A September wedding of dreamy weather, venue and people. I can’t help but fall in love with Pauntley House every time I drive down the little lane with fields welcoming me on either side, ready to be part of yet another beautiful Gloucestershire wedding.
My first time at Pauntley Court was actually before Pauntley became a wedding venue. One of my wedding clients was getting married in the church, with a marquee on her parent’s farm for the wedding breakfast. In need of somewhere to take their family for wedding photographs, Melissa was approached about using her beautiful gardens; and Melissa being Melissa said “absolutely!”
So when I became a recommended wedding photographer supplier at Pauntley Court and got to actually shoot inside the house also, it was a true honour.
Sara and Chris knew they were after a venue where they could have exclusive use of it for their family and friends. With the sweeping fields, lake with the swans calming swimming by, this was where their first day as husband and wife was going to be documented.
When I arrived at the house, Sara was upstairs with her bridal party having their hair and make up done. There was a real buzz in the room. The sun was shining in and Sara sat in the window watching the final finishes happening down in the marquee below her window.
The guests waved, the twins ran around with excitement and everyone began the final preparation for Sara to leave for the church. Chris made a storming entry with his groomsmen in an orange muscle car. Kicking up the dusty road, music blaring from the speakers, it was time for the party to begin.
The time was here and as Sara descended down the staircase, everyone was in awe of her beauty. The sun-kissed her as she left the house and began her short walk up the lane to the church. The church was full to the brim with loving guests awaiting her arrival.
With the vows said, hymns sung and the first kiss complete, it was time for the event of the weekend.
Moving onto the back lawns, the caterers waited with canapés and drinks to welcome in the guests. The musician was serenading the gardens with beautiful love songs.
There are so many areas at Pauntley Court to have your wedding photographer take you for your pictures. You can go between the front and back gardens, down to the lake or take a walk along the road for a little quiet time. As we moved through different areas of the estate, we ended up going into the walled gardens where Sara and Chris’ precious fur babies were waiting for them.
I love it when a couple bring their animals to their wedding and try to incorporate them into their wedding photography. The dogs were over the moon to see the new couple, and with cuddles, a couple of ball throws, it was time to say goodbye.
The wedding breakfast went up a notch when the wedding games came out. With the Mr and Mrs game in full swing, the drinks were going down quicker than they could be poured.
The evening was left to the sun setting lazily in the sky. The wedding party and myself, with beers and Gin in hand, went down to the lake for a little photography fun. I think it is always important to remember why you choose who you do for your wedding party. It is usually your besties and what better time then after the speeches to grab them and head off to make some fun pictures. Ok ok, so some people will say this isn’t documentary wedding photography, but you know what – who cares ! Who said the whole day has to be undirected !?!? I love my wedding pictures where my best friends and I are altogether having a laugh. They are some of my favourite pictures. The formality of the event gets put to the side and you get to see the real characters of your friends come out. So take the time to head off with them and have a little fun!
The sun said goodnight and the music on the dance floor began. Sara and Chris took to the dance floor. Smiles and love floated around the dance floor as they waltzed their way into the evening.
By the time their dance was complete, the glitter bar, pizza ovens and barmen were in full swing taking this party for one notch to the next.
Sara and Chris, you have been a delight from the first time I met you off the m5. You have made my heart sing with every email you have sent, every smile you gave me and the joy it was to be with you on your wedding day. Chris, you nailed it!!! I know you were nervous about pictures but by golly you brought the juice and made magic in my camera.
I wish you the most wonderful life ahead. I hope that as I write this you are safe and sound at home with your dogs enjoying this weird and crazy time together.
To anyone who may read this and is looking for a Gloucestershire wedding photographer, send me an email. Let’s talk about your day and how awesome you are going to make it. Every wedding day is unique to the couple I shoot and I am honoured to be given the joy of documenting your wedding.
Alicia x
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