It all began with a Haribo ring...
This pair I owe a lot to...so for that you guys I am forever thankful!
Charlottes first message to me went something along the lines of 'So...I am getting married and haaaaaattteee photographs but apparently we need a photographer, up for it?'
Errmmm... my first reaction was well this may be a challenge if they don't like or even want photos taken! But hey no better place to learn more than those who cant stand a photograph. I persuaded them to let me come along to the farm and do an 'engagement' shoot to see how it all played out. Well what can I say, the two of them are ridiculous for saying they are 'soooo awkward in front of the camera'! Quite frankly I think Gareth knows exactly what he is doing when a camera is pointed his way and Charlotte's nervousness wasn't conveyed in any of the shots. They looked happy, relaxed, in love and like they had a good time. I'm not sure if Charlotte's text following our meeting was a compliment or not but she said Thank you x 3 and said something she was dreading so much was made very funny. Whether they were laughing at me or with me remains to be seen, but hey I will take the latter!
The big day arrived and by god it was boiling, without a cloud in the sky.
Charlotte and Gareth said I do in a picture perfect church in the tiniest of cotswold villages. The archway to the church was adorned with a fabulous floral arrangement from the ladies at Bumble & Wild. The Vicar was so incredibly lovely and delivered a personal, beautiful service. In true country style the newly weds flew off to the reception on the back of a quad bike, adorned with newly wed cans hanging off the back!
The reception venue was close to their hearts, down a long driveway to the place they call home (and work!). This beautiful stone built farm complete with Cotswold stone stable yard accommodated a wild flower filled marquee ready to shade the super hot guests.
The sun kept its hat on the whole day as the guests quenched their thirst with Pimms. The beautiful wild country flower arrangements, created by Bumble & Wild, tried their best to stay perky and were even afforded their own umbrella to try and help them out! I couldn’t write this wedding tale and not mention the third star of the show....baby Rupert! Charlotte and Gareth’s nephew was the worlds most beautiful baby boy (ok I have to say he comes a very close second to my own baby boy!) he was so well behaved and Charlotte had kitted him out in a fox themed romper by Stitched in The Shire, a perfect nod to the countryside.
The bride and groom got to steal a few quiet moments in the flower filled gardens scented with an array of roses. Here I caught a glimpse of the sausage dog socks Charlotte had bought Gareth as a wedding gift (a nod to their cheeky little pup Pocket) and the stunning pearl round Charlottes neck that was gifted to her.
A huge wedding breakfast feast was served on long tables, adorned with country flowers and shortbread favours (made by the brides mum!). Guests had to find their place by searching for the photos of themselves. Speeches were delivered first, and this Bride showed yet more talent by delivering a speech in full rhyme!
Apart from the bride being a showstopper in a stunning lace gown from Cotswold bridal, the cake Charlotte had made with her own fair hands was incredible and wouldn’t have looked out of place in the Great British Bake off Marquee on finals day! Decorated with flowers, fruit, bumble bees and shortbread this cake fitted the country theme beautifully.
My night ended after the couple enjoyed their first married dance to Noah and The Whales 5 years time where the guests then enjoyed the long summers nights dancing away to The Folklore (The Original 'Mumford' wedding band)
Thank you for having me Gareth and Charlotte it was a gorgeous day and you guys made a beautiful couple! Wishing you (and all the animals!) a life time of happiness!
