Vicky + Luke | Maes Manor Hotel Wedding, Blackwood

Every so often a wedding takes us beyond our usual Devon and Cornwall stomping ground, and Vicky and Luke’s big day was one of those trips well worth making. Their celebration took us up to the South Wales valleys, where my dad was born — a heartfelt church ceremony at St Illtyd’s Church in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, followed by a gorgeous Maes Manor Hotel wedding reception in Blackwood.

Getting Ready

The morning began with bridal prep at Maes Manor, and the atmosphere was exactly what you want on a wedding morning — laughter, a bit of happy chaos, and that lovely building excitement as the finishing touches came together.
Meanwhile, Luke and the groomsmen were prepping elsewhere, hidden away from Vicky and the girls… except for an intimate “first touch”.

The Ceremony at St Illtyd’s Church, Dowlais

St Illtyd’s is a stunning church, and it made a beautiful backdrop for Vicky and Luke’s ceremony, with a piper welcoming guests on the front steps. There’s something special about a traditional church wedding — the sense of occasion as the doors open, the music swelling, and every head turning as the bride walks in.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds headed off towards Maes Manor for the celebrations.

The Maes Manor Hotel Wedding Reception, Blackwood

Maes Manor Hotel is a fantastic wedding venue — a handsome manor house set in beautifully kept grounds.

This is where our timeless, relaxed approach to wedding photography really comes into its own. No stiff posing, no endless group shots eating into the day — just the two of them enjoying their first moments as a married couple while we captured it naturally.

The Evening Celebration

As the sun went down over Maes Manor, the party got started, kicked off with a surprise singing waiter, Sharon Stanton! The dance floor was full from the first song to the last — always the sign of a brilliant wedding.

Congratulations, Vicky & Luke!

Thank you both for trusting us to capture your day, and for making the trip to South Wales such a pleasure. It was an honour to document your wedding at St Illtyd’s Church and Maes Manor Hotel, and we hope these photographs bring back all the joy of 19 June for many years to come.

Eyecandy Photography offers timeless, affordable and relaxed wedding photography in Devon and Cornwall — and we love to travel further afield too. If you’re planning a wedding at Maes Manor Hotel, in South Wales, or anywhere across the South West, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to check your date.

Vendor Links:

• Venue: Maes Manor Hotel, Blackwood
• Church: St Illtyd’s Church, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil
• Singing waiter: Sharon Stanton
• Photography & film: Eyecandy Photography

Want to see every photo from the day? View the full gallery →