Tor & Dean’s Timeless Celebration – A Classic Day Captured by Their Rothley Court Wedding Photographer
Victoria (Tor) and Dean’s wedding at Rothley Court was a beautiful blend of classic elegance and pure joy—with a few confetti-fuelled surprises along the way. After reconnecting years after their first romance, their big day was packed with emotion, style, and the kind of love story that gives you goosebumps. As their Rothley Court wedding photographer, I had the best seat in the house (and dodged the most enthusiastic confetti throwers) capturing every unforgettable moment.
A Love Rekindled – From First Dates to Forever
Some love stories take the scenic route. Tor and Dean first met when they were just 18 and 21, shared a short-lived romance, and then life pulled them in different directions. Fast-forward two decades—and a magical beach proposal in Becici, Montenegro—and they were back where they belonged: together, and ready to say “I do.”
A Dream Venue with History, Charm, and All the Feels
As a Leicestershire wedding photographer, Rothley Court is a gem I’m always thrilled to return to. For Tor and Dean, it was love at first sight. They wanted everything under one roof, with the look and feel of a traditional church ceremony—without the formality. The 16th-century manor house delivered in every way.
They held their ceremony in the medieval chapel (cue all the romantic vibes), the wedding breakfast in the grand Templar Suite, and danced the night away in the Wilberforce Room, complete with rustic beams and a terrace overlooking the gardens. For their out-of-town guests, the on-site accommodation and parking made life easy—no taxis or tight turnarounds needed!
From Pinterest Overwhelm to Wedding Fair Wins
Like many couples, they quickly realised that the hardest part of planning wasn’t the budget or the seating plan—it was the sheer choice. One week they’d fall in love with one idea, only to find something completely different the next.
But what helped cut through the noise? Wedding fairs. These gave them the chance to meet local suppliers face to face, ask questions, and make decisions with confidence. Nearly every supplier they booked was someone they met at a fair—proof that in-person still beats endless scrolling!
Advice They’d Give Their Just-Engaged Selves
Planning a wedding can feel like a full-time job, but Tor and Dean had some brilliant, grounded advice for other couples in the thick of it…
As a Leicestershire wedding photographer, I hear all sorts of tips from couples after the big day—and Tor and Dean’s are well worth noting…
“Be clear on your must-haves, stick to your budget, and most importantly—don’t haggle with your suppliers. Most of them are small businesses who genuinely care about your day. Starting the relationship with mutual respect makes all the difference.”
They also had a story most brides will relate to—going in with one dress vision and walking out with something totally different. After feeling deflated when her dream tea-length dress didn’t work, Tor trusted the talented team at Wedding Belles Kibworth. The wildcard gown her consultant picked turned out to be the one—a champagne sheath dress with an ivory lace overlay that suited her perfectly.
The Ceremony, the Fireworks & a Little Simply Red
Tor walked down the aisle to Romeo & Juliet by Dire Straits, with all eyes on her—but she was focused on Dean. “He looked so nervous,” she laughed. But as they exchanged vows, everything else faded away.
Their evening reception was packed with standout moments—from hilarious cake topper hashtags to a sky full of fireworks—but it was their first dance to Holding Back the Years by Simply Red that pulled at everyone’s heartstrings. A song that beautifully nodded to the years they spent apart.
Supplier Highlights & Personal Touches
It’s always a privilege to work with couples like Tor and Dean—especially when they put so much thought into the guest experience. Some of the standout suppliers included:
- Photography – David Kinsey (hello, that’s me!)
- Venue styling – Amy at Iris Events, who created a beautifully elegant look throughout
- Live harp music – Rebecca Barnes, who added atmosphere from the very first note
- Cake – Bay Tree Cakes, both stunning and seriously tasty
- Evening entertainment – Mick Wright, whose live caricatures gave guests a personalised keepsake (and a lot of laughs)
Favourite Photos & Final Words
When I delivered their gallery, Tor and Dean were spoiled for choice—but the confetti photo (thanks to some very enthusiastic friends) and their first dance images were firm favourites.
If they had to describe their day in three words?
BEST. DAY. EVER.
And honestly? It really was.
Suppliers
Venue: Rothley Court Hotel
Venue Styling: Iris Events
Dress: Wedding Belles
Cake: Bay Tree Cakes
Caricaturist: Mick Wright
