explore my complete St Pierre wedding photographer guide. You can also view my wedding photography and film collections, browse more South Wales wedding venues or contact me to check your wedding date.