The Manor Basket Range Engagement Shoot – Sam & Wayne

Sam and Wayne’s The Manor Basket Range Engagement Shoot was nothing short of magical! As a photographer who’s shot around 10 weddings here this year alone, I know every nook and cranny of this historic castle-like venue. But this shoot had something special—a quiet, almost serene atmosphere as Sam and Wayne had booked a room for a public holiday. With no weddings on that day, they had the entire place to themselves, creating a uniquely intimate experience for their engagement photos.

It’s rare to see The Manor so quiet. Usually, it’s bustling with wedding guests, vendors, and celebrations, but on this day, it felt like their own private castle. The only slight hiccup was not being able to fully access the iconic Romeo and Juliet balcony. But with a bit of clever positioning and perhaps a little post-editing magic, we still captured stunning moments that made it feel as if the whole venue was at their disposal. The weather played along perfectly, too, with a soft golden light filtering through the clouds, giving us that dreamy, glowing backdrop photographers love!

Taking Advantage of Golden Hour

We started the shoot in one of my favourite spots at The Manor—behind the chapel in the garden. The sunlight was at just the right angle, peeking through the trees and casting a warm, golden glow over the couple. The way Sam and Wayne looked at each other, bathed in that soft light, was pure magic. You could feel their connection through the camera. It’s moments like these that make engagement photography so rewarding.

After soaking up the garden vibes, we wandered towards the front of the castle. The grand stone architecture framed Sam and Wayne perfectly, making them look like royalty for a day. The timing couldn’t have been better—the sun continued to dance between clouds, casting everything in a light that photographers dream about. Sam’s smile, Wayne’s relaxed demeanor—they were a perfect fit for this timeless location.

A couple embraces on a fern-lined forest path, basking in sunlight near a charming ivy-clad chapel.

A joyous couple embraces in a serene garden, with the bride in a lace gown and the groom in a blue-grey suit, framed by lush foliage and a rustic stone wall.

A couple shares a tender moment in a lush garden, surrounded by flowers and a white archway.

Elegantly dressed couple celebrate their love in a lush garden with warmth and charm.

A couple strolls hand in hand in front of a majestic stone castle, radiating love and joy, surrounded by lush greenery and enchanting medieval charm.

A Picturesque Stroll Through The Orchard

Next on our agenda was a stop at The Manor’s orchard, which was in full bloom. The pops of fresh white blossoms against the deep greenery made for some incredibly romantic photos. Sam was absolutely glowing in her dress as she walked through the rows of trees hand-in-hand with Wayne. The atmosphere was calm, almost ethereal, and you could feel the love and anticipation for their future wedding.

Sam and Wayne were naturals in front of the camera, needing very little direction. Their joy and love for each other shone through every shot. The blooming orchard not only provided a stunning visual backdrop but also added a sense of fresh beginnings—perfect for an engagement shoot. And with Wayne making Sam laugh between shots, it was easy to capture their candid moments that truly tell the story of their relationship.

A joyful couple celebrates love on a sunlit country road with flowers and laughter.

A couple shares a tender kiss under a canopy of blossoming branches, dressed in elegant attire, encapsulating romance and springs beauty.

A couple joyfully embraces under a tunnel of blooming trees in a romantic orchard setting.

Elegant couple embraces in a blossoming garden, expressing love amidst a romantic and serene ambiance with floral accents.

A couple shares a loving embrace in a serene, sunlit natural setting, highlighting their deep connection and affection.

A Dramatic Outfit Change: The Black Dress

After spending some time in the orchard, Sam did a quick change into a striking black dress, bringing a whole new vibe to the shoot. The contrast between the classic, soft colors of the surroundings and her bold outfit choice made for some dramatic and memorable shots. The Manor’s stone walls and grand architecture created the perfect setting for this darker, more modern look.

We used the castle’s winding staircases, stone archways, and shadowy corners to capture a different side of Sam and Wayne’s personalities. The black dress added an element of sophistication and mystery to the photos, contrasting beautifully with the more casual, joyful vibe from earlier in the day. Sam’s confidence in this outfit was radiant, and Wayne couldn’t keep his eyes off her!

A couple shares a timeless romantic moment in an arched stone alcove of a medieval building, highlighted by elegant attire and a classic black and white palette.

A couple embraces in a romantic courtyard outside a medieval stone castle surrounded by lush greenery.

A couple dressed elegantly strolls hand in hand through a lush medieval castle courtyard, exuding joy and romance against a picturesque backdrop.

Elegant couple in formal wear sharing an intimate moment against a brick wall in an urban setting.

A couple embraces in front of an ivy-covered, ornate arched doorway, surrounded by rustic stone and foliage, creating a timeless romantic moment.

The Manor Basket Range Engagement Shoot

The Manor Basket Range is one of those venues that never fails to impress. Whether it’s a grand wedding or an intimate engagement shoot like this one, it always brings an element of timeless romance. The blend of natural beauty, historic architecture, and charming gardens make it a dream location for engagement photography. Every corner of this venue is full of potential, and it’s no wonder Sam and Wayne chose it as the backdrop for their love story.

Engagement shoots are more than just practice for the big day. They capture the excitement and anticipation of two people preparing for the next chapter of their lives together. And when the location is as enchanting as The Manor, the results are always breathtaking. It was an absolute pleasure photographing Sam and Wayne here, and I can’t wait to capture their wedding next year at the magnificent Silvestris of Clarendon!

Couple shares a passionate kiss in a courtyard, framed by ivy and a rustic stone wall.

A couple strolls hand in hand on a stone path toward a medieval-style castle, blending elegance with the enchanting backdrop of Gothic architecture.

Enchanting couple in formal attire poses by a majestic castle fountain, surrounded by lush gardens and medieval architecture.

Elegant couple embraces by a rustic gate, blending romance and style against a historic, ivy-clad backdrop.

A couple in elegant attire share a tender moment by a rustic stone wall at a formal event.

The mix of historic charm, natural beauty, and personal moments created an unforgettable The Manor Basket Range Engagement shoot. The private, peaceful atmosphere of the venue made it feel like a romantic escape, and the photos reflect that sense of intimacy and connection.

For any couple looking for the perfect spot for their engagement photos, The Manor Basket Range offers everything you could want—a stunning backdrop, versatility, and a timeless feel. Sam and Wayne’s session is proof that when you find a venue that feels like it was made for you, the photos will turn out nothing short of magical. Here’s to capturing many more love stories at The Manor!