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Cotswold Wedding Photography Louise is a professional photographer based in the Cotswolds and specialising in Weddings & Portraits. Louise lives in Blockley, Gloucestershire, near Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold close to many of the Cotswolds' most beautiful wedding venues. As a wedding photographer, Louise loves getting to know the couple & feels privileged to be part of their very special day. She has a friendly & relaxed style which enables her to get the best out of the people she photographs. Louise also offers contemporary, fun family portraits either at her Cotswolds studio in Blockley or at a location of your choice. Louise is a member of the SWPP, the Society of Portrait & Wedding Photographers - a worldwide trade association for professional photographers.

Lapstone Barn

Lapstone Barn Wedding | Kate & Adam

February 19, 2020 admin

Kate & Adam had their wedding just before Christmas at the gorgeous wedding venue Lapstone Barn. Lapstone Barn is just outside Chipping Campden here in the Cotswolds, and just a stone’s throw from where I live, so I love working there!

As expected for a December wedding it was pretty freezing (but no snow unfortunately!), and also really windy with big downpours every now & then. Lapstone Barn has just the right amount of covered areas so that I can still take outdoor photos (I get wet, but the wedding guests don’t!)

Kate, her mum & sister were getting ready in the lovely Hayloft upstairs at the barn, so not far to go to the ceremony downstairs once they were all dressed, and no need to go outside! It’s a beautiful room to get ready in.

Both hair and makeup were expertly done by Hattie King.

Meanwhile the boys were getting themselves ready downstairs. The buttonholes, and all other flowers were provided by Sue from The Baytree at Chipping Campden. The orchids looked amazing, such bright colours.

Nice socks Adam!

The barn where the ceremony was to be held was decorated beautifully with flowers and a flower ring from Baytree Chipping Campden. The ceiling drapes, chair sashes and lanterns were by my good friends Lyla & Ian from The Cotswold Wedding Company who always do such an amazing job.

As guests started arriving, the amazingly talented harpist Jemima Phillips played. And finishing touches were being carried out up in The Hayloft before a very proud Dad came in to see his beautiful daughter.

The ceremony was then underway, and was followed by confetti and group photos in the courtyard – it really was freezing so we did some groups inside when Kate (and me!) got too cold!

I did make Kate & Adam go outside in the rain with a brolly for some wintry photos while we were blasted by the arctic wind!

The guests were then seated for their wedding breakfast. The food at Lapstones is some of the best of all the Cotswold venues – I was lucky enough to eat what the guests were eating and it was delicious!

Food was followed by speeches (involving silly hats), evening guests and the cake cutting a bit later on.

The stunning and scrumptious looking cake was by Helen at The Crumb Cakery.

The evening’s festivities included dancing (of course), a sweet table, photo booth by Booth Xperia, and sparklers. The DJ was Tony Nanton from Sugar Bumps. A perfect winter wedding!

If you would like to book me for your wedding at Lapstone Barn in the Cotswolds, head to my website for more information.

Hyde House

Hyde House Wedding | Cheryl & Niall

February 12, 2020 admin

Cheryl & Niall’s Cotswolds Winter Wedding at Hyde House was on a day in between Christmas and New Year – Twixtmas – when most people are still snuggled up on their sofa’s watching films and eating chocolates! Not Cheryl & Niall – they and all their family & friends were up for a party at Hyde House!

We were pretty lucky with the weather all day, it was freezing cold and windy, but it didn’t rain, so we were able to get outside for photos.

The girls were getting ready upstairs in the barn. Makeup was beautifully done by Katie Morley – always nice to see someone so happy in their work!

And hair by a friend of Cheryl’s Amanda Piggott. Cheryl and all her bridesmaids & flower girls looked absolutely beautiful.

It was then time for Dad to come in, and a few groups before Cheryl had her chat with the registrars.

Meanwhile Niall and the boys were ready and greeting guests in the manor house before going over to The Grange for the ceremony.

The ceremony barn – The Grange – was beautifully decorated by The Cotswold Wedding Company, who also styled the other barn for the wedding breakfast and drinks areas.

The Vyne String Quartet played beautifully during the ceremony, and the day was also videoed by Roger from Diamond Films – it was great to work with him again.

The ceremony in The Grange was then underway – I love photographing in there, it’s always such lovely light whatever the weather.

Everyone then headed back over to the reception barn to throw confetti. After months of seemingly non-stop rain (apart from today) the grass was extremely soggy, so I advised everyone to stay on the pavement!

Acoustic singer songwriter Alex Harry entertained everyone during the drinks reception.

The beuatiful flowers were by Jessica at Apple Blossom White

It was a pretty windy day so we got some great veil action!

The blossom trees in The Grange, and the wedding breakfast styling was all by The Cotswold Wedding Company.

Lyla from The Cotswold Wedding Company also did the lovely stationary.

A friend Hayley Sale did the amazing cake.

And the bride, Cheryl, did the table plan herself.

And the speeches got underway after the guests had eaten.

The Best Man was VERY relieved once his speech was out of the way!

We did some after dark photos before the dancing got underway. The arbor at Hyde House provides the perfect backdrop for that, and there were a few spraklers flying around!

The cake was cut, and bouquet thrown…Cheryl did very well not to get it tangled up in the overhead decorations!

With Niall’s family being Irish there was a lot of Irish jigging going on. The evening DJ and disco floor provider was Premier Beats Entertainment, the love letters also by The Cotswold Wedding Company. Fantastic day and great fun to photograph!

Click here to see more info about my wedding photography if you are interested in booking me for your Cotswolds Winter Wedding or Hyde House Wedding: Louise Bowles Photography.

The Slaughters Manor

Slaughters Manor Wedding | James & Amanda

January 30, 2020 admin

We had a crisp cold and sunny day for James & Amanda’s winter wedding at The Slaughters Manor in Lower Slaughter. This was a welcome respite from previous endless rainy days, and the pretty stream that runs through Lower Slaughter was looking very full!

James & Amanda had exclusive use of the gorgeous manor house for their wedding day. It’s such a beautiful wedding venue here in the Cotswolds with friendly staff who make everyone feel very welcome.

Amanda was getting ready in one of the very spacious suites upstairs, and this is where I joined her to start photographing the day.

Amanda’s beautiful bouquet, and all the other flowers were done by The Broadway Florist.

Amanda’s makeup was done by Jodie Croft, who kept everyone entertained all morning while Christmas carols were playing on the radio. She was also very clever in helping me get some beautiful photos – a pleasure to work with!

And Amanda looked stunning, as did her lovely bridesmaids!

Amanda’s hair was done by Maria Christina.

Meanwhile. the boys had arrived downstairs, looking very dapper in their blue tweed suits and pink ties.

Ad the final touches were being done with the girls.

WHAT A DRESS! I MEAN WOW!

The ceremony was held downstairs in the elegant restaurant which looked very pretty with all the colourful flowers.

As this was just before Christmas it was going to get dark very quickly, so we got straight on with photos outside before the beautiful winter light faded.

The steps at the front of the manor were MADE for that dress!

The snooker room makes for a cool photo

And it was downstairs again for the wedding breakfast in the restaurant – the food here at Slaughters Manor is outstanding – they had an amazing five course meal.

The decided not to have formal speeches, so just enjoyed a lovely relaxed evening with stunning food in the company of their favourite people.

After all that food they still had room for a doughnut wall, and an AMAZINGLY scrumptious and Christmassy looking wedding cake created by Cakes by Mrs F.

There was a retro photobooth by The Flash Fox

And a brilliant band called 247 to get everyone on the dance floor.

I rounded off my photo day with a few sparkler pictures, and then left them to carry on enjoying their amazing day.

Ellenborough Park

Ellenborough Park Wedding | Lauren & Matt

December 10, 2019 admin

We haven’t had great weather this year, 2019, to be honest, so Lauren and Matt were so lucky to have beautiful autumn weather for their Ellenborough Park Wedding. The Ellenborough Park Hotel is one of my favourite wedding venues here in the Cotswolds – there are so many beautiful places for photos inside and out.

Lauren had her hair & makeup done at the hotel, and we had a very calm and relaxing morning while the girls were getting ready.

Makeup was by Natalie Ricciardi

The girls’ hair was done by Suzanne Hale

Lauren really did look stunning.

The boys were also at the hotel looking very smart in their blue suits.

And the last finishing touches were done before the ceremony which took place in the chapel. Lauren’s stunning dress was from Taffeta & Lace, and the flowers by Abbey Meadow Flowers.

The ceremony was then under way!

The Bristol String Quartet played beautifully before the ceremony and during the signing of the register.

Lauren & Matt smiled and laughed ALL day – they were so happy together!

They were so easy to photograph as they were smiling all the time!!

Their wedding breakfast was in the De La Bere Court, which looked amazing.

The beautiful stationary was from Retro Press.

There was time for a few more photos in the beautiful grounds of Ellenborough Park as the sun went down.

For their evening entertainment Lauren & Matt had the amazing Richard Parsons – Gloucestershire Magician.

The look of amazement on everyone’s faces was brilliant!

The evening went on with cake cutting and their first dance back over in the De La Bere Court – finishing with Pizza! The scrumptious looking cake was by Storyteller Cakes. Fabulous day with lovely smiley people!

The DJ was First Dance Discos.

Cotswold Weddings, Mickleton Hills Farm

Mickleton Hills Farm Wedding | Vicki & Mike

December 5, 2019 admin

Vicki & Mike’s Mickleton Hills Farm wedding took place in the autumn, and the beautiful way they decorated the barns gave the day a very autumny feel. The weather didn’t really behave itself, it was an extremely soggy day, raining ALL day long, only stopping half an hour before sunset! But that didn’t stop Vicki & Mike having an amazing day.

I just loved all the pumpkins made from books, and the gorgeous flowers were by another very local supplier Abbie Digweed.

Mickleton Hills Farm is a very local wedding venue to me here in the Cotswolds, and has recently been refurbished and expanded to a very high standard by the lovely owners David & Sammy.

There are lovely cottages on site which meant both Vicki and Mike could get ready there in separate cottages…also making it much easier for me to photograph them when everyone’s all in once place!

Hair and makeup was by the amazing Natasha Louise

The barns were beautifully decorated with pumpkins and conkers.

And of course Abbie Digweed’s lovely flower arrangments.

Vicki & Mike, who both looked stunning, were ready for action as guests arrived in the pouring rain, helped in with big umbrellas by David & Sammy.

And of course sheilding Vicki from the rain as she came across for the ceremony!

All the beautiful flower girls and page boys were Nicki’s nephews & neices!

Confetti was allowed inside thank goodness!

It did rain all day, but the great thing about Mickleton Hills Farm is that there is plenty of room inside for group photos, with the beautiful backdrop of Abbie Digwood’s flower hoop.

Just before it got dark it did actually stop raining, hooray! So we went for a little walk up their very soggy but still beautiful driveway.

The wedding breakfast was set up in the new barn, with delicious food by Orchard Catering.

There was a crazy golf course set up by 9 Hole Event Hire outside in the games area (luckily under cover!) which was lots of fun for all the little ones, and bigger ones!

We did a few more photos outside before the cake cutting and first dance got under way.

The delicious looking cake was done by Belles Cakery

This kicked off a fun evening of dancing with fantastic music by the band The Highjackers.

Fantastic day with lovely people despite the miserable weather!

The Wool Barn Frampton

The Wool Barn at Frampton on Severn | Emily & Jake

December 4, 2019 admin

Emily & Jake held their wedding at The Wool Barn which is part of the Frampton Court Estate in Frampton on Severn. The Wool Barn is an amazing timber framed barn dating back to the 1550’s and a very unique wedding venue.

I started the morning photographing the girls getting ready in a nearby cottage.

Loved Emily’s Vivian Westwood shoes!

Emily’s sister did her hair

The boys were looking very smart at the barn, with Emily & Jake’s son being page boy, and daughter a flower girl.

They were doing a Great Wedding Bake Off later, so guests brought their amazing cake creations in to the barn before the ceremony.

Emily & Jake had planned an outdoor ceremony in the house gardens, but the Great British Weather didn’t quite comply with their plans. It was very very windy, and so the ceremony was moved to the barn – which was just as lovely.

Emily arrived in Jake’s Dad’s vintage car, quite a sight coming in to the main driveway of the house.

Despite being slightly blown to bits, Emily’s bridesmaids and flower girl looked really stunning in their bright red vintage dresses.

Emily & Jake had a humanist celebrant, which made the ceremony very personal and quite different from a standard registrar ceremony.

Thankfully the weather wasn’t too bad after the ceremony – still very gusty, but not raining. So all the guests were able to have Pimms & canapes in the beautiful house gardens.

Emily & Jake’s family & ushers all helped out serving drinks, and they stocked their own bar as well.

There were a few spots of rain every now & then, but it wasn’t too bad!

I just LOVE these dresses!

They had a roasted hog self-service buffet, and no seating plan, in line with the very relaxed vibe of their whole day.

The stormy weather gave rise to a lovely rainbow!

The private house of the Frampton Estate gives a stunning backdrop for photos

The speeches were then underway

After some difficult cake tasting, Emily & Jake announced the winner of The Great Wedding Bake Off!

They removed all the tables & chairs themselves to make way for a dance floor. They jigged away all night to a Ceilidh band, who got pretty much everyone up dancing. Great fun & a wonderful day.

Cotswold Weddings, Hyde House

Hyde House Wedding | Hannah & Matt

October 15, 2019 admin

Hannah & Matt were very lucky to have a pretty perfect summer’s day for their Hyde House Wedding in the Cotswolds.

I really do love photographing weddings at this Cotswolds venue, everything is all in one location, the day flows really well, and there are so many beautiful spots for photos at different times of the day, with stunning views over the Cotswold Hills.

The girls got ready upstairs in the wonderfully light getting ready room

Where there is plenty of room to hang the dresses up

The beautiful flowers were by Jackie from Bluebell Wood Florist

Hair was by Robert John Hair in Bristol

And makeup by the very talented Katy Pheiffer

The boys were getting ready over in the manor house – that’s what I love about this place, the boys are there too!

Hannah looked stunning, her dress was from Platinum Brides, designed by Nicola Anne Bridal.

After being very calm and collected all morning, Hannah did finally crack when her Dad saw her for the first time – this was one of the most emotional Father seeing the Bride moments I’ve ever seen, and I was sobbing too!

Then it was time for the short, but nervous, walk over to The Grange for the ceremony

The amazing Ardeton String Quartet played during during the ceremony, and afterwards at the reception. They even took requests during the wedding breakfast so guests could choose songs!

A very much less nervous walk back to the barn for the reception drinks, canapes and confetti!

The beautiful venue styling was by The Cotswold Wedding Company

And the lovely stationary was by Samantha & The Stationery.

Scratch cards are always entertaining…

…except when you don’t win!

But just winning a pound is very exciting!!

Speeches were then underway

Then time for some photos showing off the beautiful bride & groom in the stunning gardens at Hyde House.

The lovely cup cakes and larger cake to cut were by The Cotswold Cake Bee

Both the photo booth and DJ were provided by Oxygen Discos & Events

And a photo under the arbor after dark is a must at Hyde House. Fabulous day!

Cripps Stone Barn, Weddings

Stone Barn Wedding | Callum & Kerry

September 27, 2019 admin

Cripps Stone Barn near Aldsworth is one of my very favourite venues – as well as serving up the most amazing barbecued food cooked on their huge indoor BBQ, for a photographer, it has everything you need. Callum & Kerry made a great choice picking this venue for their Stone Barn wedding on a hot July day.

I loved the rustic signage they had

And the boys looked great in their checked suits from Slaters – really nice to see something a bit different

Beth from Go Wild Flowers did the foliage ring and flowers – which all looked amazing as always!

Kerry arrived at Stone Barn, and the ceremony took place in the older stone barn part of the venue – a gorgeous space. Kerry was given away by her brother.

I love the light in this room which has big glass doors to give perfect light

After the ceremony the bride & groom exit and walk round the barn, giving the guests time to line up for confetti – which always looks amazing under the sparkly lights

This gives me a cheeky chance to get a portrait of the bride & groom, before they get confetti thrown at them!

Kerry had her hair done beautifully by Chloe Lyford Hair and her dress was from Wed2b

Bubbles are always good fun too!

The fields around the barn are perfect for photos, especially on a lovely summers day like this was. And the barn itself is a perfect backdrop for the big group shot (thanks to Clayton for holding the ladder…!)

The dining area of the barn looked amazing as always ready for the wedding breakfast

And so commenced eating, drinking, speeches and general good fun!

The sweetcart, bit light up letters, signs and DJ-ing were all from Spotlight Bars

The stunning cake was from The Cake Kitchen Wallingford

Time for more photos as the sun goes down

And then time for the evening’s dancing, kicked off by a family first dance!

Cotswold Weddings, Manor House Hotel Moreton, Weddings

Manor House Hotel Wedding | Jennifer & Lee

August 8, 2019 admin

Jennifer & Lee’s wedding at The Manor House Hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh at the beginning of July sometimes felt like we were in a tropical country somewhere, not in England! The weather was so amazing, and the thatched roof Breeze House for outdoor ceremonies at the Manor House Hotel gives the hotel gardens a real tropical feel!

Jennifer and the girls were getting ready in Apple Cottage, part of the hotel, but away from the main building

Hair was done by Matthew Curtis and his team

Makeup was done by the lovely Natasha-Louise, who was almost due to have a baby (which has now safely arrived into this world!), so amazing she was still working on a very hot July day!

The groom, Lee, and the boys arrived at The Manor House Hotel looking very smart in their blue suits from Slaters. Flowers were by Lisa Drinkwater & Erica Chapman – one of their guests – love the sunflowers!

I had the pleasure of working alongside Zara from Zara’s Films who was doing the videography for the day.

After a bit more touching up, and an emotional first look from Dad, Jennifer was ready to go outside in to the sunshine to marry Lee!

The Bridesmaid dresses were from TFNC.

The Bellini String Trio played during the ceremony and reception

And the beautiful ceremony was under way

The Manor House Hotel has a lovely secret garden around the corner which is perfect for shots of the bride & groom

And so we could have a proper look at Jennifer’s stunning dress from The Cotswold Frock Shop

The sunflower theme was very effective in the wedding breakfast room. The chair sashes were from All About Fun UK.

Jennifer styled the room sourcing all the beautiful details herself, like the seeds from Wedding in a Teacup, and the stationary from Poppy Forest

There were some very emotional speeches

And then everyone could relax outside in the beautiful evening sunshine

We had a chance later on to do some more photos as the sun was going down in the secret garden. You’ve got to get a shot in the deckchairs at The Manor House Hotel!

It was then time for the cake cutting and first dance. The amazing cake with so many interesting flavours was from Cacao Bean in Moreton-in-Marsh.

There was also a sweet cart from Sweet Bella Boo

The dancing was kicked off by DJ Visually Sound with the first dance, which looked lovely with a backdrop of LOVE letters from Deckstar Deluxe

And everyone had a bit of fun with glow sticks after dark!

Beautiful wedding with beautiful people, and a pleasure to be part of it.

Hyde House, Hyde House Stow, Weddings

Hyde House Wedding | Nicola & Jared

August 6, 2019 admin

Nicola & Jared had an absolutely beautiful sunny day for their wedding at Hyde House here in the Cotswolds – about time too after a very rainy June so far! The sky was BLUE, amazing!

As usual with weddings at Hyde House – it’s so easy for me with the beautiful getting ready room upstairs in the barn.

Nicola’s mum Joanne did all of the beautiful flowers

Hair was by Amie from The Wedding Hair Specialist – I love seeing people happy in their work!

Makeup was by Makeup by Mandy-Lee

It really is a fabulous rooms for getting ready, and nice and light for photos!

Jared & the boys arrived in a snazzy car, already ready…apart from buttonholes to put on. The boys blue suits were from Moss Bros.

Back with the girls, who were ready to put their dresses on

Nicola did look stunning in her dress which was from Tilly Trotters Bridal in Leamington Spa.

Nicola’s Dad & Step-Dad were going to walk her down the aisle – so they both came up to the room for a first look

The Grange, where the ceremony was going to be held, looked so pretty in the blue skies

And the girls all walked over in the sunshine from the barn

where Jared was nervously waiting

They led their guests back over to Hyde Barn for confetti and the drinks reception

The brilliant musician Thom Conroy played the cello during the ceremony, and the saxophone during the reception

I took Nicola & Jared for a little walk round the grounds for photos before their wedding breakfast. I always like to get the group photos done before then as well, while everyone’s still looking smart!

The barn was styled beautifully by Styletopia

The tables & table settings were based around different herbs

Nicola’s brother was MC for the day, and he had a few surprise games for in between courses. Speeches were also staggered between courses.

Hay bales were perfect for a summers day, and they were from The Cotswold Hay Bale Company. There was time to blow bubbles before the cake cutting and first dance!

The cake was from Waitrose and beautifully decorated by Jared’s mum Christina.

They had a brilliant band Smith & Sons who got everyone jigging.

The LOVE letters by Letters 4 Hire

And Photo Booth by The Magic Mirror Company

The Grange, where the ceremony was held, is also a great spot for photos later on, and it’s lovely garden area where you can look over the Cotswolds landscape

Sparklers are always a lovely way to end the photos

Another fantastic day with lovely people and amazing weather!

This blog is in memory of one of Nicola’s bridesmaids, Gail, who has incredibly sadly passed away since the wedding. I met her for the first time at the wedding and she was a beautiful, happy human being, and will be sadly missed.

LOUISE BOWLES PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG