Where to start with this wedding. From start to finish it was one of the most chilled out, relaxed and easy going weddings I’ve ever shot. It was, therefore, so hard to choose which photos to include in this blog.
It started at a local church where Nikki & James tied the knot in a private ceremony with just their nearest and dearest in attendance. Once the confetti run and group photos were completed, we headed to their favourite local pub for the reception – The Stag.
With the sun shining beautifully, the settings couldn’t have been any better. Buckinghamshire or Tuscany, it was hard to tell where we were with the stunning al fresco dining garden setting.
Some emotional speeches, beautiful acoustic music from the talented Roxy Searle and we were ready for a relaxed hour or two. That was ended when the DJ took centre stage and the dancing-the-night-away got well underway.
Suppliers:
Reception: The Stag at Mentmore
Dress: Wed2B
Hair: Katy McNulty
Makeup: Jessica Jade Beauty
Florist: Fiona Michaels Flowers
Cake: Little Rose Cakery
DJ: Confetti Discos
Acoustic: Roxy Searle
Content Creator: Lock Those Moments
The Stag at Mentmore History
The Stag public house is one of the earliest buildings commissioned by Baron Mayer Amschel de Rothschild when he began establishing his vast country estate in Mentmore in the mid-19th century.
Upon his death in 1874, his estate – including the pub – passed to his daughter, Hannah de Rothschild. She was then the wealthiest heiress in Britain, with a fortune reportedly worth £12 million. In 1878, Hannah married the 5th Earl of Rosebery, which famously fulfilled his three aspirations in life: to become Prime Minister, win the Derby, and marry a Rothschild.
The Stag remained under Rosebery family ownership until much of the estate was broken up in 1944. At that point, Lord Hesketh, then chairman of the Abington Brewery Company, purchased the pub (reportedly for £7,500). Later, in 1963, it was sold to Charles Wells, becoming a tenanted pub under their stewardship.
One notable landlord was Michel Rigal. In the 1970s and 1980s he transformed it into one of the most celebrated pub-restaurants in southern England.
The Stag nearly closed in 2018, but was rescued by 42 local shareholders. They came together to buy the freehold in March 2020, forming The Stag at Mentmore Ltd. The group carried out a sympathetic but thorough renovation to modernise the building. Creating the terraced garden and building a cycle hub (plus space for tying up horses) reflecting its rural, community-oriented character.
The pub reopened in June 2021 and, under its community ownership model, has flourished. It now holds 2 AA Rosettes, a testament to the quality of its seasonal, British-inspired menu and its excellent hospitality.
Inside, the pub combines its history (a dignified stone building dating from the 1840s) with a fresh and welcoming interio. Its beautifully landscaped garden offers a relaxing space for meals, drinks, or just enjoying the countryside air.
True to its independent roots, The Stag does not operate under a tied brewery model. It offers a rotating selection of cask ales (including a house beer called “1847” from Tring), local wines, and spirits.
From its origins as part of the Rothschild Mentmore estate to its revival as a community-owned gastropub. The Stag is an example of heritage preserved and reimagined, combining historical legacy with a present-day role in its community.
Buckinghamshire: A Historic, Scenic and Thriving Destination in the Heart of England
Buckinghamshire, often called “Bucks”, is one of England’s most desirable counties. Renowned for its rolling Chiltern Hills, charming market towns exceptional quality of life and just a short journey from London. Buckinghamshire blends tranquillity with modern living, making it a top destination for breaks and outdoor adventures.
From the picturesque villages of Mentmore, Waddesdon, and Great Missenden to bustling hubs like Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Milton Keynes, the county offers something for everyone. Visitors love Buckinghamshire for its award-winning restaurants, historic estates such as Waddesdon Manor and Cliveden, and miles of scenic walking and cycling routes through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Buckinghamshire is also a hotspot for food lovers. Traditional pubs, artisan producers, farm shops, and gastropubs showcasing the best of local, seasonal British ingredients. It’s a county where heritage meets innovation: thriving independent businesses sit alongside world-class attractions, cultural venues, and family-friendly activities.
Whether you’re searching for the best places to eat in Buckinghamshire, planning a Chilterns countryside escape, or simply wanting to explore one of England’s most beautiful regions, Buckinghamshire offers a rich blend of history, nature, and modern charm.
