Here is a collection of the Insole Court wedding photography I provided to Anna and Jason. They were married at this Grade II listed Gothic Victorian mansion in Cardiff, South Wales on 19th December 2020. The government restrictions allowed at the time due to the Coronavirus pandemic for up to fifteen guests. Guest had to wear masks, unless eating or drinking, though the immediate wedding party were allowed to be mask free during the actual marriage ceremony. I was quite impressed with how the venue and staff and the marriage registry perform their tasks under the restrictions like it was the most normal thing in the world. One thing I have learnt, is to how to operate a camera a mask on, much like when wearing spectacles, the viewfinder can often be hindered by steaming up.
Insole Court was built by James Harvey Insole in 1856, whose family wealth had benefited from the South Wales coal mining industry and subsequent shipping prowess. The mansion was doubled in size by his son, though following the First World War the family fortunes began to decline. The estate was bought by the city of Cardiff in 1932 and much of the gardens was used for new roads and housing. More recently it has been used as a community resource, though gradually falling into a state of disrepair. However thanks to the steadfast commitments of a local action group, the securing of funding from the lottery and other charities has seen the property rejuvenated. The stables and out buildings are now utilised as room hire facilities, cafe and gift shop. One of the groups that use the room hire, is the Self defence Academy – Cardiff, where both the bride and groom are instructors in martial arts.
“These are fantastic! Thank-you so much!”
