Overview:
There are few hotels like Miskin Manor near Cardiff for wedding photography. Whilst this is a luxurious five star hotel with every modern facility such as the purpose built health spa, it still has a wonderful personal feel and old world charm, together with stunning gardens so you are guaranteed amazing wedding photography.
The reason Miskin Manor has kept this intimate feel is probably due in part to the fact that the owner still lives in private apartments in the Manor House while guests enjoy its elegant rooms and suites. The Lady of the Manor can often be seen arranging her gardens making sure that the Manor House is tenderly looked after by her staff. The principle reason why Miskin Manor has won Cardiff in Bloom award two years in a row.
The location of the hotel is perfect for weddings where your guests are having to travel, it is quite literally five minutes, less than 2 miles off the M4 at junction 34.
The hotel offers a complete range of food to suite all wedding guests who appreciate fine dinning. As the couples wedding photographers we often have the same meal they are eating and its a highlight for us.
The service is just as good as the food. The Bride and Groom and their guests are looked after personally by Natalie the senior wedding co-ordinator, she ensures that everything runs smoothly and on time and every couple are grateful for her guiding hand on their wedding day.
Children are very welcome at Miskin Manor and with so much space and places to explore they will have a great time. At a recent wedding the couple had 22 children and the staff were lovely with them.
Photographically:
Miskin Manor offers you a multitude of varied indoor and outdoor locations to create amazing wedding photography whatever the weather.
Should the worst happen and it pours down with rain there are plenty of opportunities for wedding photographers indoors. High vaulted windows, elegant staircase, chandeliers, beautiful mirrors, amazing drawing room, lots of little nooks and crannies perfect for intimate wedding photographs.
If however its blue skies and not a cloud to be seen, the hope of every bride & groom and the nightmare of every wedding photographer, then do not despair. There is always shade somewhere. At least one aspect of the Manor House remains in shade at all times you just have to find it. There are also two glades which offer shade at all times and provide fabulous opportunities for back lighting the couple using the rich red colours and textures of the leaves on the trees.
Something I have noticed and this is not specific to Miskin Manor but seems to be a general issue. When you are photographing the couple in the gardens which you will want to, or in the glades which you will want too, or in the field with the helicopter which you will want too, do me a favour and turn around - the reason they chose to get married and have Miskin Manor as their venue is in part because of the magnificent Manor House.
It seems to be a growing trend in wedding albums to have lots of lovely wedding photographs by flowers, or in the pagoda, or walking through the long grass, and yes I do those shots and more. But turn around and photograph your couple with the Manor House otherwise they may as well have had their reception in the park.
Like I say this is not unique to Miskin Manor, I've seen many wedding albums where a beautiful venue never features, where the viewer is struggling to workout just exactly where did they have their wedding reception? The couple have usually paid thousands of pounds for their venue, and I know that on a sunny day its not easy balancing the light on the couple and such a huge Manor House with highlights all over it, but hay guys, that's what we are paid for!
Conclusion:
I always want to point to areas where things can be improved. When magazines review our work, I'm looking for the areas where I can improve. But to be honest, I'm struggling here.
Recently I photographed a wedding at Miskin Manor, the night before there was sadly a tragedy, I don't need to give the details, but it was serious enough to bring some staff to tears. Yet the wedding that was booked for that day never had any idea of what had just happen hours earlier - that is professionalism. That attitude to service and commitment to their bride and groom is what separates Natalie and her staff from so many other venues and make Miskin Manor a great wedding venue.
Photographically make sure you allow yourself plenty of time as there is so much to explore. I've done 20+ weddings there now and we still find new places to use. So don't be afraid to explore.
Website : http://www.miskin-manor.co.uk