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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.

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.

Cotswold Weddings, Hyde House Stow, Weddings

Hyde House Wedding | Jade & Sam

August 2, 2019 admin

Well as I said in my previous blog, the beginning of June 2019 was pretty rainy – so unfortunately Jade & Sam also had a very rainy wedding day at Hyde House…for part of it, but the sun did make an appearance later on and we still got some beautiful photos!

Jade & Sam’s Hyde House Wedding started with the girls getting ready in the beautiful room upstairs in the barn.

The stunning flowers were by Laura from Cotswold Blooms

Makeup was by Christine Cara

And hair by Rachel Mulford

The girls did some EPIC jumping for the camera!

One of the great things about Hyde House is that I can photograph the girls getting ready, and then pop across to the Manor House where the boys are usually getting ready.

It was beginning to absolutely TIP down at this point! But The Grange still looked beautiful, and ready for the ceremony

Finishing touches to a stunning bride, and some sisterly words of advice before the ceremony!

Jade’s stunning dress was Essence of Australia from Mae Bridal in Witney, and the Bridesmaid dresses from WED2B.

The beautiful ceremony was then underway in The Grange. Jade’s mum walked her down the aisle. it wasn’t raining when Jade went in…

But it was ever so slightly TORRENTIAL when they came out!!

One of the ushers gallantly went for umbrellas

And then there was a whole wedding umbrella kerfuffle!

Jade was amazing coping with this, and everyone was laughing walking back over to the barn! It’s either that or cry…

There were drinks in the barn while the rain tipped down, and we did the group photos upstairs – thank goodness for that lovely big room upstairs!

I had the pleasure of working with Richard from Aurora Wedding Films who did videography for the day. Once the rain had stopped for a bit we convinced Sam to carry Jade out to the arbor – it was still so wet on the ground!

The venue was dressed by The Cotswold Wedding Company

Hanging lanterns wer by Every Event Hire, and bunting by two of the Bridesmaids.

The wedding breakfast room looked stunning and so colourful on a rainy day.

With calligraphy by Em & Olive

The speeches were emotional…and funny!

There was a big white bouncy castle from All About Fun UK…which was VERY soggy…but Jade & Sam didn’t let that put them off!

It rained on & off all day, but the good thing about having me there all day is that we can be flexible, and do confetti and big group shots later on!

Every time Richard, the video man, and I took Jade & Sam outside for photos, it started raining again! Jade & Sam were amazing though and we got some great photos.

The cake was from Huffkins Bakery

Despite all the rain we had a gorgeous sunset

And then the evening’s dancing was kicked off by their first dance, with the lovely Dukebox Discos as their DJ, and a photobooth from The Oxfordshire Photobooth Company

And a wonderful day, with such lovely people ended for me with the arbor photo after dark. Thanks for having me, it was an absolute pleasure!

The Great Tythe Barn, Weddings

Great Tythe Barn Wedding | Izzy & Matt

July 29, 2019 admin

Well we had all resigned ourselves to the fact that this was going to be a RAINY day at The Great Tythe Barn, and it didn’t disappoint!! The first few weeks in June this year, 2019, had been awful, so it wasn’t the only rainy wedding I photographed.

It by no means spoiled Izzy & Matt’s Great Tythe Barn wedding at ALL though – there was just a bit more running in & out doors as soon as there was a little break in the clouds to get the group photos done.

The Great Tythe Barn Tetbury, here in the Cotswolds, is such a lovely venue, inside and out, so I had no doubt that we would still manage to get some lovely photos.

The decorations inside the barn were so colourful – mainly thanks to Izzy’s mum & sister for making such gorgeous bunting.

The girls were getting ready in the main house – with the conservatory room so light & airy, it didn’t matter that it was tipping down outside!

There was colour everywhere – the stunning flowers were done by Daisy Belle Floral Design

There was a wonderful 50s look going on with the girls’ hair & makeup – again, such bright colours.

Hair was by Pearl’s Pinup Parlour who specialise in the vintage look.

And there was some seriously RED lipstick expertly applied, as with all the other makeup, by Katy Pheiffer.

The boys got ready in one of the cottages on site – the accomodation onsite is one of the real advantages of The Great Tythe Barn.

Matt, the groom was sporting a lovely green suit, and again, colour everywhere in the ties and handkerchiefs.

The Groom’s suit was from Asos, and the Best Men & Ushers from Slaters Wedding Suit Hire.

Izzy’s stunning dress was from the Georgina Pimm Bridal Boutique.

Izzy really did look stunning with the whole look of the dress, hair, makeup and those colourful flowers!

The beautiful bridesmaid dresses were from David’s Bridal

Izzy & Matt had originally planned an outdoor ceremony (and you’d have thought that would be a safe bet in June…but not in Britain!). But to be honest, I think the ceremony in the barn was just beautiful.

The colourful sign was made by a friend of theirs

There were some amazing singers from The Vocal Works Gospel Choir who sang before the ceremony & during the signing of the register.

Izzy & Matt walked in to the ceremony together – with the first meeting just in side the barn doors

The guests had drinks upstairs because it was STILL raining – but it did stop every now & then, and with the help of some very good Best Men & Ushers, I managed to keep taking people in & out to get the group photos done outside. The Best Men were very helpful making sure Matt’s suit didn’t get wet…

The photo below just sums up Izzy & Matt to me – they were CONSTANTLY laughing and happy, and it was such a pleasure to photograph their day.

It was also a pleasure to work with Ben from Mrs Mashup again who was doing videography – and we both had such a fun day with these two lovelies.

The barn was set up, again with so much colour, for the wedding breakfast. Everything was done by Izzy & Matt, including flowers grown in Izzy’s Mum’s garden, and the log slices borrowed from the florist!

The food was a ‘posh picnic’ created by caterers Fine Dine With Us.

Then it was time for some emotional, and very funny speeches

It really was very wet outside by this time, but Ben, the videographer, & I managed to convince Izzy & Matt to go trapsing through some long grass for some more photos!

They had yummy Krispy Kreme doughnuts instead of a traditional wedding cake

And then it was all systems go for some serious dancing for the rest of the night! Their DJ was Julian from Oxygen Discos. Fantastic day.

Cotswold Hotel & Spa

Cotswolds Hotel & Spa Wedding | Bethany & Ryan

July 27, 2019 admin

Bethany & Ryan’s Cotswolds Hotel & Spa wedding was my first at this venue just outside Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds – it’s always exciting to photograph at new venues. It’s a golf course as well, and this offered a brilliant opportunity to go out on golf buggies later on for photos on the beautiful golf course.

I love venues where everything is all in one place – it makes it much easier for me! I started with the girls getting ready in the hotel.

Makeup was by Helena Bailey, and hair by Kate Lodge – the girls looked beautiful!

The groom arrived at the hotel in fancy a bright red car

And I had the pleasure of working with a great videographer all day Shannon from Sam Bennett Photography.

The ceremony was set up in the marquee part of the hotel

It had rained a bit in the morning but luckily was fine after the ceremony so we could all go outside and throw confetti!

And then Bethany, Ryan, Shannon the videographer and I all went off on golf buggies to do some photos in the gorgeous grounds.

Bethany’s stunning dress was from Bicester Bridal

All the beautiful flowers were done by Bethany’s mum who owns The Flower Shop at Deddington

The Wedding Breakfast was set up in back the marquee

Followed by some very emotional speeches – Dad succeeded in making everyone cry!

You can see at the bottom left of this photo where I managed to crash my golf buggy into the small white picket fence in front of a jeering crowd!! Well I’d never driven one before!! Hopefully The Cotswold Hotel & Spa will still have me back…

The cake was from Marks & Spencer

And the band The Events played all night and got everyone dancing

We managed to get out for a few more photos as the sun was setting – a really lovely day with such a lovely couple – thanks for having me!

Cotswold Weddings, Middle Aston House, Weddings

Josie & Callum | Middle Aston House Wedding

July 15, 2019 admin

Josie and Callum’s Harry Potter themed wedding started with Josie & her bridesmaids getting ready at home, so I joined them there for some getting ready photos.

Make up was by Jennifer Grayburn, and hair by Emma from Kenny’s Hair Boutique.

The beautiful flowers were by Georgina at Nicholson Nurseries.

Josie really did look stunning

Josie’s dress & veil was from Banbury Bridal Boutique and Bridesmaid dresses from Marks & Spencer.

The ceremony was at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bicester on a very hot day in early June (they were lucky – it rained for 2 weeks non-stop after this!!)

The men’s suits were from Victor Boss

Josie’s wedding ring was from Rosalyn’s Emporium, and Callum’s from Tiffany & Co.

Josie arrived in a lovely vintage Rolls Royce (called Brum) with her Dad – the car was from Allerston Taylor & Regency Carriages.

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

Josie, her mum & cousin Melanie made the confetti themselves by getting friends & family to collect rose petals.

And the Rolls took them to Middle Aston House in the Oxfordshire countryside for their reception

A stunning location, with beautiful grounds and a lake for guests to enjoy

They really went to town with the Harry Potter theme – Josie & Callum did all the venue styling themselves, and it looked amazing with such attention to detail. The chair covers were from Dean’s Chair Covers & Events.

There was a slight incident with a football being kicked in to the lake – luckily there was a rowing boat on hand, and despite it’s slightly squiffy rowers, they managed to rescue the ball!

Josie & Callum’s wedding was on the same day as the Champion’s League final, so as Callum is a big Spurs fan – they had that on a big screen. Unfortunately it didn’t work out for Callum and his Spurs fans…

But he didn’t let that spoil the fun evening!

The cake was by The Barefoot Bakery

The DJ was Bluemark Entertainment

What a fabulous day!

Cripps Stone Barn, Weddings

Stone Barn Cotswolds Wedding | Vicki & Tom

July 6, 2019 admin

I started Vicki & Tom’s wedding day in May at the cottage the girls were getting ready in. It was such a lovely happy, chilled morning! The girl’s hair was done by their friend from Love Bubble Events, who also did some of the styling of the venue. Makeup was done by Katy Pheiffer – and Vicki looked absolutely stunning.

The beautiful bouquets, and flowers at Stone Barn were by Beth from Go Wild Flowers

The boys were getting ready in another barn, so I did a quick trip over there to get some photos of them

Back with the girls for putting the dress on and final touches

And then off to Cripps Stone Barn – one of my favourite wedding venues here in the Cotswolds. It just has everything – surrounded by beautiful countryside, huge inside, and the famous indoor BBQ – delicious food!

The bride arrived and there was a lovely ceremony by the fireplace in the stone barn

CONFETTI! To kick off the celebrations!

I like to do any group photos before the guests sit down for their wedding breakfast – while everyone’s still looking smart!

The BBQ was fired up and the wedding breakfast served, and carved by a guest on each table

After the food came speeches, silly games and a racey slideshow!

There was just time for more photos as the sun went down, before the cake cutting and dancing started. The gorgeous cake was by Erika from Erikas Cakes, and the DJ was the wonderful Will from Cotswold DJ. A fabulous day for lovely people.

The Barn at Upcote, Weddings

Caitlin & Trev – Barn at Upcote Wedding

June 18, 2019 admin

The weather in May this year (2019) was actually quite nice compared to the rain which was to come in June! So Caitlin & Trev’s Barn at Upcote Wedding was more like a summer’s day than spring!

The Barn at Upcote is a perfect wedding venue in the heart of the Cotswolds near Cheltenham. Surrounded by Cotswold hills and access to private gardens for photos by the lake, it’s just stunning.

I was with the girls in the morning getting ready in a nearby cottage

The girls looked gorgeous with hair & makeup by Stacey from ST Beauty Services, and their beautiful flowers by Polly from Felt Like Magic.

I arrived at the barn armed with presents for the groom

We did confetti straight after the ceremony, and then everyone was able to be outside for canapes and drinks

The chicken wanted to see inside the beautiful barn as well!

There were garden games

and fire pits

Then the first dance which was done to a song sung beautifully by a friend of theirs, making it very special

I just LOVE seeing people enjoy themselves on the dance floor!

Then evening food, shots and sparklers…the end to a perfect day

Ellenborough Park, Weddings

Kelly & Tom | Ellenborough Park Hotel Wedding

May 31, 2019 admin

Kelly & Tom’s Easter wedding at the beautiful Ellenborough Park Hotel started off with Kelly & the girls getting ready in the hotel.

Ellenborough Park has it’s own chapel, perfect for ceremonies, and that’s where Tom & Kelly were married surrounded by all their friends & family.

It was extremely hot for Easter weekend, absolutely gorgeous weather for a wedding, and so everyone had drinks & canapes outside the chapel on the lawn. I love Ellenborough Park because there are so many beautiful spots for photos – the horse, the swing, the gazebo, and the hotel itself makes a stunning backdrop.

Their wedding breakfast was in the De La Bere Court was decorated beautifully with flowers and the ‘Mr & Mrs’ letters. This was where they danced the evening away as well.

There was a lovely sunset so we did some more photos later as well – a fantastic wedding with a lovely couple at one of my favourite wedding venues in the Cotswolds.

Mickleton Hills Farm

Mickleton Hills Farm Styled Shoot

May 15, 2019 admin

I was lucky enough to be involved in my first styled shoot at the amazing Mickleton Hills Farm just outside Chipping Campden here in the Cotswolds (and round the corner from where I live in Blockley!). This was all coordinated and styled by The Cotswold Wedding Company and was such a lovely day working with some amazing local wedding suppliers.

Mickleton Hills Farm is the perfect wedding venue, based around the original 18th century barn, surrounded by beautiful Cotswold countryside, and recently refurbished and expanded by the lovely owners David & Sammy. They built a new barn, so that the ceremony and wedding breakfast are separate (save all that turning the room round palaver!), and a new play and games area at the back.

We started with bridal hair and makeup, expertly done by Natasha Louise Hair & Makeup in the Wool Store, which is the gorgeous honeymoon suite at the venue.

All the absolutely stunning flowers were done by Flowers by Dawn Keitley – which included a bridal bouquet, buttonholes, flowers in the ceremony room, and amazing table centre pieces for the wedding breakfast.

The ceremony room chairs were decorated in white lace sashes provided by The Cotswold Wedding Company as well as the hexagonal backdrop with flowers.

The ceremony was performed by Lynn Tierney Ceremonies – such a lovely celebrant who will tailor your ceremony to your wishes creating a truly personal and unique day for you.

One of the elements Lynn can do is tying the knot in a hand fasting ceremony.

A Wine Ceremony, where the bride & groom drink from a single glass of wine, symbolises drinking from the cup of life and sharing life’s experiences.

Our bride and groom also ‘jumped the broom’ in a ceremony which dates back to centuries of tradition and is an important wedding custom in many cultures. It has its roots in the Celtic, Welsh, Scottish, Druid, African, Gypsy and some aboriginal cultures.

Couples celebrate this rich cultural heritage, irrespective of race, religion, and nationality.
The most important thing is it’s significance;
– Honouring and respect of ancestors, their legacy, and rich family heritage.
– Coming together of both families, and commitment to each other as wife and husband.
– It represents strength, love, togetherness, loyalty, and respect which is essential for a successful marriage.

Catering was done by Ross & Ross Events

The wedding cake was supplied by The Cotswold Cake Bee

Suit hire was Beaus & Balls Formal Menswear Hire and the dress Essence of Australia.

The new barn was styled for the wedding breakfast by The Cotswold Wedding Company with linen hire from Plato Catering Hire, beautiful wedding stationary from Hand Drawn by Katie, and of course the flowers by Dawn Keitley. It really did look stunning