Harlaxton Manor is an amazing building which is clearly visible from the A607 in Leicestershire as you go through the village of Harlaxton. Originally listed in the Doomsday book and used by John of Gaunt as a hunting lodge in the 1400s it changed hands various times before being bought by Gregory Gregory (who gives his name to the pub opposite the drive) torn down and rebuilt in the 1850s. It is now, bizarrely, a campus for the University of Evansville.
I caught up with Becca in Barrowby for bridal prep before the service itself, just a short distance away.
Bride and groom then drove to the reception at Harlaxton in a horse and carriage which looked particularly appropriate coming up the mile-long drive to the house.
Harlaxton is a building full of impressive rooms, staircases and views. A photographer’s dream.
As it was a nice day the reception, officially in the orangery, spilled out into the picturesque grounds which are beautifully maintained for events such as this.
As guests chatted and enjoyed drinks and canapes, the families gathered for some formal photos. There are so many places to do “formals” at Harlaxton, you really are spoiled for choice, but the couple and I had decided on a set of steps between some lion sculptures, very close to the orangery.
The bride’s brother Ben summoned everyone for their meal with a hunting horn, very appropriate given the building’s past, and everyone made their way into the high-ceilinged dining room where we stayed for the remainder of the day.
