I love shooting this wedding in Oxford. I’m based in Cambridge but more than happy to travel across the UK. I was so excited when Claire and Ben asked me to be their wedding photographer for their summer wedding, at Cogges Barn in Witney, Oxford.

Claire and Ben’s wedding day was a really amazing to capture, from groom prep right up until the sparkler exit.  When I arrived in Witney the sun was shining and Cogges Barn looked amazing. Beautifully rustic and the gardens looked very pretty in the sunshine. The groom and his groomsmen were getting ready at a really lovely cottage near St Mary’s Church down the road. There was a lovely atmosphere with boys opening gifts and having a beer. Lots of banter and laughter. There was so much excitement for the day ahead.  Claire was getting ready in Witney with her family and bridesmaids.  There was lots more gift giving and wonderful emotional moments between family members. There was so much going on in the morning, it was fantastic as this really complimented my wedding photography style which is very natural and relaxed.  I love to letting moments unfold in front of me and prefer not to allow anything to become staged or contrived. 

The ceremony was at St Mary’s church, Cogges – just next door to the wedding reception venue, Cogges Barn.  Cogges Barn is a stunning country venue, with a pretty walled garden, farmhouse and orchards.  There were lots of lovely locations for bridal party photos and portraits. After the ceremony we took a tour around the grounds.  Claire and Ben wanted to tryout the adventure play ground nearby and also decided try out the zip line. So we captured a whole mixture of exciting shots which capture their connection, personality and sense of adventure. The wedding reception was held in the barn which was decorated with a vintage theme and adorned with sparkly lights.  The speeches were heartfelt and there were so many wonderful reactions from all the guests. After the cutting of the wedding cake, the first dance began which looked stunning with all of the sparkly lights and the rustic interior of the barn.  This was followed by a Celidh which was fantastic.  I really enjoy photographing dancing at weddings and especially love the highly energetic dancing of a Ceildh.  Not long after this is started to rain, but it was time for the sparkler exit! So next Claire and Ben ran through a tunnel of sparklers in the pouring rain – smiles all the way.  What an exciting day and it was so wonderful to capture the wedding story. Thank you Claire and Ben!