The chaos of Christmas may have been in full swing, but the moment I stepped out of my vehicle and walked into Bowood Hotel, my wedding photographer hat was on and it was all go full of excitement. You may know I love weddings and when I wake up I am literally bouncing out of bed to head out because I just love the fact every wedding is so very different.
The girls were in full swing, the Christmas music playing, the trees dressed and the dresses hung ready to be dancing around all day.
As a wedding photographer in Gloucestershire, I get to travel around my beautiful county photographing many different wedding venues, fields and… well… more fields (I spend a lot of time in marquees in my Dubarry’s!)
I met Sam and Vanessa at the Bowood Hotel and Spa wedding open day where I am happy to be a regular wedding photographer. Bowood Hotel offers so many different areas and “feels” to its clients that it makes for a very happy photographer.
Sam was very clear on meeting that he really wanted a documentary approach to the wedding photographs; so minimal staged pictures. This was perfectly well suited to the style of the day and as a documentary wedding photographer, it made my job very easy.
I had the chance to pack up my oldest son Morgan and all my gear and head off on an adventure to the beautiful land of the french. This was a work trip but darn it, if this is what working away from home involves I would love to do it more often!
Celine and Francis planned a very intimate wedding for their close friends and family within a matter of months. The memo read “let’s party and celebrate” and they definitely did just that.
The morning of the wedding, I showed up at the house where everyone (and I mean everyone) was relaxing, eating (because that’s what the French are really good at) and preparing for the day. With last minute preparations happening, people going in and out, I followed Celine down the village high street to the make up artist. With a Bonjour and smiles all around, I watched as Celine went from beautiful to incredibly stunning in a matter of minutes.
Back at the house the guys were getting dressed or should I say playing with the kids and their toys (it’s amazing how a fidget spinner is a universal language for both kids and adults. Just put a fidget spinner in the room and everyone speaks one language)
The ceremony was conducted by a family member who happens to be the Mayor and a small room was filled to overflowing with love for these two wonderful people.
It is on record as the hottest wedding I have ever shot, with the temperatures going well into the mid 30’s. I had heard that the French know how to throw a good party and I was not dissapointed, and so when the ceremony ended, we walked to the forest where the most amazing breads I have ever seen were laid out for their guests to enjoy, the champagne began to flow and the party was only just starting.
As the guests mingled, the champagne flowed and the laughter filled the air, the afternoon went in a flourish. With a change of venue, we then went off to the beautiful hotel Le Tulipier for the evening meal and dancing.
My favourite part about a french wedding is the food… I love food and as the several courses came out over the course of several hours, I was honoured to sit at the head table with Celine’s wonderful family. It was a true honour. I have never been so touched to be part of such a gorgeous wedding, a true celebration of a great couple.
I wish them all the best in their future together and look forward to my next French wedding!
Alicia x
When the sun is shining, what better place to say your vows then in the open, fresh air of Eastington Park, Gloucestershire. As a Cotswold wedding photographer, Eastington Park is one of my favourite venues to photograph outdoor ceremonies at. The long sweeping walk from the walled garden, down to your friends and family gives you plenty of time to soak up the moment of just what is happening on your wedding day.
It is hard sometimes to just let go of expectations and dreams and just let life unfold before us. We like our ducks lined up in a row and want to know what comes next. But sometimes life doesn’t unfold that way and we have to embrace what we are given. Rachel and Lee are a couple that are loved by so many people. Their beautiful boys and their zealous smiles are infectious and you can’t help but smile with them.
With only a few days notice to plan a wedding, what Rachel and Lee thought would be a small family affair involving the registers office, their boys and a small dinner to celebrate, was instead turned into as close as possible, the wedding of their dreams. As their friends came together to create a surprise wedding for them, it was better than any “Don’t tell the Bride” episode on TV.
Rachel bought her gorgeous Tiffany Rose dress and the boys were all dressed in their dashing navy suits, ready to leave in Grandma’s car to go to the Registry office, but there were surprises in store for them. In order to not put Rachel into labour early (Her sister having a baby the day before was enough of a wonderful drama as it was — and can I say she not only did Rachel’s make up on the day but also rocked up in a stunning bridesmaid dress less than 24 hours after giving birth!!! I know all us mum’s are sighing and crossing our legs at the same time!)
The first knock on the door came from me turning up to photograph their wedding, the next came from the beautiful Georgia, carrying the bouquets and buttonholes made as close to Rachel’s’ original wish. The family gathered and prepared for the special day together. As they were about to leave, walking outside, they were greeted by a smart looking chauffeur, owner and operator of Ken’s Kars, Wayne Smith in his vintage 1937 Austin 18hp York. Rachel had again originally booked Wayne for her wedding but cancelled due to her sons health. The look on her face as she walked out was worth it all.
As the family piled into the Austin, Wayne drove them to the Kingswood Registry office where the intimate ceremony between a small family became official. When they came out there was only smiles and laughter amongst them all.
Back in the Austin, they were then off to Rachel’s aunts pub Ye Olde Inn, Westerleigh where they were to go (someone gave the secret away — not saying names!) to have a meal with the rest of the family — or so they thought. As the car swept up the drive, the Cooper’s were greeted by cheers and smiles of many of their friends and family. The pub was decorated in vintage bunting and sweet carts, banners and delicious cake, all waiting to help celebrate the love of this family unit.
Completely overwhelmed, the day continued to get better and better with music, dancing, lots of beer and wine and love all around them. Rachel and Lee, I wish you all the best in the good times and hard times. You are so loved by so many people and that is what is the foundation to a good marriage.
It was a pleasure to capture your magical day and I hope that these photographs will remind you of a little wish that came true. You are proof that magic can happen in a matter of days.
Alicia x
