Capturing the Glow: A Colourful Evening at Melchet Court
Last month, I had the pleasure of photographing a truly spectacular wedding setup at the fabulous Melchet Court — and while the venue was impressive on its own, it was the lighting that really brought it to life. Thanks to the creative collaboration with Peachy Productions, who are part of the venue's all-inclusive wedding package, the transformation from day to night was something quite extraordinary.
The brief was simple yet ambitious: to highlight the architectural beauty of the venue using colour changing, battery powered uplighters, each individually placed by the talented Peachy Productions team, to wash the front façade, back façade, and garden arbour in vibrant colours. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we waited in anticipation for true darkness — and it was worth every minute.
At dusk, the colours started to take form. Warm ambers gave the front façade a regal, welcoming glow. Deep purples and soft blues on the rear of the house added mystery and elegance. But it wasn’t until true dark that the full drama of the lighting design was revealed. Every column, window frame and cornice stood out in bold relief against the night sky.
The garden arbour was a standout feature. Set at the edge of a tranquil pond, the up-lighters bathed the structure in rich magentas and cool turquoises. The reflections in the water doubled the effect, creating a dreamlike scene that looked like something out of a fairytale. It became the focal point of the grounds — perfect for evening portraits, romantic strolls, and of course, those all-important night shots.
It’s amazing what a difference clever, colour-driven lighting can make to a venue like this. Each colour choice sets a different tone — romantic, bold, ethereal, festive — and highlights architectural features in ways that natural light never could. We were especially impressed with how Peachy Productions seamlessly handled the setup, placement and programming of each uplighter to achieve such a polished result.
Yes, we had to hang around for a while to catch the full effect — but honestly, standing in the gardens with a camera in hand, watching the venue glow into the night, was no hardship at all. It was one of those rare moments where everything comes together: the venue, the design, the lighting, and the atmosphere.
If you're planning your wedding at a stately home like Melchet Court and are looking to elevate the evening experience, lighting is everything — and this is proof. Don’t overlook what a few well-placed, colour-shifting up-lighters can do. And if you’re working with Peachy Productions, you’re already in good hands.
www.peachyproductions.com
