A snowy Cotswolds Wedding!
English born and bred but with a new home and baby in Australia, this pair Laura and Jonah decided to return to the homeland to have a big winter wedding with their loved ones. This was to a be a first for me.....a winter wedding WITH SNOW!! I can't lie I was a tad nervous about driving the windy roads to the cotswolds in the snow and ice but it was a perfectly clear crisp sunny morning as I headed to the New Inn, Coln St Aldwyns, to capture prep with the guys. This quintessentially english pub gave all the cosy vibes with lit fires and roll top baths and flitting between the bride and groom there was such an excited happy vibe amongst them all.
I am usually petrified about moving the dress too far to photograph it but with the morning sunshine coming up and some hazy fog over the fields I knew I had to venture the Lillian West dress a little further to capture the pretty light which picked up the floral detail in the fabric beautifully. The brides mum had been super clever in adjusting and tailoring the dress to perfection. This truly was a family affair when it came to the planning and details with the Mums, Grandmas and Aunties all pitching in to create the florals! Angela, Lauras mum even created the cake! One busy lady!
The ladies were all incredibly chilled getting ready before they slipped on their wine coloured dresses and clutched their green foliage bouquets and it was a team effort as they all smiled away while getting Laura into her gown. The star of the show, the Bride and Grooms little boy, soon woke up from his morning nap to see him Mumma in her gorgeous dress ahead of the big day!
A short drive took us to Cripps Barn, nestled within the Cotswolds and blanketed in snow. The ceremony took place inside the heart of this magnificent barn with gorgeous exposed stone and a roaring fire. The family of 3 had a family member officiate the service as they cuddled up to their little boy. Luckily I had some bubbles to hand to entertain the smallest member when it all got a bit overwhelming....great work to the bridesmaid who stood patiently blowing bubbles to keep any tears at bay!
Team Hales were then super brave venturing out into the snow for some portraits....which is no mean feat wearing a pair of Christian Louboutins which enjoyed getting stuck in the snow every few steps! So there was only one thing for it....Jonah sweeping Laura off her feet and carrying her! Nothing stops us from bagging those shots people! I am not sure I was Laura and the bridesmaids best friend after dragging them into the snow and freezing their feet....but they stood within some gorgeous winter sunshine and merrily agreed to kick snow at me before escaping back to the log fire to warm their poor feet!
The wedding breakfast kicked off to a rousing entrance from each of the bridal party all singing and dancing into the breakfast room followed up by the couple them selves....the party had STARTED! Delicious food was consumed before a round of speeches began with much hilarity and topped off with a rendition of 12 days of Christmas by all guests!
Once more the wedding party braved the cold for sparklers outside before the absolutely fantastic evening entertainment kicked off in the form of Tux Fizz.....I was blown away by the energy and talent of these guys and have since recommended them to soooo many of my couples! The dance floor kicked off and I could have stayed all night listening to the band!
What a winter wedding guys with beautiful chic styling! I am sure you were very happy to return to the warmth and sunshine of Australia though! Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this special day you were a joy to capture!!
Little Black Book of Suppliers:
Veue: Cripps Barn
Dress: Lillian West
Suit: Custom Made Mitchell Ogilvie Menswear
Florals: Mums/ Laura's Grandma + Aunties
Greenery in barn: Go Wild Flowers
Hair & Makeup: Alice Derbyshire
Cake: Angela Ferguson - Brides Mum
Entertainment: Tux Fizz
