Behind the Scenes Supplier Meal Reviews
A simple, ongoing series documenting supplier meals at weddings from a photographer’s point of view, focusing on food, seating, and the reality of short breaks during the wedding day.
Over the course of photographing weddings, I spend a lot of time at venues, and that naturally includes the supplier meal.
It is a small part of the day, but it plays an important role in how the team behind the scenes keeps going through long hours. A good meal and a comfortable place to sit can make a real difference to the rhythm of a wedding day.
This series is a simple ongoing record of those moments.
I will be sharing notes from different weddings on the supplier meal experience, focusing on the food, the setting, and how the break fits into the flow of the day. It is not a critique of venues, and I will always approach each one with respect for the teams working hard to deliver the day.
Instead, it is a practical, honest view from my position as a wedding photographer, and something that will build over time into a useful reference for couples, venues, and fellow suppliers.
Venue
Name: Curated Canvas - Noahs Pond
Date: 04/07/2026
Caterer: Spitting Pig
Supplier Meal
Great bit of food from Spitting Pig, the options were Beef, which was Beef (medium or well done), Chicken (breast or leg), Yorkshire pudding, coleslaw, cous cous, caesar salad and a roll. Amazing options and taste. Unlike traditional wedding breakfasts where you wait for the food to be brought to you, this was grab a plate and head to the line. A very strong start to the blog, great food and great service!
Rating: 8.5/10
Where I Was Sat
As the event was in a permanent tipi style marquee, there wasn’t a dedicated section for suppliers, but not a problem. There was plenty of outdoor seating which I grabbed as the guests entered the tipe, with some shade too as the sun was bemaing down
Rating: 7/10
Final Thought
Amazing venue and brilliant caterers. Would be very happy if I come across Spitting Pig in the near future.
Venue
Name: Deer Park Country House
Date: 21/07/2026
Caterer: In house
Supplier Meal
Delicious food from the team at Deer Park Coutry House, seafood, meat, pulses and bread. Food was great, would have loved a bit of salad but was still delicious.
Rating: 8/10
Where I Was Sat
Not far from the guests which was great as I could keep an eye on potential candid photos and get ready to capture speeches as they were inbetween main and dessert. Outdoor seating for wedding breakfast which had Al Fresco/Italian vibe to it.
Rating: 8.5/10
Final Thought
Stunning food and a brilliant, thoughtful team. Hope to be back at Deer Park Country House in the near future
Venue
Name: Frogmill, Cotswolds
Date: 25/06/2026
Caterer: Frogmill Restaurant
Supplier Meal
As with most venues, situated within a restaurant or chain, I was offered to order from the pub menu, rather than be fed the wedding food. I had literally no issue with this, it’s nice to get a choice and pub menu had a loads of options. I had ambition of getting a salad, to complement the diet, but as wedding tiredness kicked in, the cheeseburger was too tempting so went with that. It was incredible, up there with some of the best.
Rating: 9/10
Where I Was Sat
In the snug, so I was out of the way of the guests but close enough I could hear anything going on that may have needed me to grab my camera. Photographers dream.
Rating: 10/10
Final Thought
Brilliant venue. I’m always a little cautious of venues where you share the space with guests but this was large enough for that not to be an issue, with stunning gardens and all around space. This was a brilliant wedding to shoot. Free soft drinks for myself was really appreciated!
Venue
Name: Syrencot, Wiltshere
Date: 26/06/2026
Caterer: In house
Supplier Meal
Getting 2 courses at a venue is a big win! I had a chicken parmesan arancini style starters with a grilled sea bass main. Amazing couple of courses, which were really appreciated!
Rating: 8.5/10
Where I Was Sat
Towards the end of the wedding breakfast room, there are a couple of couches, not the best location but far enough away not to be intruding on the guests but not too far to potentially miss some photography action
Rating: 6.5/10
Final Thought
One of my favourite venues. With amazing grounds, location and staff, the food was also up there.
Venue
Name: Toto’s, Bristol
Date: 31/07/2026
Caterer: In house
Supplier Meal
Roast Dinner - Beef, potatoes and stuffing on the plate with a share bowl of carrots, peas and broccoli. Another bowl of Cauli Cheese available too. Wasn’t great, cold dinner, not enough veg or gravy until other guests asked for more.
Rating: 4/10
Where I Was Sat
With the guests, which I was fine with this as I knew most of one of the tables. Should I not have, there was plenty of seating elsewhere.
Rating: 9/10
Final Thought
Not great food, Wasn’t just me that was dissapointed, other guests commented on the heat and what was available.
Venue
Name: Folly Farm
Date: 01/08/2026
Caterer: In house
Supplier Meal
Steak Pie with Creamy Mash. Amazing food once again from the Folly Farm team - probably could have done with some veg to accompany though
Rating: 7.5/10
Where I Was Sat
As with most of the time at Folly Farm, it’s great being on the couches away from main seating area, but close enough to hear if anything is going on
Rating: 9/10
Final Thought
Good food again, always appreciative of the offering from Folly Farm
Venue
Name: Folly Farm
Date: 06/08/2026
Caterer: In house
Supplier Meal
Chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce and fondant potato
Rating: 8.5/10
Where I Was Sat
On the sofas again. Perfect spot really, loads of room and the best distance from guests where you’re not too far away.
Rating: 9/10
Final Thought
Amazing food, loved this one! Something different everytime I visit - which is a sign of a good catering team
Venue
Name: Mercure Bristol North The Grange
Date: 08/08/2026
Caterer: In house
Supplier Meal
Cheeseburger. Now this one was something else. I’m not a photographer who demands food or writes it into a contract, but I was told I would be fed, great. A member of the team who were great all day, said they’ll bring the menu over and plate up what I wanted from the BBQ buffet. Perfect, so she did and I ticked a few, said there is no dietary requirements, so whatever they had is fine. As time ticked on, there was no food, it was getting glaringly cose to 7.15pm - speeches time, and at that point, a bridesmaid popped out and said, speeches are 2 minutes away. Here we go I thought, no food. It turns out there were some issues with the guests food, so they had that to deal with, I’m ok with that, but at least a member of staff, just let me know. I still had some prep to do for evening reception but didn’t want to do it whilst guests were eating. The knock on effect, from lack of comms with suppliers is huge.
Anyway I did manage to eat, I grabbed a burger from buffet after speeches but the staff did plate me up a dish, said I can have whenever - not possible though now the evening reception had started and photo and video needing capturing. It was then bagged up for me, but by the time I got home at 10pm, it wasn’t great. Poor effort
Rating: 1.5/10
Where I Was Sat
Set of sofas and table outside main reception room, great location.
Rating: 9/10
Final Thought
Shame about this one, as the staff were brilliant all day but some issues with guest food had a big impact.
