Manor By The Lake Autumn Wedding

1. Introduction: Kat & Jack | Manor By The Lake Wedding | October

Kat and Jack’s autumn wedding at Manor By The Lake was one of those days that just felt good from the start. The venue looked incredible in the October sunshine, guests arrived in great spirits, and the whole day had that perfect balance of elegance, warmth, and a bit of fun thrown in for good measure.

They chose Manor By The Lake for its beautiful mix of classic features, stunning gardens, and those standout indoor spaces the venue is known for — and it suited them perfectly. With a brilliant team of suppliers and a relaxed atmosphere throughout, the day flowed effortlessly from morning prep right through to the final dance.

A proper celebration, full of love, laughter, and everything that makes a wedding feel truly personal.

2. The Morning Prep: Calm with Kat, Lively with Jack

Kat’s morning took place in one of Manor By The Lake’s bright, elegant rooms overlooking the gardens — the perfect setting for a calm, family-focused start. Joined by her mum, her nan, and her chief bridesmaid, the room was full of warmth, soft chatter, and that slow-building excitement that comes with the final touches. Hair and makeup by Margot & Lace flowed effortlessly while I captured all the natural moments: bouquets arriving from Bumblebeez, shoes from Lace & Favour waiting in the light, and those quiet, emotional glances between generations.

A real highlight was Kat stepping into her dress by T M Fler, chosen at White Canvas Bridal. As soon as she was laced in, her face lit up — pure excitement, and one of those moments that sticks with you long after the day is done.

Meanwhile, Jack’s morning had a completely different energy over in the Rock Bar. Surrounded by memorabilia, photos, and some brilliant retro bits and pieces, it made the perfect backdrop for groom prep. My second photographer captured the details and the banter, and once everyone was ready, I joined the lads for a walk around the grounds.

We took a little route through the gardens, stopping off on the steps and along the path for some relaxed group shots — nothing too formal, just natural moments with the boys, taking in the setting before the day kicked into full swing.

3. The Ceremony: Heartfelt Moments in the Italian Pavilion

Kat and Jack held their ceremony outdoors in Manor By The Lake’s gardens, right under the Italian Pavilion. It’s a gorgeous little spot — surrounded by greenery and just far enough from the main building to feel private without being too formal.

Guests gathered on the lawn, chatting and taking it all in while the last bits of autumn colour hung in the trees. When the music started and Kat appeared with her dad by her side, the whole vibe shifted. Jack’s face said everything. You could see the emotion hit him the second he clocked her walking down the aisle.

The ceremony itself was simple, warm, and full of genuine moments — a couple of laughs, a few teary eyes in the crowd, and big smiles all the way through. With the gardens behind them and the pavilion framing the two of them perfectly, it was a lovely, relaxed setting for them to finally say their vows.

4. Confetti & Group Shots: Fun with Family and Friends

As soon as the ceremony wrapped up, everyone made their way to the front of Manor By The Lake for confetti. It’s the perfect spot — those big doors, the steps, and plenty of space for guests to line up and get involved. Kat and Jack walked through a tunnel of cheers and colourful confetti, and I got myself right down on the ground to capture it all while my second photographer shot from the balcony above. Between us, we caught every angle — the laughs, the dodgy throws, and all the little reactions that make that moment so good.

Once the confetti died down, we headed back towards the Italian Pavilion steps for group photos. It’s a handy spot right by the ceremony area, and it meant we could work through their list quickly without pulling guests all over the place. We kept it relaxed, fun, and efficient — just how group photos should be.

While I handled the groups, my second photographer stayed on candids and slipped inside to get those all-important room setup shots before guests arrived. A solid mix of natural moments and the classic family photos that always end up framed at home.

5. Drinks and Wedding Breakfast: Relaxed, Sunny, and Seriously Good Food

For an October wedding, the weather could not have been better. Sunny, dry, and surprisingly warm — the kind of day you quietly hope for but never dare to count on. Guests headed to the lawn for welcome drinks, and the atmosphere was exactly what you want for that part of the day: relaxed, chatty, and full of people genuinely enjoying themselves.

Manor By The Lake put out some brilliant lawn games too, which kept everyone entertained. My second photographer stayed with the guests capturing all the laughs and little moments, while I whisked Kat and Jack away for some elegant portraits around the grounds. The light was perfect, the gardens looked beautiful, and they were both on such a high — it made the whole portrait session flow effortlessly.

Once we wrapped up, everyone moved inside to Manor By The Lake’s dedicated ballroom for the wedding breakfast. It’s always a stunning room, and the setup never disappoints — beautifully dressed tables, warm lighting, and a really welcoming atmosphere.

After a delicious meal, the speeches rolled into the afternoon: heartfelt, funny, and perfectly balanced. Once they wrapped up, Kat and Jack spent time making their way around the room, greeting guests and enjoying that lovely post-speeches buzz where everyone can finally relax again.

6. Evening Portraits, Chandelier Drama & Cigar Time with the Lads

After the wedding breakfast, we headed back into the main building to make the most of Manor By The Lake’s iconic interior. The staircase and chandelier are a photographer’s dream, and Kat and Jack absolutely nailed those dramatic, elegant portraits. Soft lighting, stunning architecture, and two people completely in their element — it all came together perfectly.

Jack also had one request for the evening: a few cigar shots with his groomsmen. Easy. We stepped outside, let the lads enjoy their moment, and captured a mix of relaxed group shots and moody, atmospheric frames that suited the vibe perfectly. Nothing staged, nothing forced — just the boys unwinding and enjoying that bit of evening downtime.

A great contrast to the indoor portraits and a really fun way to round off this part of the day.

7. First Dance and a Dance Floor That Didn’t Stop

Kat and Jack kicked off the evening with their first dance — nothing too formal, just the two of them enjoying the moment while everyone gathered around cheering them on. As soon as the song ended, the dance floor filled instantly. From that point on, it was non-stop energy: great music, plenty of shape-cutting, and guests fully committing to the dance floor all night.

It was the perfect way to wrap up the day — a happy, buzzing crowd behind them, everyone laughing, dancing, and making the most of the evening. I left with the dance floor still going strong, which is always the best sign of a brilliant wedding.

8. Conclusion: A Perfect Day at Manor By The Lake

Kat and Jack’s October wedding at Manor By The Lake had everything you could hope for — gorgeous weather, a stunning venue, emotional moments, plenty of laughs, and a dance floor that refused to slow down. It was the kind of day that reminded me why I love what I do: two brilliant people, surrounded by family and friends, celebrating in a place that feels made for weddings.

If you’d like to see more from this venue, I’ve got a dedicated blog all about Manor By The Lake wedding photography, which you can check out as well.

More stories, more galleries, and a whole lot more fun to come — but for now, Kat and Jack’s day will definitely be one I remember for a long time.