Shaw House | Newbury Registry Office Wedding Photographer
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
If you’re planning a Shaw House wedding in Newbury and want something that blends historic British elegance with subtle cultural nods, Samantha and Ryan’s February celebration is the perfect inspiration for you!
On Saturday 21st February 2026, Sam & Ryan created a day that felt relaxed, personal, and full of heart. Combining a traditional English registry office ceremony with beautiful touches of Ryan’s Indian heritage throughout the evening celebrations.
Skip to gallery inspo:
Bridal Preparations at The Hinds Head
The morning began at The Hinds Head in Aldermaston, where Samantha stayed overnight with her mum, sister, nan and niece. The pub later doubled as their reception venue and they’d hired the entire space, giving them multiple rooms for drinks, food, dancing and even a pop-up photo booth.
Hair and makeup was by Hannah at @HPHodds.HMUA, who finished Samantha’s soft glam look with a pink-red lip and glowing skin. Samantha wore Black Opium perfume and kept her jewellery simple and sentimental, pearl earrings borrowed from her mum and gold-and-pearl pins arranged in a low bun.
At 21 weeks pregnant, Samantha chose a dropped-waist lace sweetheart gown with a full tulle skirt and small train for the ceremony which was elegant and romantic without overwhelming her frame. Later in the evening she changed into a fitted shift dress with delicate embroidery and traditional Indian-style jutti slippers, a subtle nod to Ryan’s heritage.
Her bouquet was dried florals in dusky pinks, creams and purples, perfectly suited to a February wedding in Berkshire.
A Historic Ceremony at Shaw House Registry Office, Newbury
Shaw House is one of Berkshire’s most characterful registry office venues. With its grand Georgian architecture, tall sash windows and soft blue-green walls, the ceremony room has a real Bridgerton feel ideal for couples wanting history and atmosphere without a large stately home budget. I don't want to sugarcoat this- there were quite a few distractions for me to remove in post including fire extinquishers at the end of the aile, fire exit signs and information boards. If these things distract you too, choose a photographer who will remove them for you!
Ryan arrived in a Defender, greeting guests outside before heading in to mingle. Samantha chose to walk into the ceremony alone, a beautifully independent and personal choice, meeting Ryan at the end of the aisle.
There was a sweet moment when the registrar gently asked them to step closer together, prompting laughter and some of the most natural photographs of the ceremony.
Their niece served as ring bearer, carrying the rings in a red box. Both of their wedding bands were classic solid gold timeless and elegant.
After a reading from Ryan’s sister and the signing of the register, they exited into a shower of dried red and cream rose petal confetti one of the most photogenic options for a Shaw House wedding ceremony as this sets off against the iconic red brick exterior.
Because Shaw House operates as a registry office, receptions cannot continue onsite, and couples must vacate after their slot. With the threat of February rain looming, we moved swiftly through around 30 family group photographs before capturing a short, relaxed couples session in the grounds.
Quick and simple couples photos at Shaw House!
I love to keep these sessions simple and short because we can get a lot done in 10 minutes and you can then go and enjoy your wedding with your guests! Shaw house is a stunning registry office that has the feel of a much more expensive venue with lovely historic features so even on a dull gray day we got some gorgeous snaps and some candids inbetween!
Reception Back at The Hinds Head, Aldermaston
The reception returned to The Hinds Head, transformed into a warm and intimate celebration space.
They styled it beautifully:
A neon “Mr & Mrs Powar” sign
A two-tier buttercream cake from Lola's Cupcakes, personalised with a dried flower comb and wooden name topper
Baby’s breath and tulle around the cake table
Individual bags for guests to take cake home
A fun table for cards and giving disposable cameras to teenage guests with a picture hunt.
The speeches were informal and heartfelt, delivered among guests gathered casually in the pub space, a refreshing alternative to a formal top table setup.
Instead of a traditional first dance alone, Samantha and Ryan invited every guest onto the dance floor for a huge group photo to kickstart the party. It immediately set the tone: inclusive, high-energy, and joyful.
Bhangra Beats & A Dance Floor to Remember
As the evening unfolded, the dance floor absolutely came alive thanks to DJ @beatsandsmiles, who incorporated live dhol drumming alongside Bhangra beats, a powerful Punjabi drum traditionally used in Sikh and North Indian celebrations.
The live drumming transformed the atmosphere instantly. Guests formed circles, hands in the air, and the energy was electric. It was the perfect cultural fusion, an English registry office wedding ceremony followed by a vibrant, music-led celebration honouring Ryan’s heritage.
A Multicultural Wedding in Berkshire
A British registry office ceremony at Shaw House
Indian-inspired footwear and Bhangra rhythms
A relaxed pub reception
A bride confidently walking herself down the aisle
A family-focused, informal structure
For couples searching for a multicultural wedding at Shaw House, or a Newbury registry office wedding with personality, Samantha and Ryan’s day is proof you don’t have to choose between tradition and individuality, you can build a day that reflects both.
Planning Your Own Shaw House Wedding?
If you’re getting married at Shaw House in Newbury or planning a Berkshire registry office wedding with a relaxed, documentary feel, I’d love to hear about your plans.
Shaw House works beautifully for:
Smaller guest lists
Winter weddings
Couples who want character and history
Multicultural celebrations
Registry office ceremonies followed by off-site receptions
And if you’re thinking about combining photography, video and content creation coverage so nothing gets missed, that’s something I offer too.
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