Tom & Fae’s Walcot Hall Estate Wedding in Lincolnshire, 17th May 2025
- David Adams
- Sep 22
- 6 min read
Wallcot Hall Estate in May is a stunning place to be and on the 17th I was lucky enough to be there as a second shooter.
My role for the day was a little different, supporting the lead photographer (Aimee Lince) by focusing on the candid laughter, the quieter moments, and the hidden perspectives that weave together to tell the full story. The weather couldn’t have been kinder, starting cool and fresh before warming into a bright spring afternoon. Perfect for the first wedding of the summer season.
As I was the second shooter and very kindly allowed to use my pictures and videos for this blog, it's allowed me to edit in a slightly different style to my usual one. Something to reflect the sunshine on the day.
Since I used to live near Scunthorpe, it felt great to be able to drive those roads again and get back to shooting as the summer season was about to start.
Tom's Prep
I spent the morning with Tom and his groomsmen as they got ready for the big day. There was a real buzz in the air. It felt so good to be back behind the camera, and you could sense the excitement steadily building as the morning unfolded.
There were plenty of little details that made the time special: Tom and his dad both had a photo from the stag do printed on the back of their ties, a brilliant personal touch.
The cigars were already lined up for later in the evening, and the wedding rings were entrusted to Tom’s brother, who kept them safe until the ceremony.
One of the things I love about the groom prep is the chance to really get to know the guys, sharing stories, easing nerves, and capturing those candid moments of friendship and family before the pace of the day takes over.
Ceremony
The ceremony at Wallcot Hall was held outside beneath a floral arch bursting with soft pinks, whites, and greens.
The décor tied perfectly into the theme of the day, and with the groomsmen in their sharp grey suits, everything came together with a timeless elegance.
What really stood out to me though was the weather, not just a warm spring day, but the kind of blazing sunshine you don’t often see in May.
Wallcot Hall seemed to drink it all in. The red brick of the estate glowed against the clear sky, and the pinks and greens of the flowers popped with even more vibrancy under the sun.
Guests fanned themselves as they waited for the ceremony to begin, their laughter and chatter carrying across the gardens in the warmth. It was bordering on sunburn weather, but the brightness only added to the sense of celebration.
And in the middle of it all, Tom’s grin said everything.
As the second shooter, I was able to step aside from the main aisle and capture the little details: Tom’s grin as he caught sight of his bride, the way the sunlight picked out the shimmer in her dress, and the proud looks on family faces as vows were exchanged. The heat may have been intense, but it gave everything this golden, glowing atmosphere that made the ceremony feel even more memorable.
As the vows were spoken and the rings exchanged, the atmosphere was full of warmth and not just from the sunshine.
There was laughter too, especially when Tom couldn’t resist giving a little wave with his hand after the ring had been slipped on.
There’s always a little pause in the air before that moment the vows spoken, the rings exchanged, the anticipation building. Then it happened: Tom and Fae leaned in for their first kiss as husband and wife.
It was one of those moments that sums up exactly why I love photographing weddings.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, guests spilled out onto the lawns for drinks and canapés, with the sun still blazing across the gardens.
Cocktail hour had a wonderfully relaxed feel, the perfect chance for everyone to mingle, laugh, and take in the setting.
As the second photographer, I had the freedom to wander and focus on the candids, those quieter moments of people just soaking up the sunshine with a drink in hand.
One of the highlights of the afternoon were the garden games dotted across the lawn.
Golf being the highlight for the Groom.
Beanbags flew into and past the stacked tins, and there was plenty of friendly competition as guests tried their hand between sips of alcohol.
These games always bring out the best reactions, the triumphant cheers, the playful teasing, and the bursts of laughter when someone inevitably bent the rules.
Wedding Breakfast
As the afternoon rolled on, guests were welcomed into the wedding breakfast, a chance to sit down, cool off from the heat, and share a meal together.
The room itself was beautifully dressed, with soft pinks and greens carried through every detail, but what really set the tone was the couple’s entrance.
As “What Dreams Are Made Of” rang out, the newlyweds came dancing in to cheers and applause that filled the room.
It wasn’t just a walk to the top table, it was a celebration in its own right.
Arms raised high, smiles wide, and laughter all around, you could see just how happy they were to step into this next chapter together. The guests were on their feet, clapping along, and the energy in the room instantly lifted.
The speeches are always a highlight, and this day was no exception.
Tom spoke with warmth and gratitude, thanking friends and family for being part of such a special celebration. Then it was over to his best man, his brother, who wasted no time in delivering a playful roast.
The focus of his jokes? Tom’s love of golf.
Just when guests thought they were settling down after a relaxed meal, the room was turned on its head with the surprise reveal of the singing waiters.
What started as background service suddenly burst into music shortly after one of the waiters fell over right infront of the Groom, who had no idea what was about to happen.
The waiter managed to get back up, apologise for it and then broke into song instantly filling the room with energy.
Within moments, napkins were waving in the air, voices were raised in chorus, and guests were up on their feet clapping along, with a final song that topped it all off with one giant conga line.
Golden Hour
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the light softened into that golden glow every photographer dreams of.
After such a scorching afternoon, the warmth mellowed into something gentler, wrapping the gardens of Wallcot Hall.
Golden hour is always a favourite time of day, not just for the photographs, but for most couples too. It gives them a chance to step away, breathe, and enjoy a few quiet moments together before the evening party begins.
Tom and Fae looked completely at ease, laughing together and soaking in the last of the light.
Reception
As the evening set in, the celebrations moved seamlessly into the reception.
The newlyweds gathered with their guests around the cake, a beautifully decorated centrepiece that sported different flavours for each of the three layers.
Then came the first dance. The lights dimmed, the music swelled, and the couple stepped onto the dance floor for the first time as husband and wife. There’s always a little hush just before the music begins, and then that wave of warmth as guests gather round, swaying, smiling, and snapping photos of their own.
Tom and Fae looked completely wrapped up in one another, the rest of the room fading away as they moved together to an acoustic version of "I Want To Dance With Somebody".
With the reception in full swing and a few guests already a little worse for wear in the best possible way, we quietly took our leave.
It had been a day full of laughter, sunshine, and unforgettable moments, and the perfect wedding to kick off the summer season of 2025.
Tom and Fae are such a wonderful couple, and it was a joy to be part of their day. I know they’ve kept in touch with the main photographer, which speaks volumes about the kind of people they are, warm, genuine, and full of kindness.
A huge thank you once again to Tom and Fae for inviting us to capture their celebrations, and to all the fantastic vendors who helped bring the day together: Aimee Lince, the Walcott Hall Estate, the catering company, both sets of singers and everyone else I sadly didn't catch the name of.
Here's to many more days like this one, full of sunshine, love and stories worth remembering.
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